WC: 2015 — Team Canada

[1Gold Standard]

never understood why iginla couldn't be bothered to play in the WHC
same as for roy, does anyone know what the reason for this apathy to play for the national team was?

Some players view it as important and some do not. Tavares has said multi times that he would never turn down an invite if available and fit to play. Iginla played once in 1997 and after that, couldn't be bothered. Different strokes for different folks. I don't expect these players year in and year out to make the trek over there for a 3rd rate tournament, but I do expect a little bit more of a commitment on the part of players then what Iginla gave of us over the years. He missed the playoffs or was out in the 1st. rd for 14 consecutive years. (minus the cup run) yet, year in and year out, he OD'd on his lifetime supply of Nyquil and went to sleep. Good for Iggy. Thanks for the golden assist in Vancouver, but just retire already.

 

[Gigantor The Goalie]

never understood why iginla couldn't be bothered to play in the WHC
same as for roy, does anyone know what the reason for this apathy to play for the national team was?

Remember the brawl at the WJC that is really famous? Roy's older brother was on that team. Roy wasn't happy that the Russians would start that brawl just to get Canada kicked out because the Soviets weren't going to win anything. He just has a disdain for the IIHF.

 

[JackSlater]

never understood why iginla couldn't be bothered to play in the WHC

He never gave any reason. I would suggest that anyone should be willing to give Iginla a pass though. Carried Canada to a World Junior gold, won gold as a bit player at the World Championship, and then always showed up and played hard at the top level in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2010. I don't blame a player who is locked into the top level of Hockey Canada for not going to this tournament.

same as for roy, does anyone know what the reason for this apathy to play for the national team was?

Well, there were always rumours with Roy, but not much in concrete. Some suggested it was due to Quebec nationalism, but I haven't seen anything to corroborate that. From a biography (written by his father)I recall the suggestion that Hockey Canada hadn't shown much loyalty to him, and so he didn't return any. Specifically, he was unhappy about being cut from the World Junior team in 1985 and the 1987 Canada Cup team. There could be something to that. Roy was the best goaltender in the 1987 exhibitions and was on the ascent, but they cut him in favour of the old guard. Hard to justify Hrudey over Roy for the third spot in all honesty. Even Fuhr and Hextall were mostly picked based on age and past experience as opposed to how well they had played recently or in the training camp and exhibitions. He took it more poorly than a player like Yzerman did.

In 1991, Roy opted out due to his sinuses. He chose to have surgery just a few weeks before the tournament. Could he have chosen a different time to have the surgery? Most people certainly thought so at the time. In 1996 he wasn't invited, mostly because it was expected that he wouldn't even go. He went in 1998 and played exceptionally. In 2002, Roy straight up refused. He apparently wanted to be offered the starting role unconditionally, which was a ridiculous request for numerous reasons. Publicly he said that he was focused on winning the Cup again, and that Canada already had Brodeur/Joseph/Belfour and would thus be fine. After 1998 Roy was pretty open about his thoughts that the Olympics hurt his and Colorado's 1998 season. As far as the World Championships, Roy was almost always busy in the playoffs.

 

[1Gold Standard]

He never gave any reason. I would suggest that anyone should be willing to give Iginla a pass though. Carried Canada to a World Junior gold, won gold as a bit player at the World Championship, and then always showed up and played hard at the top level in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2010. I don't blame a player who is locked into the top level of Hockey Canada for not going to this tournament.



Well, there were always rumours with Roy, but not much in concrete. Some suggested it was due to Quebec nationalism, but I haven't seen anything to corroborate that. From a biography (written by his father)I recall the suggestion that Hockey Canada hadn't shown much loyalty to him, and so he didn't return any. Specifically, he was unhappy about being cut from the World Junior team in 1985 and the 1987 Canada Cup team. There could be something to that. Roy was the best goaltender in the 1987 exhibitions and was on the ascent, but they cut him in favour of the old guard. Hard to justify Hrudey over Roy for the third spot in all honesty. Even Fuhr and Hextall were mostly picked based on age and past experience as opposed to how well they had played recently or in the training camp and exhibitions. He took it more poorly than a player like Yzerman did.

