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Brian Burke’s pick in goal for Team Canada? Cam Ward

Jamie Cudmore

Brian Burke, the former general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, speaks at a news conference in Toronto, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013, in advance of Canada’s World Cup qualifier against the United States on Saturday. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Galit Rodan)

AP

Calgary Flames executive Brian Burke is one of the guys who will help pick the Team USA roster for the 2014 Winter Olympics, but that doesn’t mean he’ll hold back thoughts on what other countries should do with their team.

This is what Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun found out when he asked Burke who he’d pick to play goal for Team Canada. His choice might surprise you.

“As of this week, I’d pick Cam Ward,” Burke said.

“He’s out of his mind right now — you can’t beat him,” Burke continued. “Everybody’s worried about Canada’s goalies right now, but I’m not. I think they have three guys who could play. You just have to figure out who’s on at that moment.”

You might recall, Ward wasn’t invited to Team Canada’s summer orientation camp in Calgary.

Ward has dealt with injury this season, but his numbers are strong considering the amount of shots he’s faced. He’s 3-3-4 with a .918 save percentage and a 2.66 goals-against average. In 11 games, he’s faced 319 shots good for 29 shots per game. That kind of action keeps you on your toes.

While Carey Price and Roberto Luongo figure to be favorites to make the Canadian roster, Ward is making a case for himself. He’ll have other competition from Phoenix’s Mike Smith, Washington’s Braden Holtby, and Chicago’s Corey Crawford.

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