Jets’ Morrissey, two Manitobans named to Canada’s men’s Olympic hockey team

Josh Morrissey is getting another opportunity to represent his country.

Only this time, it will be on the grandest stage.

The Winnipeg Jets defenceman was among the 25 players unveiled by Hockey Canada this morning at a press conference in Minnesota as part of the men’s Olympic team that will be in Italy in February.

Morrissey was a stalwart blue-liner for Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, though he was unable to suit up in the gold medal game due to a nasty flu virus.

The Calgary product is having another outstanding season, chipping in six goals and 30 points in 37 games going into Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings.

Morrissey is currently tied with Quinn Hughes for sixth among NHL D-men in points and he continues to supply sound defensive play while averaging just under 25 minutes of ice time per game.

There is also some strong Manitoba flavour on this edition of Team Canada as Winnipegger Mark Stone and Elkhorn product Travis Sanheim were named to the team.

Jets centre Mark Scheifele and Winnipegger Seth Jarvis (who helped Canada win gold at the 4 Nations Face-Off) were not among the 14 forwards, though they could remain under consideration as potential injury replacements.

Scheifele is tied for 10th in NHL scoring after scoring 18 goals and accumulating 45 points in 37 games.