In 1991, Roy opted out due to his sinuses. He chose to have surgery just a few weeks before the tournament. Could he have chosen a different time to have the surgery? Most people certainly thought so at the time. In 1996 he wasn't invited, mostly because it was expected that he wouldn't even go. He went in 1998 and played exceptionally. In 2002, Roy straight up refused. He apparently wanted to be offered the starting role unconditionally, which was a ridiculous request for numerous reasons. Publicly he said that he was focused on winning the Cup again, and that Canada already had Brodeur/Joseph/Belfour and would thus be fine. After 1998 Roy was pretty open about his thoughts that the Olympics hurt his and Colorado's 1998 season. As far as the World Championships, Roy was almost always busy in the playoffs.

Showing up for those plum assignments doesn't carry a whole lot of weight for me... I'd be willing to cut him some slack if he had, just 3 or 4 times in that 14 year span sucked it up for 2 weeks.. instead he did his Nyquil thing, so I won't cut him any slack.

That's an interesting story though from the previous poster re: Roy and being pissed at the IIHF as a reason for not going... afterall, if you are Canadian you have reason to be pissed at the IIHF. it just comes with the passport.

 

[JackSlater]

That's an interesting story though from the previous poster re: Roy and being pissed at the IIHF as a reason for not going... afterall, if you are Canadian you have reason to be pissed at the IIHF. it just comes with the passport.

I've never seen anything to indicate that Roy was more displeased about that incident than any other Canadian at the time. Players who were actually on that team would go on to play for Canada, and being angry at the IIHF does not excuse missing Canada/World Cups, as the IIHF was not the organizing body.

 

[1Gold Standard]

I've never seen anything to indicate that Roy was more displeased about that incident than any other Canadian at the time. Players who were actually on that team would go on to play for Canada, and being angry at the IIHF does not excuse missing Canada/World Cups, as the IIHF was not the organizing body.

True. just not much interest in international hockey I guess. some enjoy the experience and see some value in it, others think it is a waste of time.

 

[jka*]

Only offensive players:

Benn - Seguin - Marleau
Hall - Johansen - Henrique
O'Reilly - Duchene - MacKinnon - Avs line up.
Skinner Turris Simmonds - great checking line.

Could be great tournament but I belief USA/Finland/Sweden plays out Canada in quarters finals. Good offensive formation's my team but bad defensive cannot win. Loungo/Mason don't want to win against USA/Finland/Sweden.

 

[Gigantor The Goalie]

I've never seen anything to indicate that Roy was more displeased about that incident than any other Canadian at the time. Players who were actually on that team would go on to play for Canada, and being angry at the IIHF does not excuse missing Canada/World Cups, as the IIHF was not the organizing body.

Read from the biography his dad wrote so....is that not an acceptable source?

 

[JackSlater]

Read from the biography his dad wrote so....is that not an acceptable source?

It's fine, but I don't see how it explains his refusal to play internationally. He was mad, but so was everyone else in Canada. Players like Fleury and Shanahan, who were actually on that junior team that was treated pretty inequitably, would go on to play for Canada numerous times in the future. Roy would try out for the 1987 edition of team Canada just a few months after the incident, so it clearly didn't remove all interest he had in international hockey, and his refusal to play in either 1991 or 1996 has nothing to do with the IIHF since they did not organize those tournaments. I can see the junior incident being part of the puzzle, but there seem to be a few factors.

 

[jka*]

Johansen is newest star in Canada. Next Olympics he fit for play för Canada.

 

[JackSlater]

Johansen is newest star in Canada. Next Olympics he fit for play för Canada.

He's good, hopefully he gets a shot in a role that realistically mirrors his position on bigger editions of Canada.

Given the teams currently out of the playoffs, here is what I would like to see. This assumed that everyone says yes and ignores players in the playoffs. I want the team to be solid, but my main goal is to get young players in positions to get valuable international experience.

Benn Seguin Johansen
Hall Couture Eberle
O'Reilly Duchene Simmonds
Skinner Nugent Henrique
Couturier

Vlasic Barrie
Campbell Ekblad
Methot Brodie
Rielly

Bernier
Hammond

First line features Canada's best left wing, one of Canada's best centres (who has never played for Canada in an IIHF tournament) and a big, two way goal scorer in Johansen. I can see Johansen in that role for Canada at more significant tournaments in the future. This line has everything. Second line has some familiarity wth Hall and Eberle (two of Canada's best wingers, though they don't always play together in Edmonton) and a good two way centre in Couture, who might figure in Canada's plans for the future on the wing. Third line is balanced with speed and creativity from Duchene, elite defence from his occasional linemate O'Reilly, and grit from Simmonds. Fourth line gives an offensive boost with Skinner (generally quite good internationally) while Nugent Hopkins is developing into a solid defensive centre and Henrique is solid all around. Couturier is there to provide some defensive cover and kill penalties. Strongly considered Turris here.

