Morrissey eager to make Olympic history of his own

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/01/2026 (226 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It didn’t take long for Josh Morrissey to remember where he was when Sidney Crosby scored the goal that won Olympic gold for Team Canada 2010.

This time around, Morrissey might be on the ice when another magical moment occurs for his country.

The Winnipeg Jets defenceman was among the 25 players chosen to the men’s Olympic hockey team that will chase a gold medal in Milan next month.

“In 2010, I was pretty early in high school when Sid scored the golden goal. So, that one would rank pretty high,” Morrissey said Thursday when asked about his fondest Olympic memories before to facing the Toronto Maple Leafs. “I think I know exactly where I was when he scored that goal. So yeah, just kind of remember almost watching that game and then going out on the outdoor rink and dreaming of having that chance to be on Team Canada go for a gold medal. So, it’s pretty, pretty surreal.”

Given how well he’s played during the past several seasons, Morrissey was virtually a lock to be named to Team Canada, but given his humble nature, he wasn’t about to take anything for granted.

“You kind of know when the deadline is, and as the weeks and days start to kind of wind down. So yeah, I was definitely there a little bit,” said Morrissey. “Going through it last year with 4 Nations and sort of the same evaluation process, all you can do is go out there and play your best game, and you can’t focus on anything else. But definitely it’s in the back of your mind.”

Morrissey got the good news from Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill on Wednesday morning, letting him know that he would have another opportunity to represent his country — only this time on the grandest stage.

“It’s a pretty unbelievable feeling,” said Morrissey. “The anticipation, the hope that you get that call and it’s a dream come true. Probably still hasn’t set in but just an amazing feeling that I get to be a part of that group.”

Sharing the news with several family members was special for Morrissey as well.

“It’s special,” said Morrissey. “They were excited for it. Obviously, asked me if I was hearing anything throughout the process. But of course, it’s a team effort to get to the NHL, and obviously to have success and to now be selected for this team wouldn’t be there without the support of my family growing up and everybody (being) in my corner. So, definitely special for me, but special to share with all of them.”

So, what is it like to be an Olympian?

“Yeah, it’s incredible,” said Morrissey. “In the summer, at the orientation camp, they really did a good job of explaining to us that you’re part of a broader Team Canada. Obviously, the hockey team and our team will be focused on what we’re doing and trying to win a gold medal, but when you look at the entirety of Team Canada, with all the different athletes, talking to the guys that have been through it, it’s a special feeling.

“It’s hard to put into words, to be honest.”

Morrissey helped Team Canada win a gold medal at the 4 Nations Face-Off, though he was unable to suit up in the final against the United States after coming down with the flu.

“Josh is a player we obviously know very well from being in the (Central) Division. His game is getting stronger every year,” Canadian general manager Doug Armstrong said. “What he went through at the 4 Nations and the pain he was in not being able to participate in that final game showed his love of country and his passion for the game. I just think he’s a heck of a hockey player.”

Jets head coach Scott Arniel has had a front-row seat for Morrissey’s evolution into one of the best defencemen in the NHL during the past four seasons.

“He isn’t just one dimensional,” said Arniel. “He’s gone through phases in his career here in Winnipeg, where he was more of a shutdown to start, and then he got the offence. He’s always had the offensive skills.

“He takes a lot of pride in matching up the other against the other team’s top offensive guys, and then when he gets the puck, he can do special things. He’s a power play quarterback, has good vision, obviously has good instincts. He’s put it all together is the best way to say that.”

Morrissey joins Winnipegger Mark Stone and Elkhorn product Travis Sanheim on the team.

Stone is having another excellent season for the Vegas Golden Knights, with 10 goals and 31 points in 22 games, while Sanheim is a minute-muncher for the Philadelphia Flyers that is a mobile defender that excels in all three zones.

There’s also a local connection when it comes to goaltending as well as former Brandon Wheat Kings netminder Logan Thompson of the Washington Capitals was named to the team along with Jordan Binnington and Darcy Kuemper.

Jets teammate Mark Scheifele was not among the 14 forwards named, though he is believed to be on the short list of players under consideration as a potential injury replacement.

“That was a tough one. I really thought he had a real good chance of being on the team,” said Arniel. “I know there’s really, really tough decisions out there, a lot of great players. I just felt that he was so close last year (for the 4 Nations roster). He’s having a fantastic season, a great start. I’m not in that coaching room, (to know) what they’re looking for, what they’re after. But I really felt that (Scheifele) would be a big bonus for Canada.”

Winnipegger Seth Jarvis was also left off the Canadian roster, despite an excellent start to the season and winning gold at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Saneheim is part of the eight returning defencemen that suited up for Canada last February in Montreal and Boston.

After the news was made public, Sanheim said the well-wishes have been pouring in from his town of roughly 500 people.

“They’re super proud and supportive,” Sanheim said. “I’ve already received over 100 text messages that I haven’t quite caught up on. Very proud to come from a community like that. I’m sure that when the games are on, they’ll be watching every second and the town will be (wearing) red and white.”

winnipegfreepress.com/kenwiebe