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WC: General Talk '14 — Canada

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Garrison - Bieksa as the top pair?

Boy this is going to be an interesting tournament, its nice to see some new guys who haven't got the opportunity be selected, but this team doesn't look too good in comparison to prior years.
 
Sergei Shirokov said:
Garrison - Bieksa as the top pair?

Boy this is going to be an interesting tournament, its nice to see some new guys who haven't got the opportunity be selected, but this team doesn't look too good in comparison to prior years.
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Hockey Canada doesn't have a President and Team Canada doesn't have a GM.

Without anyone to impress and with the 2018 Olympics so far away, star players would rather rest and train for next season.

Look at the 2010 championships.

Kovalchuk, Dubinksy and Paajarvi were the leading scorers lol.

Compare that to the 2013 roster with Giroux, Stamkos, Hall, Eberle, Staals etc..
 
Iceonfire said:
Hockey Canada doesn't have a President and Team Canada doesn't have a GM.

Without anyone to impress and with the 2018 Olympics so far away, star players would rather rest and train for next season.

Look at the 2010 championships.

Kovalchuk, Dubinksy and Paajarvi were the leading scorers lol.

Compare that to the 2013 roster with Giroux, Stamkos, Hall, Eberle, Staals etc..
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I don't accept that an Olympic year means a blanket exemption to all "star players" Those who played in the Olympics? Yes, they get the right to cash in that chip.. Those who did not? No. Unless you finished the year on the IR or have other legitimate reason or reasons, then suck it up for 3 weeks and go play. We let these players off the hook way to easy.
 
Mr Writer said:
I don't accept that an Olympic year means a blanket exemption to all "star players" Those who played in the Olympics? Yes, they get the right to cash in that chip.. Those who did not? No. Unless you finished the year on the IR or have other legitimate reason or reasons, then suck it up for 3 weeks and go play. We let these players off the hook way to easy.
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Just making the Team Canada Olympic team is an accomplishment in itself, the competition for a spot is pretty insane. Seeking every advantage possible is a good way to increase your odds of making such a team. Answering the call when asked and paying your dues now can go quite a long way for future consideration - some players seem to get this and others don't.

The WHC has turned into the training ground and evaluation tourney for the younger players that are trying to impress and at least plant the seed of them making the next Olympics or any other high profile tournament, possibly the Canada Cup? As you mentioned in another post, Ryan Smyth was pretty much the poster boy for this attitude. He'd have to be dying from something to miss any TC tourneys during his younger years/prime. They called him Captain Canada for a reason, he left nothing to chance in order to ensure his spot.

I look at Tavares as a guy who gets it. He took a lot of physical abuse in his initial seasons as he was literally on an Island. If he was asked to represent Team Canada, he would go no matter what. Everyone talks about his knee injury in the Olympics, he suffered a broken foot in either his 1st of 2nd WHC. No complaints, no nothing out of him. All he talked about was what an honor it was for him to even participate. Even after these Olympics and Snow fuming about the injury, you heard nothing but glowing things out of him about the experience and he said he's go again with no hesitation. He puts his ego to the side and accepts whatever role he is given.

Not just to single Tavares out (as I'm an Isles fan), but it's no surprise that the Olympic team had a lot of faces very familiar in the Canadian Team program. Guys who paid their dues and played the good foot soldier. If you're out of sight, then you're out of mind. The fact that it's an Olympic year and all the big boys won't participate in the WHC, the younger players trying to establish their place at the table should be foaming at the mouth at the opportunity. The smart players who really want a legit shot at making the 2018 know this is an opportunity and not a throwaway.
 
How are Schiefle and Hodgsn primary centers when you have Kyle Turris on the team? Tippet holding a grudge?
 
I heard they asked McArthur and he said yes, but is trying to sort out visa issues? Can anyone confirm hes been asked?
 
PWJunior said:
Just making the Team Canada Olympic team is an accomplishment in itself, the competition for a spot is pretty insane. Seeking every advantage possible is a good way to increase your odds of making such a team. Answering the call when asked and paying your dues now can go quite a long way for future consideration - some players seem to get this and others don't.

The WHC has turned into the training ground and evaluation tourney for the younger players that are trying to impress and at least plant the seed of them making the next Olympics or any other high profile tournament, possibly the Canada Cup? As you mentioned in another post, Ryan Smyth was pretty much the poster boy for this attitude. He'd have to be dying from something to miss any TC tourneys during his younger years/prime. They called him Captain Canada for a reason, he left nothing to chance in order to ensure his spot.