Defence isn't as good, but that's the reality of this tournament. Vlasic is an elite defensive defenceman, and Barrie is a very good emerging offensive defenceman. Campbell and Ekblad are paired in Florida. Campbell is still an elite skater and provides a bit of experience, while Ekblad (despite seemingly slowing down) looks like Canada's best young defenceman. His size helps too. Methot brings size and experience, while Brodie is a good all around young defenceman. Rielly looks really good since Toronto's coaching chance and could slot in anywhere.

Bernier is a good goaltender, and Hammond has been ok thus far. Not many goaltending choices.

I didn't bother with veterans like Thornton and Spezza, or with Giroux. Some young players like Monahan, Stone and Ceci wouldn't be too bad.

 

[Aceonfire*]

Only offensive players:

Benn - Seguin - Marleau
Hall - Johansen - Henrique
O'Reilly - Duchene - MacKinnon - Avs line up.
Skinner Turris Simmonds - great checking line.

Could be great tournament but I belief USA/Finland/Sweden plays out Canada in quarters finals. Good offensive formation's my team but bad defensive cannot win. Loungo/Mason don't want to win against USA/Finland/Sweden.

You left off a certain forward who is scoring at a ridiculous rate in 2015 and excels internationally.

 

[1Gold Standard]

You left off a certain forward who is scoring at a ridiculous rate in 2015 and excels internationally.

Nobody in the NHL is scoring at a ridiculous rate in 2015, so you must be talking about McDavid. He may or may not be available by the last week of April.

 

[1Gold Standard]

He's good, hopefully he gets a shot in a role that realistically mirrors his position on bigger editions of Canada.

Given the teams currently out of the playoffs, here is what I would like to see. This assumed that everyone says yes and ignores players in the playoffs. I want the team to be solid, but my main goal is to get young players in positions to get valuable international experience.

Benn Seguin Johansen
Hall Couture Eberle
O'Reilly Duchene Simmonds
Skinner Nugent Henrique
Couturier

Vlasic Barrie
Campbell Ekblad
Methot Brodie
Rielly

Bernier
Hammond

First line features Canada's best left wing, one of Canada's best centres (who has never played for Canada in an IIHF tournament) and a big, two way goal scorer in Johansen. I can see Johansen in that role for Canada at more significant tournaments in the future. This line has everything. Second line has some familiarity wth Hall and Eberle (two of Canada's best wingers, though they don't always play together in Edmonton) and a good two way centre in Couture, who might figure in Canada's plans for the future on the wing. Third line is balanced with speed and creativity from Duchene, elite defence from his occasional linemate O'Reilly, and grit from Simmonds. Fourth line gives an offensive boost with Skinner (generally quite good internationally) while Nugent Hopkins is developing into a solid defensive centre and Henrique is solid all around. Couturier is there to provide some defensive cover and kill penalties. Strongly considered Turris here.

Defence isn't as good, but that's the reality of this tournament. Vlasic is an elite defensive defenceman, and Barrie is a very good emerging offensive defenceman. Campbell and Ekblad are paired in Florida. Campbell is still an elite skater and provides a bit of experience, while Ekblad (despite seemingly slowing down) looks like Canada's best young defenceman. His size helps too. Methot brings size and experience, while Brodie is a good all around young defenceman. Rielly looks really good since Toronto's coaching chance and could slot in anywhere.

Bernier is a good goaltender, and Hammond has been ok thus far. Not many goaltending choices.

I didn't bother with veterans like Thornton and Spezza, or with Giroux. Some young players like Monahan, Stone and Ceci wouldn't be too bad.

The good news is Ryan Murray is off IR. I think at this point I'd cut Rielly some slack after that gong show that was Toronto and go with Murray instead.

 

[JackSlater]

The good news is Ryan Murray is off IR. I think at this point I'd cut Rielly some slack after that gong show that was Toronto and go with Murray instead.

I saw that Murray returned. Unless he's actually 100% healthy I would rather him take the time off. He's worryingly injury prone. I really like Rielly though, and would like to see him go. He took a step forward this year. Elite skater, good instincts about when to pinch, not easily muscled around. He could make full editions of Canada in the future.

