Absolutely crazy to think the last time Canada played the NYE game vs the US it was in the 2017 tournament (NYE 2016). Feels like growing up it was a near-annual tradition.
Agree with both these statements. Unfortunately all tournaments 2022 onwards will have an asterisk beside it, given Russia was not allowed to play. I hope like last year we are treated to a resurgent and legit team stepping up to join Canada, USA, Sweden, and Finland, like we were with the Czechs. If not it could be a while with just those team in the final four.
Shane Wright, playing in the AHL, is just wrong - unless he said he didn't want to go.
It’s especially baffling considering Zacha is injured for Boston too. But I’ll take it!
I dunno if I’d say “baffling”. The more I thought about it the more it was probably done mostly as a favor (for lack of better word) to him. It’s a few games midseason vs an opportunity to play for Canada. That kind of gesture goes a long way and why Sweeney seems to have such a good reputation.
I’ve always heard that if given the choice, players would always prefer to play with their NHL teams instead of their World Junior team.
Usually. Not always the case though, been a few players over the years that have pushed to go back.
Poitras is a gift there too, bumping Geekie to the wing further helps tamper down any skating worries.
They are playing them today, won't be televised.
All of what you list is the type of team they are going for and I think the right mix of players is there to do it if that helps.
I think I if it’s someone who’s played for TC in the past that makes sense but IIRC Poitras has yet to ever play for TC before
My understanding was that you don’t get your NHL paycheque while on loan. If true, that would make one helluva difference to a player’s preference. Lol
I like their chances of landing on their feet after that 2 weeks missed nhl paycheque
Yikes! That explains a lot.
