Wednesday, September 5, 2001
Captain Canada in tip-top shape
Buzz surrounding our Olympic team shows what binds Canadians
together
By JEAN LEFEBVRE -- Calgary Sun
The captain is fighting trim.
The Mario Lemieux who showed up to Canada's Olympic orientation camp yesterday at Father David Bauer looked fitter and leaner than the relatively pudgy version who made history last winter by climbing down from the owner's box in Pittsburgh and racked up 76 points in 43 games with the Penguins.
"I'm 228 pounds," announces No. 66, who will captain Canada's squad at the Salt Lake City Olympics.
"Last year, when I made my comeback, I was 247.
"That's a big difference."
Lemieux explains his new physique is the result of an intense exercise program "and no french fries."
When asked to reveal the last time he tipped the Toledos at 228, Lemieux quipped: "I think it was in junior."
With the Olympics on the horizon, the Hall-of-Famer says he had to get rid of the love handles.
"With the (international) ice surface being so different and (creating) a lot more room," points out Lemieux, "and with some of the faster players that we have on our team and the other teams as well, it's going to be a wide-open game and a lot of skating and a lot of great hockey to be seen."
Lemeiux declares he's honoured to be the man wearing the 'C' for the Canadian squad trying to end a half-century drought of Olympic gold.
"It means a lot," he nods.
"Especially today when you look at all the talent that's on the ice and all the captains from different teams and all the leaders, it's a big responsibility and I'm certainly going to try to do my share to lead this team to a gold medal."
Lemeiux has carried the mail for Canada in the past.
He is, of course, the author of the most memorable Canadian goal this side of Paul Henderson -- the winner against the Soviets in the deciding game of the thrilling 1987 Canada Cup final.
Lemieux's brilliance in that series and his splendid partnership with Wayne Gretzky had a dramatic effect on his career and the public's perception of the hugely talented but sometimes-enigmatic big man.
Now, the question is, can Mario Le Magnifique weave his magic without the Great One at his side?
"Hey, he might come back," mischievously replies Lemieux, "you never know."
2002 Games Men's Hockey Coverage
