The Canes' Tim Gleason had his Olympic break all planned out. He was going to go back Clarkston, Mich., and get some work done on the new addition to his house.
"There's plenty to do," Gleason said. "Plus I could hang out with family, relax, play a little pond hockey, work out."
Funny thing, though. Despite all the plans, he never bought a plane ticket.
We know the rest of the story. Gleason had a feeling he might get a call from Team USA, that the U.S. team might need to add a defenseman for Vancouver.
Sure enough, Mike Komisarek of the Toronto Maple Leafs needed shoulder surgery, the Americans needed a physical D-man and Gleason got the call.
Gleason had twice played for the U.S. in the World Junior and again in the 2008 IIHF World Championship. Today, he will make his Olympic debut as the U.S. faces Switzerland in its opener in Vancouver.
"I just want to get there, take it all in and enjoy it for all it's worth," Gleason said before leaving Raleigh.
While an injury knocked Komisarek out of the Olympics, Gleason never let up in the Canes' games leading up to the break. He even dropped the gloves for a fight, risking a hand injury.
"It's one of those things where I wasn't even going to think about it until I get there," he said of the Olympics. "I've got a job to do."
He's there now. Today's the day it all begins and his job to help the U.S. strive for the gold.
Funny thing. His parents bought tickets to Vancouver before the U.S. team was announced. When Gleason wasn't selected for the initial roster, they never cancelled.
"Pretty much the whole family will be there," he said, smiling. "Hopefully we can all enjoy it for all it's worth."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
I don't know why Jokinen
Tue, 02/16/2010 - 20:47 — ctillI don't know why Jokinen wasn't chosen, but I assume someone does. Given the nature of the Olympics, I doubt we'll ever know.
Finland
Fri, 02/19/2010 - 09:52 — LetsGoPittDoes anyone know (Chip?) how many NHL'ers on the Finnish team? Maybe they already had some lines set from their regular national team and were only going to take x-number of NHL'ers? Just a thought....
I Bee Glad
Tue, 02/16/2010 - 12:32 — esteban1949That he got to go, but still the biggest disappointment has been the "snub" or passing over of " The Juice" . While many of know and have heard about his "disappoinment" but the man is a class act and idn't allow it to keep him from playing the best he could. And Jussi's stats and game is all the proof he or anyone else needs...If Finland doesn't do well, they won't have Jussi Jokinen to blame will they ? Enjoy the time off Jussi, and I hope he returns with a vengence to. it will be a preamble of what can come for the 2010/2011 season.
The Canes are Good,My Grandkids are Better, and Life is Great !!
Go Canes !!
Hey..
Tue, 02/16/2010 - 14:44 — hnic66Get over it already. That's old news.
huh ??
Tue, 02/16/2010 - 19:17 — esteban1949uhh was you talking to me ? while Jussi's not playing in vancouver is very old news, i'll admit, but still grandma was right...nothing in life is always fair...USA,USA,USA
The Canes are Good,My Grandkids are Better, and Life is Great !! Go Canes !!