GDT: Canada vs. USA | 15 February 2025 | 2000hrs EST | THIS IS OUTHOUSE! | Mod warning Post #2

[GQS]

Very curious to see what the ratings ended up being. I see so many people from outside hockey circles talking about the game. This could be huge for the NHL.

Who would have thought international hockey could grow the game?

Interesting how quickly many people's opinion of this tournament went from 'I don't know if I'll watch it or not' to discussing whether teams made the right roster decisions in putting together a team that could win this supposed not very serious tournament because the fans are as invested as the players look to be in how much they want to win for their respective nations.

I have to say I fell under the 'I'll still watch, but not sure I'll be all that invested in my team winning' category, but now having watched all the games and especially this one, it really does have that Olympic tournament feel from the last time NHL players were allowed to go and play for their countries at the Games. Even though this tournament isn't at the same level as winning a gold for your country, I still want Canada to win it though.

 

[SteelCityCannon]

NHL players drafted from that last decade were either relatives of former pro or rich kids.

That alone put Canada at a huge disadvantage when you start comparing economic powers between hockey nations

Tape this to the board of excuses.

 

[twostroke2023]

Not sure. Here Football is an important school sport draining more and more kids.
Immigration brought soccer and basketball to another level, and way more kids play them.
Baseball is coming back.
Hockey ain't alone now.

Money is an issue, for sure. But famillies got lesser kids.
How do you explain how hockey is currently developing ? Family money is the same for boy or girl.


Nice view, telling the story. Hockey is increasing very fast down south.

Soccer and basketball have something in common. Nearly non existent equipment requirements comparatively and often have free programming through high-school. Hockey in Canada typically doesn’t have that.

Tape this to the board of excuses.

It’s not an excuse. It’s the truth. Hockey is expensive, inflation has absolutely crushed Canada and people just can’t afford it. Add in that the USA has 10x the draw population and of course the USA was going to pass Canada eventually.

 

[Johnny HFBOARDS]

Canada is a hockey first country. If it was affordable, more kids would be playing.

I'm gonna tell you something.
Almost everyone can be good at everything pretty much equally.
$$ is a fact but not the deciding fact on decision of output.

As much as one is willing to try can also be as much as one is willing to share.

^this applies to most everything.

tm

 

[Bradely]

Soccer and basketball have something in common. Nearly non existent equipment requirements comparatively and often have free programming through high-school. Hockey in Canada typically doesn’t have that.

Yep, correct. But always was. Canadian kids now do know there is something else than hockey .... and IMO, NHL is now a USA thing. Prepare yourself. USA will dominate NHL in a very close future, and will dominate International hockey very soon.

 

[Hank Plank]

 

[DuklaNation]

There's a long term trend though. The flip may happen in the near future.
View attachment 978065

By scoring leaders is different. This is best on best, not who has most players in the league. Statistical failure

 

[Bradely]

Canada is a hockey first country. If it was affordable, more kids would be playing.

Less and less now, and it will only decrease with time.

 

[End on a Hinote]

Yeah they should have but they screwed up the roster completely. Thats a fact. And your point is irrelevant to what I stated.

How so? You said that missing key players is a reason why we didn't perform well at this Yeats world juniors. And I said that shouldn't be an issue, especially against weaker teams like Latvia.

 

[The Hockey Tonk Man]

Well, that was another fun day of hockey
Can/US game east game was oh so good

 

[PAZ]

US development has been better for the last decade, and it's showing. They developed a bunch of prep programs, whereas Canada for the longest time just had different tier leagues. Past ~3-5 years Canada is catching up and is starting to have a bunch of prep/academy teams, so it'll be interesting to see the next wave.

The cost is not an issue, yes it's expensive but having a larger pool isn't going to change anything at a best on best tournament. You'll get a few more Arber Xhekaj's, but any top player is coming from at minimum a middle-class family who was able to put their kids into a bunch of camps/academys/training/etc.

 

[twostroke2023]

Yep, correct. But always was. Canadian kids now do know there is something else than hockey .... and IMO, NHL is now a USA thing. Prepare yourself. USA will dominate NHL in a very close future, and will dominate International hockey very soon.

