MILAN — Matthew Tkachuk couldn’t believe what he was hearing. The Florida Panthers winger had just learned some stunning news — teammate Sam Bennett was left off Canada’s roster for the Milan Cortina Olympics. “We were all shocked,” Tkachuk said of the New Year’s Eve announcement. “Everybody in the organization.” Bennett not only helped Florida win its second straight Stanley Cup in June, the gritty centre with scoring touch claimed the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. On top of that already impressive recent resume, the 29-year-old played a key a role in his country’s victory at last February’s 4 Nations Face-Off. The Canadian management group, however, went in a different direction with...
