As the 2026 Winter Olympic men’s hockey tournament approaches, Team Canada players were invited by TSN-affiliated BarDown to select their Ultimate Team Canada Player by choosing the top Canadians in various hockey skill categories. Washington Capitals winger Tom Wilson, making his senior-level debut for Canada, took part in the survey, showcasing his choices that notably included a nod to Alex Ovechkin’s distinctive hockey style.
Tom Wilson’s Selections for Ultimate Team Canada Players
Players were asked to name eight Canadian athletes who stood out in speed, hands, style, IQ, toughness, heart, clutch ability, and shot. Wilson quickly picked Nathan MacKinnon as the fastest player and Connor McDavid as possessing the best hands. When it came to style, Wilson admitted some uncertainty but eventually highlighted his Capitals teammate Alex Ovechkin’s unique flair, jokingly considering him an honorary Canadian.
Wilson asked,
“Can I put a Russian in there?”
before adding,
“Ovi, with his tinted visor and yellow laces. Honorary [Canadian].”
Ovechkin is well known for his bold fashion choices on ice, such as wearing yellow skate laces, large chains, and a mirror-tinted visor that gave him a memorable Robocop-like look early in his career. His distinctive jersey tuck and overall style often made him stand out compared to other North American players from the same era, with Wilson comparing Ovechkin to
“a Lamborghini playing against a bunch of Honda Civics.”
After this style conversation, Wilson completed his team and chose to include hockey legend Wayne Gretzky alongside Ovechkin. He explained,
“I’ll go Ovi/Gretz, the two GOATs,”
naming the two greatest players of all time.
- Speed: Nathan MacKinnon
- Hands: Connor McDavid
- Style: Alex Ovechkin/Wayne Gretzky
- IQ: Steve Yzerman
- Toughness: Chris Pronger
- Heart: Jarome Iginla
- Clutch: Sidney Crosby
- Shot: Shea Weber
Tom Wilson Recognized for Toughness by Peers
Wilson himself received acknowledgment from several teammates and longtime rivals for his toughness on the ice. Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett expressed his support with,
“I’ll go, Wilson,”
while Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel added,
“Guy that scores 30 and be tough, gimme Willy,”
praising Wilson’s combination of skill and grit. Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis also weighed in, saying,
“It doesn’t get much tougher than Willy, we’ll go, Tom Wilson,”
highlighting Wilson’s reputation in the NHL.
Looking Ahead to Olympic Debut and Tournament Start
Now settled in Milan, Wilson is preparing to showcase his toughness and skills on the Olympic stage as Team Canada faces Czechia on Thursday. The men’s tournament officially begins Tuesday morning with matchups featuring Slovakia versus Finland and Sweden taking on host nation Italy. Wilson’s selections and his own participation signal an exciting moment ahead for Canada’s hockey presence at the Winter Games.
