Team Canada uses unusual tactic at Olympic practice
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
During its second practice in preparation for the Olympic games, coach Jon Cooper opted to exclude the media from watching Team Canada.
Media scrambles to view practice arena
In a video clip recorded while the practice was taking place inside, Rishaug and other media-personalities stood outside the facility, mingling and seeming a bit confused about the next step, all while the analyst narrated his movements.
It turns out the reason for the closed-door practice was was a practical one and not about keeping opposing teams' scouts out.
"This (closed-practice) is allowed under the rules, but it's highly unusual at an even like this. You can imagine the number of media to cover this team and it created quite a stir.
Now we're being escorted to a secondary sight, where we're going to be waiting until the super-secret practice is over.
We think we're gonna get marched to a third holding area and eventually let in to the mix-zone here when the practice is over, where we'll be able to talk to players. Whatever secrets Canada has up it's sleeves are currently going on in that building.
- Ryan Rishaug
Now we're being escorted to a secondary sight, where we're going to be waiting until the super-secret practice is over.
We think we're gonna get marched to a third holding area and eventually let in to the mix-zone here when the practice is over, where we'll be able to talk to players. Whatever secrets Canada has up it's sleeves are currently going on in that building.
- Ryan Rishaug
When asked about the practice itself, coach Cooper stated there were no changes in the lineup compared to the last practice. And all the secrecy?
It turns out the facility was a smaller one, forcing Cooper to make the decision.
"The practice arena's tight. It had nothing to do with that. It was just to make sure so the team picture and all the things that were going on, that there were no distractions."
At least that was his official answer. Whether there actually were any changes to the lineup or systems remains a secret still.
Also read on Edmonton Hockey Daily :
Evan Bouchard launches relationship with former Oilers hockey ops employee
Evan Bouchard launches relationship with former Oilers hockey ops employee