Jets’ Morrissey Embraces Olympic Spirit, Aims for Gold
Josh Morrissey, a key defenceman for the Winnipeg Jets, is reveling in the Olympic experience in Milan. Since arriving last Sunday, he has enjoyed numerous unforgettable moments. He was particularly inspired after watching Team Canada secure a silver medal in the mixed relay speedskating event.
Embracing the Olympic Spirit
Morrissey expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It inspires you to want to get a medal.” He finds it fulfilling to be part of Team Canada and engage with athletes from various sports. The camaraderie and competition have left a profound impact on him.
Practice and Preparation
Team Canada is gearing up for tournament play, starting Thursday against Czechia at 9:40 a.m. CT. Morrissey notes that the team’s focus is on speed and teamwork, aiming to be both aggressive and tough to play against. He emphasized the importance of playing as a cohesive unit on the ice.
- Opening game against Czechia: February 15
- Next match vs. Switzerland: February 16
- Final pool play against France: February 18
Fostering Bonds Among Players
Competing alongside 25 of Canada’s top players is surreal for Morrissey. He has developed a strong partnership with defenceman Colton Parayko, which enhances their performance. For Morrissey, familiarity breeds success during intense competitions.
Looking forward, he recognizes the excitement of returning to the Olympics, noting that it’s significant, as NHL players participate for the first time since the 2014 Sochi Games. Morrissey aims to channel past experiences to manage the anticipation.
Support from Family and Friends
During this Olympic journey, Morrissey will have around 20 family members and friends cheering him on, enhancing the experience. He humorously remarked that convincing people to travel to Italy for the Olympics isn’t difficult.
As Morrissey interacts with fellow Jets teammates in Milan, including Nino Niederreiter, Connor Hellebuyck, and Kyle Connor, he values the shared experience despite their competitive spirits. Given the excitement of the Olympics, Morrissey’s hopeful for a golden conclusion to this extraordinary event.
