Canadian Olympic hockey team includes Bertuzzi, leaves out Crosby

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Vancouver Canucks forward Todd Bertuzzi was selected to the Canadian men’s Olympic team on Wednesday, but Pittsburgh Penguins rookie Sidney Crosby was left off the team for the Turin Games.

The 23-member team for the defending Olympic champions, primarily made up of veterans, was announced at the GM Place in Vancouver.

Bertuzzi, whose blindside punch left Colorado’s Steve Moore with a broken neck two seasons ago, was reinstated by the NHL in August.

He was suspended for the final 13 regular-season games of the 2003-04 season and the Stanley Cup playoffs.

His banishment continued throughout last season’s NHL lockout and he was not permitted to play in the World Cup of Hockey in September 2004 or the past two world championships.

Bertuzzi also was barred from playing in any European league last season.

Crosby, the Penguins’ rookie center, was the first pick in this year’s NHL draft.

He ranks second among NHL rookies and 29th overall with 23 points on 14 goals and 19 assists.

The team was announced by position, alternating with players from the women’s team.

Colorado Avalanche center Joe Sakic, the last player to have his name called, was named captain.