 

[1Gold Standard]

I saw that Murray returned. Unless he's actually 100% healthy I would rather him take the time off. He's worryingly injury prone. I really like Rielly though, and would like to see him go. He took a step forward this year. Elite skater, good instincts about when to pinch, not easily muscled around. He could make full editions of Canada in the future.

If healthy, Murray can be more effective playing in that #7 limited role than can one Mr. Rielly. both have future A team potential though. If Hockey Canada was more committed to winning, I really wouldn't nitpick over the roster so much.

 

[leafsgirl12]

I saw that Murray returned. Unless he's actually 100% healthy I would rather him take the time off. He's worryingly injury prone. I really like Rielly though, and would like to see him go. He took a step forward this year. Elite skater, good instincts about when to pinch, not easily muscled around. He could make full editions of Canada in the future.

I Agree Rielly should be invited he played well at the tornament last year. Rielly has improved since former nhl dman steve staois was added to the leafs coaching staff.Murray returned but than couldn't play the last two games because he is injured again.

 

[JackSlater]

The TSN panel said that the Oilers trio are expected to be asked to attend and are expected to accept. The panel also said that Hockey Canada was pissed about their refusal last year.

 

[xxxx]

The TSN panel said that the Oilers trio are expected to be asked to attend and are expected to accept. The panel also said that Hockey Canada was pissed about their refusal last year.

that's a good news. Ebs and RNH are great now and Hall is, even though having an off-year, still one of the best canadian left wingers.

it would be great if we could get one super-line in Benn-Giroux-Seguin, the Oilers trio, and then hopefully someone like Johansen, Couture, and Duchene/O'Reilly. Add McDavid /if he's available/, possibly Monahan and it's an awesome team offensively.

Benn - Giroux - Seguin
Hall - Nugent-Hopkins - Eberle
Monahan - McDavid - Johansen
O'Reilly - Duchene - Couture

 

[1Gold Standard]

The TSN panel said that the Oilers trio are expected to be asked to attend and are expected to accept. The panel also said that Hockey Canada was pissed about their refusal last year.

That's laughable. Hockey Canada held no formal training camp last year in Canada. Sent a group of players to Switzerland where they met the coaching staff for the first time a week before the tournament started and played 2 pre-tourney games. If I were a player I'd be pretty pissed and not all that eager to sign on to that gong show. It starts at the top, and the dumb dumbs at Hockey Canada need to take a long look into the mirror and rethink their approach to this tournament if A. they want better results and B. players more committed to it...

but yes, we have discussed this before, the Oiler kids deciding collectively to go/ not go was nonsense **** move and they deserve to be criticized for it.

 

[OG]

Skinner would probably go, the only reason he didn't last year was because of that weird ingrown/infected toenail issue.

 

[1Gold Standard]

Skinner would probably go, the only reason he didn't last year was because of that weird ingrown/infected toenail issue.

personally, I hope he has another ingrown toenail and another "better" player is available and accepts. If Ottawa doesn't make it or quickly gets eliminated, I'd prefer LW M. Hoffman (69 26 20 46 +23) over Skinner (67 18 12 30 -21) and Hoffman may actually play with his give a crap meter turned on.

 

[1Gold Standard]

I saw that Murray returned. Unless he's actually 100% healthy I would rather him take the time off. He's worryingly injury prone. I really like Rielly though, and would like to see him go. He took a step forward this year. Elite skater, good instincts about when to pinch, not easily muscled around. He could make full editions of Canada in the future.

I spoke too soon, Murray back for 2 games and then back on the IR. That's hilarious.

 

[JackSlater]

I spoke too soon, Murray back for 2 games and then back on the IR. That's hilarious.

It's getting ridiculous with Murray. Seems like it is often different parts (shoulder, knee) getting injured. Either he has terrible luck or he's made of glass.

Simmonds broke his leg last night and is out. He was having a good year and could have brought a unique element to one of the lower lines.

 

[OG]

personally, I hope he has another ingrown toenail and another "better" player is available and accepts. If Ottawa doesn't make it or quickly gets eliminated, I'd prefer LW M. Hoffman (69 26 20 46 +23) over Skinner (67 18 12 30 -21) and Hoffman may actually play with his give a crap meter turned on.

If you'd rather bring an inferior player suit yourself, but considering regular season stats for this season only as well as bringing up work ethic as justification isn't really smart. Also leads me to believe you don't really watch or know much about the Hurricanes (but I don't really blame you for that).