Better concept for the World Cup

[Canuckistani]

Ryder Cup style Europe vs NA tournament every 2 years. NHL continues to go to Olympics.

NHL gets its all-star "show case" tourney (which I think would be very competitive and entertaining) and Olympics continue to be true "best on best."

I'd prefer a World Cup and the Olympics.

A best-on-best every two years, like how soccer gets alternating World Cups and Euros. It's great.

No fan ever asked for a Ryder Cup event.

 

[Lacaar]

Ryder Cup style Europe vs NA tournament every 2 years. NHL continues to go to Olympics.

NHL gets its all-star "show case" tourney (which I think would be very competitive and entertaining) and Olympics continue to be true "best on best."

What's funny is the all-star showcase you call the world cup has produced more intense and better hockey in exhibition games than any Olympic game short of the gold medal games.

Definitely wierd to want to watch the All-Star more than the horse crap that is Olympic hockey.

 

[Neutral Hockey Fan]

It's easy

- Choose the top 160 or so players in the world.
- all of them drop their sticks at centre ice
- one random fan goes on the ice, grabs each stick, one by one, and throws them in one of eight possible directions
- the eight teams are now chosen at random
- game on
- $$$$$

 

[JackSlater]

I'd prefer a World Cup and the Olympics.

A best-on-best every two years, like how soccer gets alternating World Cups and Euros. It's great.

No fan ever asked for a Ryder Cup event.

Don't know how the proposed Ryder Cup event would play out, but at least it would be harmless.

What's funny is the all-star showcase you call the world cup has produced more intense and better hockey in exhibition games than any Olympic game short of the gold medal games.

Definitely wierd to want to watch the All-Star more than the horse crap that is Olympic hockey.

Yes, you already let us know that international hockey "sucks balls". Glad that you can enjoy the all star exhibition.

It's easy

- Choose the top 160 or so players in the world.
- all of them drop their sticks at centre ice
- one random fan goes on the ice, grabs each stick, one by one, and throws them in one of eight possible directions
- the eight teams are now chosen at random
- game on
- $$$$$

There is a segment of fans who actually do want this as opposed to a tournament between the best from different countries.

 

[rojac]

I will be honest and acknowledge I've heard as recently as 2 weeks ago SN media disown the gimmick teams, and its the same people who hated it initially. I have definitely heard McCown, Reid, and Kypreos say consistently these teams weren't needed. I know they've either said invite the top ranked 8 teams, or just do a 6 team tourney with the current NTs.

I think TSN should be hitting it harder.

Wouldn't anything negative TSN says about it be read as possible sour grapes?

Actually brings up a question. The US TV rights for this tourney were up for bid and not automatically given to the US NHL rights holder. Was that the case in Canada? Did TSN bid for it? If they did, then over-criticizing it could come off as hypocritical.

 

[Doshell Propivo]

Don't know how the proposed Ryder Cup event would play out, but at least it would be harmless.

I'd like to see a series similar to the '72 summit series. Moscow, Helsinki, Stockholm, Prague, NYC, Toronto, Chicago, Vancouver.

 

[Gary Nylund]

Ryder Cup style Europe vs NA tournament every 2 years. NHL continues to go to Olympics.

NHL gets its all-star "show case" tourney (which I think would be very competitive and entertaining) and Olympics continue to be true "best on best."

I've been thinking this also. If the NHL does go to the Olympics, there's not so much need for a World Cup and is the perfect chance to do NA vs Euro which I think could be a smash hit.

I'd prefer a World Cup and the Olympics.

A best-on-best every two years, like how soccer gets alternating World Cups and Euros. It's great.

No fan ever asked for a Ryder Cup event.

I guess you didn't read the post you're responding to?

I'd like to see a series similar to the '72 summit series. Moscow, Helsinki, Stockholm, Prague, NYC, Toronto, Chicago, Vancouver.

Something along these lines would be amazing! Perhaps even toss in a game in China (just thinking out loud here), great way to promote the game!

 

[Canuckistani]

I guess you didn't read the post you're responding to?

How many fans did you hear calling for a Ryder Cup event before the NHL suggested it?

Answer: approximately the same number that wanted a NA U-24 team before a Gary Bettman acid trip made that a reality.

 

[Gary Nylund]

How many fans did you hear calling for a Ryder Cup event before the NHL suggested it?

Answer: approximately the same number that wanted a NA U-24 team before a Gary Bettman acid trip made that a reality.

I guess the point sailed over your head.

In any case, the gimmick teams in this World Cup were a bad idea whereas a NA vs Euro event would be fantastic. Two completely different things, I'm sure you can see that much. If you think a NA vs Euro series is a bad idea feel free to explain your objections.

 

[Doshell Propivo]

How many fans did you hear calling for a Ryder Cup event before the NHL suggested it?

