At least seven hockey players currently competing in the Olympics in Milano-Cortina have played on the ice in this province.

Broadcaster and sports journalist Chris Ballard has done some digging and found seven players, representing a total of six different countries, who have previously taken to the ice at the Mary Brown’s Centre, either as a Growler, IceCap, or with the Baby Leafs.

Ballard says the best known by far is one of the best goalies in the NHL; Team USA’s Connor Hellebuyck who played in the 2014 IceCaps’ Calder Cup run.

“He only played the one season here, his first ever season of pro hockey here in Newfoundland in Labrador and since then he’s only evolved into arguably the greatest goaltender on the planet, maybe even a future Hall of Famer, with three Vezina trophies and he’s the reigning NHL MVP” says Ballard.

Other former St. John’s players identified by Ballard at this year’s Olympics include:

Kristians Rubins (Growlers) and Ralfs Frieberg (IceCaps) – Team Latvia

Matt Bradley (Growlers) – Team Italy

Joel Armia (IceCaps) – Team Finland

Sven Andrighetto (IceCaps) – Team Switzerland

Josh Morrissey (IceCaps) Team Canada