Hockey Canada produces powerhouse teams regardless the tournament. However, the organization has especially built championship-caliber squads for both World Cup of Hockey events — reaching the final in 1996 and winning the gold eight years later. At the 2004 tournament, Canada — under head coach Pat Quinn and two years removed from its gold medal victory at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City — went unbeaten at the 2004 tournament before eventually defeating Finland in the championship game. [+]

Mario Lemieux, who was playing in his final international competition for Team Canada, threaded a pass to Joe Sakic early in the game to open the scoring. The play would eventually help Canada seal its first World Cup of Hockey gold medal. The World Cup of Hockey officially replaced the Canada Cup, which ran from 1976 to 1991 — another tournament the Canadians dominated, winning four of five times. Head coach Mike Babcock is now the bench boss for Team Canada, which features stars such as Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews and Steven Stamkos.

Wayne Gretzky and Vincent Lecavalier are tied for the all-time lead in scoring for Team Canada at the World Cup of Hockey. Gretzky had seven points in 1996 while Lecavalier matched that milestone in 2004 while also being named tournament most valuable player.

Best Canada Hockey team Odds

Follow Canada’s journey to a gold medal with the next game widget — a helpful tool that features up-to-date odds. [+]

The Canadians will have their work cut out for them in a group tha contains the Czech Republic, United States and Team Europe.

Be sure to keep track of Canada complete schedule in order to have the upper hand before putting your money down.

Canada Hockey Team Game Schedule

Canada opens the tournament with a tough match against the Czech Republic on Sept. 17. This is a rematch of the 2004 World Cup of Hockey semifinals, when Canada went on to edge the Czechs 4-3 to advance to the championship.  [+]

That being said, the Canadians should have little issues getting past the Czech Republic in the opener. Bwin.com has Canada as 1.40 favorites to come out on top.

Canada Hockey Team Standings Today

It’s no secret Team Canada will be the country to beat when the World Cup of Hockey gets underway. The Canadians are regularly among the top teams in the round-robin standings. [+]

During the 2004 tournament, Team Canada won all three of its group games before defeating their next three opponents to win gold.

Keep track of where Canada and its next opponent sit in the standings before putting your money down during the World Cup of Hockey.

How To Make Money Betting On Canada Hockey Team

When the puck drops at the tournament in September, it’ll be Canada vs. the world. All seven other teams — including Team North America, which features Canadian players — will be gunning to take down the defending champions.

That of course, is easier said than done. Especially when you mention players like Crosby, Toews and Stamkos leading a star-studded offense.

Canada enters the World Cup of Hockey as the odds-on favorite according to Bovada, which has a line of -105 that the defending champs with repeat.

One player trying to make it back in time for the tournament is Dallas Stars power forward Jamie Benn, who is recovering from core muscle surgery.

“That’s the main focus,” Benn told the Dallas Morning News. “I’m training to be able to make it to the World Cup.”

Although Team Canada is stocked with talent, Benn’s potential absence from the World Cup of Hockey would be a big blow. The 27-year is coming off his best season in the NHL where he scored 41 goals and 48 points for 89 points in 82 games played. He’s entering his prime and will only get better over the course of the next five seasons.

If Benn does indeed dress for the Red and White, look for the talented winger to lead the tournament in goals.

Are you ready to put your money on Team Canada? Here are some online sportsbook options that will help make your betting options easier moving forward. 

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