Friday, February 22, 2002
Dejected Cujo refuses to bite hand that feeds
By STEVE SIMMMONS -- Toronto Sun
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah -- This wasn't what Curtis Joseph wanted, coming to the Winter Olympics and playing the part of passenger.
This wasn't what he wanted -- but he admits he knew the rules coming in. He knew one goalie would play the bulk of the games for Team Canada.
He just thought it would be him.
"It's different not playing," Joseph said after yesterday's practice. "The thing about goaltending is, only one of us is going to play. You know that. It's just, it's just ... "
He doesn't finish the sentence.
He doesn't because he has to maintain his role as a team player this close to a gold-medal game. He has to, because in the words of Herb Brooks, "the name on the front of the jersey is a hell of a lot more important and powerful than the name on the back."
"I wanted to play ... that's no secret," said Joseph, who started Canada's first game here, a 5-2 loss to Sweden, and hasn't played since. "I came here wanting to play. It didn't work out in the first game. I knew one goalie would do the majority of the playing.
"You're human, it affects you. It's difficult obviously. You want to be a big part of it. Everybody hopes to play a big role."
Joseph actually sat out one game while Ed Belfour was dressed as the backup behind Martin Brodeur. The reason had nothing to do with Joseph's play and everything to do with getting Belfour in the lineup, making certain he was eligible to receive an Olympic medal.
Joseph, like most of the Canadian players, watched closely as Belarus shocked Sweden in the quarter-final round, feeling elated for Team Canada's position but not so elated for one of his best friends.
"I feel sorry for Mats (Sundin)," Joseph said. "He played so well here. And I feel sorry for Tommy Salo. We've all let those in. I feel bad for what's going on (in Sweden) for them. They don't deserve it."
Joseph isn't alone as a Team Canada big name on the outside looking in. Eric Lindros was benched against Finland and Joe Nieuwendyk hardly played earlier in the tournament.
"You can't be upset because we're here to win," Joseph said. "That's all that matters. That's what we came here for.
"It's a long tournament and you never know what might happen. You have to stay ready and sharp, just in case they need you."
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2002 Games Men's Hockey Coverage
