British Columbia Hockey League graduate and Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Duncan Keith has been selected to represent Canada at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.
Keith, who is on pace for a career season with 35 points in 39 games, began to draw buzz for an Olympic selection during the 2008/09 campaign when he emerged as one of the National Hockey League's top young defencemen. He is known as a smooth-skating blueliner who is equally capable as an offensive catalyst and a shut-down defender.
The 26-year old's offensive gifts were evident during his two years in the BCHL with the Penticton Panthers. In his final season prior to leaving for Michigan State University on a hockey scholarship, Keith scored 18 goals and added 64 assists in 60 games.
In an interview with Smart Hockey Magazine in January 2009, Keith was hesitant to hedge his bets on an Olympic selection but called the thought of suiting up for Canada “a great opportunity”. In just a few weeks, Keith will begin turning that opportunity into reality.
