December 7, 2005

Steve Yzerman has given up a chance to play for Canada at the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy.

Red Wings spokesman John Hahn said he talked to Yzerman after Tuesday's morning skate at Joe Louis Arena, and Yzerman confirmed a report on a Canadian Web site that he would not play for Team Canada.

"I talked to Wayne the other night and told him I didn't feel I was playing well enough to hold one of 13 spots," Yzerman told Sportsnet, referring to Team Canada general manager Wayne Gretzky. "I'm very grateful for past opportunities representing my country, but there's too many good players playing too well for me to hold a spot on the roster."

The NHL will take a two-week break in February for the Olympics. The Wings will be off Feb. 13-27.

Yzerman, 40, helped Canada win the gold medal at the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, joining teammate Brendan Shanahan and former New York Islanders and Davison High standout Ken Morrow as the only players to win a Stanley Cup and an Olympic gold medal in the same season. But a knee injury flared up during those Olympics, and Yzerman missed time with the Wings after he returned.

Yzerman also played for Canada in the 1998 Winter Olympics at Nagano, Japan. He has four goals and five assists in 20 games this season after scoring in Tuesday night's 5-2 victory over New Jersey.

Contact GEORGE SIPPLE at 313-223-4796 or gsipple@freepress.com.

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