Agreed 100%

 

[Bradely]

US development has been better for the last decade, and it's showing. They developed a bunch of prep programs, whereas Canada for the longest time just had different tier leagues. Past ~3-5 years Canada is catching up and is starting to have a bunch of prep/academy teams, so it'll be interesting to see the next wave.

That is what I think. That is also why Finland and Sweden can be very competitive while being small population country. Their development program is simply ... BETTER

 

[SteelCityCannon]

It’s not an excuse. It’s the truth. Hockey is expensive, inflation has absolutely crushed Canada and people just can’t afford it. Add in that the USA has 10x the draw population and of course the USA was going to pass Canada eventually.

You say its not an excuse, yet the excuses continue. Years of pompous hockey elitism now boiled down to population numbers? Come on now

Here's your excuse. USA hockey has an identity. Canada has a bunch of insanely talented guys who just try to play hero puck.

 

[winnipegger]

USA has caught up in forwards and defence which wasn't the case 15 years ago. The two teams are basically equal but America has a Hall of Fame goaltender and Canada has a guy. It is great hockey to watch. You struggle to find mistakes (except for Marner). Every player is elite and they are cancelling each other out. Great offense is being stymied by great defense.

I feel we should exclude the Nordic countries (sorry) and just have a best of 5 series between Canada and US.

 

[Ncit3]

USA has caught up in forwards and defence which wasn't the case 15 years ago. The two teams are basically equal but America has a Hall of Fame goaltender and Canada has a guy. It is great hockey to watch. You struggle to find mistakes (except for Marner). Every player is elite and they are cancelling each other out. Great offense is being stymied by great defense.

I feel we should exclude the Nordic countries (sorry) and just have a best of 5 series between Canada and US.

It's honestly hard because there is a lot of talent over in Europe but is there enough to make two competitive teams if you pool talent from every European country? If we're excluding Russia. Is there enough talent to make two teams to compete with the US and Canada if you can draw from the entirety of the continent?

 

[Winston Wolf]

 

[22Brad Park]

US development has been better for the last decade, and it's showing. They developed a bunch of prep programs, whereas Canada for the longest time just had different tier leagues. Past ~3-5 years Canada is catching up and is starting to have a bunch of prep/academy teams, so it'll be interesting to see the next wave.

The cost is not an issue, yes it's expensive but having a larger pool isn't going to change anything at a best on best tournament. You'll get a few more Arber Xhekaj's, but any top player is coming from at minimum a middle-class family who was able to put their kids into a bunch of camps/academys/training/etc.

You make some great points .That said far as Canada goes ,I think the people making decisions are making big mistakes.Hyman & Wilson there would be a way bigger help then some of the players they chose.Anyhow no excuses the USA played a really good 2 games.

 

[Bozo Nicholson]

Good game, Canada. I tip my fedora to thee.

 

[red devil]

 

[22Brad Park]

That was some hit

 

[Gregor Samsa]

The ascent of US hockey in the last 10-15 years has been steep

 

[SeanMoneyHands]

Doughty was really good tonight, looked like prime doughty. Sweet pass to McDavid on the opening goal.

 

[bov]

TB line shut down the Tkachuk line, did their job. US goals were the direct result of self inflicted wounds by Canada. One was a nothing shot that should never go in, and the other a horrible turnover by Crosby which leads to the goal off the rush where you wouldn't mind a save there either, although a good shot.

It might sting Canada now, but they should be optimistic in a rematch IF they get by Finland. They handed the US their goals on a silver platter and you have to think the star power will be more prominent next time around.

Hellebuyck is the X factor, and the only real concern I have for Canada is in net.

 

[Al Lagoon]

This discussion reminds me why I like football; low cost of entry. Ball, maybe not even your own, and shoes, optional.
4 nations tourney vs. hundreds.

Don't get me wrong, love hockey and the tourney, but pity the kids that can't afford the gear, or lack devoted parent willing to get them to practice/games, often many miles away.

Parents are the true heroes of hockey.