Answer: approximately the same number that wanted a NA U-24 team before a Gary Bettman acid trip made that a reality.

I've wanted it forever.

 

[Doshell Propivo]

I've been thinking this also. If the NHL does go to the Olympics, there's not so much need for a World Cup and is the perfect chance to do NA vs Euro which I think could be a smash hit.

Agreed. If the NHL doesn't go to the Olympics than I hope they do a proper World Cup with proper teams.

 

[Canuckistani]

I guess the point sailed over your head.

In any case, the gimmick teams in this World Cup were a bad idea whereas a NA vs Euro event would be fantastic. Two completely different things, I'm sure you can see that much. If you think a NA vs Euro series is a bad idea feel free to explain your objections.

1) Who cares about NA vs Euro? We had that as an old all-star game format back in the late 90s and it meant nothing. There's real passion and bragging rights between countries, not continents.

2) It's time wasted that could be spent on something a little more substantial, like an actual best-on-best event.

 

[Ben White]

What's funny is the all-star showcase you call the world cup has produced more intense and better hockey in exhibition games than any Olympic game short of the gold medal games.

Definitely wierd to want to watch the All-Star more than the horse crap that is Olympic hockey.

"Better hockey" is nothing compared to real competition with real emotions between real teams.

 

[Doshell Propivo]

1) Who cares about NA vs Euro? We had that as an old all-star game format back in the late 90s and it meant nothing. There's real passion and bragging rights between countries, not continents.

2) It's time wasted that could be spent on something a little more substantial, like an actual best-on-best event.

Yeah, I was excited when they went with a similar format for the all star game but they didn't do it right. First, having it North America vs "the World" was idiotic. Players DO identify with being from North America and Europe. If done properly with a selection process, training camp, exhibition games, multi-game series, etc., it can be fantastic.

There's plenty of passion and bragging rights in the Ryder Cup and I think something similar can happen in hockey.

 

[JackSlater]

I'd like to see a series similar to the '72 summit series. Moscow, Helsinki, Stockholm, Prague, NYC, Toronto, Chicago, Vancouver.

Nothing wrong with that if the players bought in. I think Montreal has to be the second Canadian city though. Would be very interesting to see the roster construction.

 

[Canuckistani]

Yeah, I was excited when they went with a similar format for the all star game but they didn't do it right. First, having it North America vs "the World" was idiotic. Players DO identify with being from North America and Europe. If done properly with a selection process, training camp, exhibition games, multi-game series, etc., it can be fantastic.

Well to be fair, "World" was just a clumsy NHL term for "Europe."

There's plenty of passion and bragging rights in the Ryder Cup and I think something similar can happen in hockey.

Golf is different in that it's normally an individual sport and the Ryder Cup is the only time any of them come together as a team. With hockey we already have all sorts of rivalries and passions between national teams built up over the years.

No player is going to feel the same playing for his continent (alongside national team rivals) as they would playing for their own country. What does Crosby prefer - NA or Canada? Ovechkin - Europe or Russia? No-brainer.

I just don't see the point of a Ryder Cup. We'd be having less opportunity for something amazing in order to have something that at its best would be "meh."

 

[Gary Nylund]

Well to be fair, "World" was just a clumsy NHL term for "Europe."

Golf is different in that it's normally an individual sport and the Ryder Cup is the only time any of them come together as a team. With hockey we already have all sorts of rivalries and passions between national teams built up over the years.

No player is going to feel the same playing for his continent (alongside national team rivals) as they would playing for their own country. What does Crosby prefer - NA or Canada? Ovechkin - Europe or Russia? No-brainer.

I just don't see the point of a Ryder Cup. We'd be having less opportunity for something amazing in order to have something that at its best would be "meh."

Disagree quite strongly. The last Olympics were meh, NA vs Europe at it's best could be (and probably would be) awesome. Olympics every 4 years, NA vs Euro in the gaps could be perfection.

 

[Doshell Propivo]

Well to be fair, "World" was just a clumsy NHL term for "Europe."



Golf is different in that it's normally an individual sport and the Ryder Cup is the only time any of them come together as a team. With hockey we already have all sorts of rivalries and passions between national teams built up over the years.

No player is going to feel the same playing for his continent (alongside national team rivals) as they would playing for their own country. What does Crosby prefer - NA or Canada? Ovechkin - Europe or Russia? No-brainer.

I just don't see the point of a Ryder Cup. We'd be having less opportunity for something amazing in order to have something that at its best would be "meh."

Why not have both? Olympics every four years AND a Ryder Cup style tourney mixed in. Just want to point out that the only reason I'm proposing this is because the NHL seems adamant to hold some sort of international tournament in September. I certainly wouldn't want this at the expense of a true best-on-best tournament and would be perfectly happy with the Olympics every 4 years (with NHLers) and nothing else.

