Belfour "Backs" Out of World Cup

Toronto Maple Leaf goaltender Ed Belfour, who had been named to Team Canada’s World Cup of Hockey entry back in May has declined his invitation to the team citing recent back troubles as his reason for stepping aside.

Belfour, who has suffered from periodic back ailments since 1996, said his back began bothering him about three weeks ago and the problem had not yet been corrected to a level that would allow him to participate. Given how temperamental his back is, the extra rest will certainly benefit his health for the start of next season, whenever that may happen.

Team Canada Executive Director Wayne Gretzky said he respects Belfour’s decision to step down. He later named Montreal Canadiens netminder Jose Theodore as Belfour’s replacement.

It is expected that Martin Brodeur, who led Team Canada to the gold medal at the Salt Lake City Olympics, will be given the starting job at the beginning of Team Canada’s nine day training camp that will be held at the University of Ottawa and Jose Theodore and Roberto Luongo will compete for the backup job.