VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC MEN'S HOCKEY ODDS LIST CANADA AS BIG FAVOURITE

The European bookmakers have already released their odds for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and the host country looks to be in the driver's seat- by a considerable margin. Top UK bookmaker Ladbrokes has listed Canada at a 1.9 price to win Men's Olympic Hockey Gold. This means that a £100 bet would pay out a total of £190.91. Punters can also get in on the each-way betting, which offers 1/2 odds on the top 2 finishers. Canada boasts some of the biggest names in global hockey and the quality on display, coupled with home ice advantage, means that the odds won't come as a dramatic surprise to many observers of ice hockey betting. We'll see superstars like Sidney Crosby, Joe Thornton, Jerome Iginla, Vincent Lecavalier and Roberto Luongo. The Russians are expected to meet the Canadians in the final and you'll see Russia listed at 3.5 with most major bookmakers. Sweden is the 3rd favourite and they are available at a 6.5 price. The United States can be backed at an enticing 8.0 and I think that may attract a lot of action from bettors. The odds then take a big jump after the four major powerhouses are out of the way. Upstart teams with outside shots at the Gold Medal include Finland at 15.0 and the Czech Republic at 17.0. The other contenders include Slovakia at 51.0, Switzerland at 101.0, Belarus at 251.0, Germany at 501.0, Latvia at 751.0 and Norway at a titanic 1001.0.Ladbrokes has also listed Canada at 1.25 to win their Group in the round-robin phase. They are paired up with the USA, who carry a 3.25 price to win the group. Switzerland are at 51.0 while Norway look just happy to be there at 501.0. Russia are the big favourites to win their group at 1.36. The Czech Republic could pull an upset here if they can beat the Russians at 3.0 with Slovakia listed at 21.0 and Latvia at 101.0. Sweden are also odds-on favourites to win their group at 1.5 with Finland close behind at 2.37. This looks to be the most competitive group with Belarus at 41.0 and Germany at 67.0.