But I do disagree with you re: the passion and rivalry that a Ryder Cup tournament could produce. Players most certainly identify with being European or North American. Also, players play alongside their rivals all the time on their club teams. I don't think that would be an issue at all.

 

[Doshell Propivo]

Nothing wrong with that if the players bought in. I think Montreal has to be the second Canadian city though. Would be very interesting to see the roster construction.

Yeah, I just wanted the west coast represented so I picked Vancouver over Montreal. Obviously this was just off the top of my head...

 

[Lataba76]

My Idea:

Team Canada
Team USA
Team Sweden
Team Finland
Team Russia
Team Europe*
Team 2003 Draft**
Team North America (same as current)

*Current Europe team plus Czechs
Palat-Kopitar-Gaborik
Zuccarello-Krejci-Voracek
Draisatl-Plekanec-Hossa
Nielsen-Hanzal-Hertl

Josi-Sekera
Chara-Sustr
Streit-Gudas

Mrazek
Andersen

**All 2003 drafted players are eligible
Parise-Getzlaf-Perry
L.Eriksson-Bergeron-Pavelski
E.Staal-Backes-J.Carter
Vanek-Kesler-D.Brown

Suter-Weber
Byfuglien-Burns (!!!)
Phaneuf-Seabrook

Crawford
Fleury

-Finns become clear weakest team on paper, but they are used to that already and always medal anyway. This tournament, though absurdly gimmicky would bring 8 supremely talented teams. Anyone could win. Team USA and Canada would both look a lot different without 2003 players/

But in Future Finland beeing better and better on Paper! Looking to the lot of 1st Round Draft-Picks in Recent time and in Future. My prediciton ist that Finland rising very strong on Paper.

 

[Xokkeu]

Why not have both? Olympics every four years AND a Ryder Cup style tourney mixed in. Just want to point out that the only reason I'm proposing this is because the NHL seems adamant to hold some sort of international tournament in September. I certainly wouldn't want this at the expense of a true best-on-best tournament and would be perfectly happy with the Olympics every 4 years (with NHLers) and nothing else.

But I do disagree with you re: the passion and rivalry that a Ryder Cup tournament could produce. Players most certainly identify with being European or North American. Also, players play alongside their rivals all the time on their club teams. I don't think that would be an issue at all.

Just have a normal World Cup every two years. My biggest rival is Canada. I want to beat Canada. I don't know, how many Canadians are really going to get excited about a North America team? How many Europeans about a team Europe?

Why are we trying to break things that aren't broke?

 

[Xokkeu]

This is another thing where opinions will vary greatly. I understand what you're saying and it's completely valid but I can also understand why some people wouldn't want to watch a mismatch.

I just don't get it, you have 82 plus games of parity draft induced hockey. You now have some weird three game all star format.

Why do they have to try to ruin international hockey? Just let it be.

 

[Doshell Propivo]

Just have a normal World Cup every two years. My biggest rival is Canada. I want to beat Canada. I don't know, how many Canadians are really going to get excited about a North America team? How many Europeans about a team Europe?

Why are we trying to break things that aren't broke?

Well, we currently don't have a normal World Cup every to years...

My preference for a best-on-best tourney is the Olympics. The NHL World Cup is an invitational tournament that favors US/CAN and certainly doesn't have the prestige the Olympics do.

If the NHL wants to have their own tournament in September, rather than tarnishing a legitimate international competition with a gimmick tournament or <gasp> replacing the Olympics with their gimmick altogether, I'm proposing an alternative.

 

[Xokkeu]

Well, we currently don't have a normal World Cup every to years...

My preference for a best-on-best tourney is the Olympics. The NHL World Cup is an invitational tournament that favors US/CAN and certainly doesn't have the prestige the Olympics do.

If the NHL wants to have their own tournament in September, rather than tarnishing a legitimate international competition with a gimmick tournament or <gasp> replacing the Olympics with their gimmick altogether, I'm proposing an alternative.

Yeah I'm fine with Olympics plus World Cup cycle. The Olympics are better than the World Cup, but I won't complain about both. Assuming of course the World Cup isnt cheapened with fake teams. I would prefer a best on best tournament every two years to the Ryder Cup concept. But at this point with the NHL and some of the NHL fans, I'm preparing for the worst.

 

[Elvs]

How about this for the next World Cup?

I'm thinking...

Sweden
Finland
Russia
Czech Republic
Slovakia
Switzerland
Europe U23
Team America

Team America will be stacked of course with all the good players Canada and USA have. But lets throw a couple of Mexicans in. Francisco Padilla is a defenseman born in 1993 and Hector Majul a forward born in 1994. They will still be in good age four years from now.

As for the teams logo I'm thinking something like this:

Anyone in favour?