VANCOUVER -- Losing some of its top executives leaves Hockey Canada with some big skates to fill. But Canada has the depth of talent to remain a winner on the international stage, says the man who coached the mens team to back-to-back Olympic gold medals. "I am really confident," Detroit Red Wing coach Mike Babcock said Monday. "The group at Hockey Canada have done great things and have lots of different people. "Thats part of it. Different people get opportunities. They grow from it and they move on. A new group will get an opportunity and thats great." Steve Yzerman, Team Canadas executive director at the last two Winter Olympics, has already said he will not lead the team at the 2018 Games at Pyeongchang, South Korea. Bob Nicholson, who spent 16 years as president and chief executive officer of Hockey Canada, stepped down in May to take a job overseeing business operations for the Edmonton Oilers of the NHL. Under Nicholson, Canadian hockey teams won seven Olympic gold medals. Brad Pascall, Hockey Canadas vice-president of hockey operations and national teams, has joined the NHLs Calgary Flames as an assistant general manager. Yzerman said Nickolson always stressed that Hockey Canadas role was to develop people for the next level. "Not only for players, but also for coaches, for managers, for all people," said Yzerman, the former Detroit star who is now general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning. "I think Bobs great legacy at Hockey Canada is the structure he set up and the mentality of what we are trying to do in Canada with hockey. Great people will fill those shoes. With Bob Nicholson, those are big skates to fill. But I have no doubt there are tremendous people in this country with a passion and drive. The program will continue to succeed." Babcock and Yzerman were in Vancouver as part of the Hockey Canada Foundation Celebrity Classic. A Monday night gala paid tribute to the 2014 Order of Hockey Canada honourees coach Clare Drake, player France St-Louis and Yzerman. Also attending were members of the Olympic champion mens team, the womens team that won gold at the Sochi Olympics in Russia and the team that won the womens under-18 championship in Budapest. Babcock said Canada can be proud of its Olympic success but must continue to work hard if the country hopes to remain on top of the podium in four years. "You take a lot of pride in being the best," he said. "In order to be the best you have to find the best to win. "Were going to have to continue to grow our game over the next four years. If you want to have success at the next Olympics, 2014s effort wont be good enough to win the next one. We have to keep getting better." The NHL hasnt committed to sending its players to the 2018 Games. Among the leagues concerns are a 12-hour difference between Pyeongchang and the Eastern Time Zone, taking a break in the middle of the regular season, and the danger of players being injured. Sidney Crosby, the Canadas captain in Sochi, understands the problems but still thinks the Olympics are worth the effort. "I go back to my two experiences," said Crosby, who scored the Olympic winning goal in overtime in 2010 in Vancouver. "They were pretty good. "To think of all the things that had to happen to make them work, especially in Russia, it would be a similar case, maybe even a little more difficult the next one. Like I said, representing your country and to have those opportunities, I dont think that ever gets old, no matter what the situation. As a player, you want to be part of that." As a possible alternative to the Olympics, the NHL is discussing with the NHL Players Association about holding a World Cup of Hockey tournament in 2016. Yzerman said a World Cup has the potential to gain the same prestige as an Olympics. "It will take some time," he said. "The Olympics have been around for a long time on the world stage. If done right, I can see it being really successful." Babcock said the Olympics "are so special" because they are watched by people who are not even hockey fans. "My mom never watches sports but she watches the Olympics Games," he said. "People who are not interested in sport still follow it. "I think its the greatest opportunity, best-on-best, to celebrate the sport. Its something you want to be part of and you want other people to be part of. Its a thrill of a lifetime." All three people named to the Order of Hockey in Canada were recognized for their contributions to the game. Yzerman played 22 seasons in the NHL and played for Team Canada eight times, including at two Winter Olympics. As a member of Canadas national womens team St-Louis won five world championships and a silver medal at the 1998 Olympics. In 28 seasons as head coach of the University of Alberta Golden Bears Drake led his teams to six national championships and 17 Canada West titles. Babcock compared Drake to legendary NCAA basketball coach John Wooden. "He is one of the builders of hockey in Canada," said Babcock. "Clare is a gentleman who shared everything he had. He tried to make us all better. "He led the way so guys like myself, who werent NHL players, could one day coach in the NHL." Air Jordan Outlet . Jamies number grades given are out of five, with five being the best mark. Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings (3) - Early goal against was on the power play. Jordan China . The 29-year-old from Port Colborne, Ont., who trains out of San Diego, will fight bantamweight champion (Rowdy) Ronda Rousey on July 5 in the co-main event of UFC 175 in Las Vegas. https://www.jordanchina.us/.com) - Edmonton Oilers forward Taylor Hall left Saturdays game against the Senators in the second period with a left knee injury. Air Jordan Discount Air Jordan China . However, the intensity and physicality that has characterized the postseason so far has caught Gretzky by surprise. "Its a little bit risqué right now," Gretzky told Philadelphia radio station 97.With an overall record of 44-47, including 7-8 last week, TSN football analyst Chris Schultz is back with his Week 7 selections in the NFL in Risky Business. New York Jets at New England Patriots (-9.5) In NFL football these days 9.5 is a lot of points. And no Jerod Mayo or Stevan Ridley is a big loss to be felt though the season. Still if there ever was a short week to avoid for a visiting team, it is this one for the Jets. The 31-17 loss to Denver is a bit misleading as Aqib Talib did score on an interception very late in the game. Did you know the Patriots have won 32 consecutive at home against AFC teams? Did you know that at Gillette Stadium the Patriots are 85-15? And that Brandon LaFell has an 18-yard reception average? This one could be very similar to the Bills game, close for a long time but, the Patriots take over in the fourth. I hate giving up that many points, but no comparison at quarterback. I’m taking the Patriots. Atlanta Falcons at Baltimore Ravens (-7) I dont think you can gain too much confidence over the Ravens 47-17 win over Tampa Bay. It was just one of those days for the Bucs for a second time (Atlanta on Thursday night) that you hope never repeat but did. With four losses already, this is a huge urgency game for Atlanta. We all know 10 wins is a goal as it means you may qualify for playoffs. On the opposite side, six losses is the number to avoid; if you hit six early then pressure is on to go undefeated. Atlanta has four losses as of right now. Antone Smith has been a nice surprise as a receiver and runner and will need one of those short catches to long runs to keep this one close. The Falcons have lost to Chicago, the Giants, and Minnesota by 10 or more. Ravens at home should be able to do the same. I’m taking the Ravens. Tennessee Titans at Washington Redskins (-5) Tennessee could only beat Jacksonville at home by two points and are 22nd in scoring defence and 28th in scoring offence. Washington’s Alfred Morris had only 41 yards against Arizona so back home I anticipate more than 13 carries as accumulated last week. Bottom line for Washington is that they have the league’s worst takeaway/giveaway ratio at -9. At some point that has to change. This is the game; Washington by 7. Seattle Seahawks (-6.5) at St. Louis Rams Coming of the 30-23 loss to Dallas, you would have to think that Seattle will be a focused team. Both teams do have a good pass rush but with the Rams it is revolving around Robert Quinn, with the Seahawks it is a bit of everybody. Colin Kaepernick did a great job finding moments in the pocket to complete passes downfield. Russell Wilson can do the exact same. Austin Davis is playing well as a quarterback but as John Gruden so aptly stated he needs to do it for the full four quarters.” Against Seattle, who is coming off a loss, that will be a tough challenge. Tavon Austin looks good on the fast indoor field of Edwards Jones Dome. So will Percy Harvin. Seahawks by 10. Cleveland Browns (-5.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars It’s not so much that I dont be live in Cleveland as much as Jacksonville at some point will win a game. Maybe just a game, but soon. Cleveland did lose Alex Mack at center, which is a significant loss in run blocking and pass blocking and on pre-snap calls. The success for Cleveland is being physical up front and imposing the running game on an opponent. It is a pattern developed over the season and Jacksonville’s defence knows it’s coming. Cleveland is playing inspired football, Jacksonville is desperate. Desperation over inspiration, Jacksonville keeps it close or wins outright. I’m taking Jacksonville. Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts (-3) I thought the line would be a lot more than three, considering the Colts are coming off the bye week and the Bengals are coming of an overtime tie. Andrew Luck reminds me of a younger Peyton Manning, without all the pre-snap direction and adjustments. And he is a better athlete. With AJ Green probably a game time decision, it will come down to Giovani Bernard to be the difference maker. And he may be that player as the Colts do struggle against the run allowing 141 per game. But the Colts have more difference makers lead not by Reggie Wayne but TY Hilton who accumulated 223 reception yards. Last time these two teams played was Week 14 of the 2013 season in Cincinnati and the Bengals were effective for 155 yards of rushing. The Colts will revisit that game to prepare for this and as priority No. 1, wont let it happen again. Final score in that one was 42-28 Bengals. Not this time. I’m taking the Colts. Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills (-4.5) I like the Bills. I thought their 37-22 loss was misleading and take away two poor defensive back plays and the Bills could have won that game. Kyle Orton to Scott Chandler is beginning to be a consistency. At 67, Chandler is a great target for Orton and it seemed like every catch against the Patriots produced a first down. The Bills defensive line is good against the run and with Jerry Hughes from the outside, good against the pass too. Teddy Bridgewater’s time is coming but he needs a running game as he has yet to throw a touchdown pass. Terry Pegula made himself very visible as new Bills owner and helped the first quarter energy with his pre-game speech. He should do it again. I’m takiing the Bills.dddddddddddd Miami Dolphins at Chicago Bears (-3.5) This is a tough one. Miami played very well losing to Green Bay on basically the last play of the game. Chicago on the road beat an Atlanta team that usually does not lose by any significant point total at home. Speaking of home, Chicago has yet to win one at home, losing to Buffalo and Green Bay. I am looking at Cam Wake and Olivier Vernon to make an impact and the Dolphins to keep it close. I’ll take the Dolphins. New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions (-3) Dome stadium for Drew Brees and they are coming off the bye week. Significant in that the Saints have won their last five games coming off the bye week. That gives some confidence in that the Saints have lost eight of nine away from Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Jimmy Graham and Calvin Johnson may miss this game due to injury but I think if both miss, Detroit will miss Johnson more than the Saints will miss Graham. The Saints are 2-4, they must win this one as the Packers come to town next week. I’ll take the Saints. Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers (-7) For Carolina, what was a top NFL defence is no more. Last year it was unusual for a team to score over 20 points on the Panthers. This year the last four opponents have put up 37, 24, 38 and 37. And for the third time in four games Carolina has allowed 450 yards or more to an opponent. They’re just not the same. On the positive side, Newton ran for over 100 yards on 17 carries and passed for almost 300 yards against the Bengals. He alone can change a game. For Carolina to win, they rely on takeaways to offset all the yards given up. Problem is, since Week 1, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has yet to throw an interception. He has 15 touchdowns to one interception on the year. The status of Sam Shields, Tramon Williams and Jamari Lattimore is an issue. All did not finish last week and first two are starters in the secondary. When your quarterback is your leading rusher as Newton is for the Panthers, you have problems. Both teams will score points but I’m going with the Packers. Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers (-4) The Chiefs are coming off the bye week and have to find a way to slow down Philip Rivers. In the last five games Rivers’ passing rating has been 120 or higher. No quarterback may be playing better than him right now. But last week in Oakland it took a Jason Verrett interception to keep their 31-28 score secure. Two great running backs in this one with Jamaal Charles and rookie Brandon Oliver but Knile Davis is a surprise player and performer and top power runner. Close to the goal line I am looking for Davis with the Chiefs. San Diego is 9-1 in the last 10 regular season games but they are playing a well-rested Chiefs team that has to win. I’ll take the Chiefs. New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (-5.5) Confidence is high in Dallas, and it should be. You take away the blocked punt turned into six fast points for Seattle and what was a 30-23 win is a dominant 30-16 win. Confidence is low with the Giants. I am not sure which Giants team will show up. The one that lost 27-0 against Philadelphia or the previous one that won three in a row. This I do know: only two players in NFL history have started a season with six consecutive 100-yard performances. DeMarco Murray is one, Jim Brown is the other. Yes, it is divisional game and the Giants have thrived at AT&T Stadium recently, but confidence rules in this one. I’ll take the Cowboys. Arizona Cardinals (-3.5) at Oakland Raiders The Cardinals are a good defensive football team. The only time they have imploded was against Denver but in that game they were down to their third quarterback. Tony Sparano did get his team to compete at a high level last week but can it happen again for the second week in a row? This in the past would have been a Cardinals game where they self-destruct and lose to an inferior team. Not with Bruce Arians as head coach. The Cardinals have lost one game and have wins over San Francisco and San Diego. Raiders will compete due to their coaching change but that’s not enough. Deep ball Carson Palmer by seven. I have Arizona. San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos (-6.5) The last two dominant wins for Denver have been misleading. 41-20 over Arizona against back up quarterbacks and last week 31-17 against the Jets but it took a last play interception for a touchdown to make it a dominant win. The 49ers were down 14-0 but won 31-17 and Colin Kaepernick threw for a career high 343 yards and was at his elusive best. I think San Francisco can take the run game away from Denver while I think Denver will struggle to stop Frank Gore. 49ers will have both dimensions on offence, Denver only one. 49ers on points. Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers (-4) The Texans are better than their record. They could have beaten Dallas but lost in overtime and lost to Indianapolis by five in a game that was in doubt until the fourth. If Houston feeds Arian Foster enough they could win outright. Ryan Fitzpatrick is good for one disaster play a game, many quarterbacks are, but which play and when? Coming off the Thursday game all Texans will be rested. Coming off the loss against Cleveland, Pittsburgh is reeling. Texans are not as bad as 3-3, Steelers not as good.I’ll take the Texans. ' ' '