I look at Tavares as a guy who gets it. He took a lot of physical abuse in his initial seasons as he was literally on an Island. If he was asked to represent Team Canada, he would go no matter what. Everyone talks about his knee injury in the Olympics, he suffered a broken foot in either his 1st of 2nd WHC. No complaints, no nothing out of him. All he talked about was what an honor it was for him to even participate. Even after these Olympics and Snow fuming about the injury, you heard nothing but glowing things out of him about the experience and he said he's go again with no hesitation. He puts his ego to the side and accepts whatever role he is given.

Not just to single Tavares out (as I'm an Isles fan), but it's no surprise that the Olympic team had a lot of faces very familiar in the Canadian Team program. Guys who paid their dues and played the good foot soldier. If you're out of sight, then you're out of mind. The fact that it's an Olympic year and all the big boys won't participate in the WHC, the younger players trying to establish their place at the table should be foaming at the mouth at the opportunity. The smart players who really want a legit shot at making the 2018 know this is an opportunity and not a throwaway.
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And he said he would never turn down an invitation for a chance to represent his country...
J.T. is my guy and a few of his contemporaries (young players) should follow his lead.

But maybe players like Hall, Skinner et al realize that they are long shots to knock any of the current players out of their roster spots anyway, so why bother....

I don't cut any of these young players any slack until they are in their late 20s have played in at least 3, 4 or 5 of these tournaments inc. WHC + Olympics/World Cup...have family and children...then you've earned your card to say, ya, thanks but no thanks, call me when you're picking the next Olympic team.
 
Mr Writer said:
And he said he would never turn down an invitation for a chance to represent his country...
J.T. is my guy and a few of his contemporaries (young players) should follow his lead.

But maybe players like Hall, Skinner et al realize that they are long shots to knock any of the current players out of their roster spots anyway, so why bother....

I don't cut any of these young players any slack until they are in their late 20s have played in at least 3, 4 or 5 of these tournaments inc. WHC + Olympics/World Cup...have family and children...then you've earned your card to say, ya, thanks but no thanks, call me when you're picking the next Olympic team.
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If that's how they feel, then I personally would give them no future consideration for any team. The expectation for Canada is Gold and nothing else, you need winners that are willing to put ego aside for the greater good. Unless you're seriously hurt and need some sort of surgery... you better go and play your ass off if your intention is to get an Olympic spot.

I agree with you about giving no slack. It's a select group to make the TC Olympic Team, it's a freaking HUGE honor. If you're not willing to do what you need to do to TAKE/EARN your spot, then enjoy golfing and stop wasting the time of those that are willing to make that sacrifice.

As for Tavares, his locker was next to Crosby's. I think it's very obvious how highly Canada thinks of him and his attitude. It was almost a travesty to use him as a 4th line center, but what did he do? He owned that role until he got hurt. Some Isles fans were bashing him before the tourney saying that he was incapable of putting his huge ego aside and play a supporting role because he's always been the man for his team... how wrong they were. I guess they didn't watch the WHC's where Tavares played a lot of 4th line duty with Skinner in 2011 (?). He clearly gets it and I wouldn't be surprised if he wears a letter in the future.

One other sidenote, when Tavares was asked about his experience - he almost went out of his way to praise Toews and how he was the player he most admired. Yeah, Tavares obviously gets it. To make the Olympic team, you have to eat, breathe, and crap the Maple Leaf.
 
My Lines:

Perron-Hodgson-Turris
Huberdeau-Kadri-Brower
Burrows-Monohan-Scheifele
Ward-Bozak-Chimera

Beiksa-Garrison
Rielly-Gudbranson
Methot-Ellis

Reimer
 
PWJunior said:
Just making the Team Canada Olympic team is an accomplishment in itself, the competition for a spot is pretty insane. Seeking every advantage possible is a good way to increase your odds of making such a team. Answering the call when asked and paying your dues now can go quite a long way for future consideration - some players seem to get this and others don't.

The WHC has turned into the training ground and evaluation tourney for the younger players that are trying to impress and at least plant the seed of them making the next Olympics or any other high profile tournament, possibly the Canada Cup? As you mentioned in another post, Ryan Smyth was pretty much the poster boy for this attitude. He'd have to be dying from something to miss any TC tourneys during his younger years/prime. They called him Captain Canada for a reason, he left nothing to chance in order to ensure his spot.

I look at Tavares as a guy who gets it. He took a lot of physical abuse in his initial seasons as he was literally on an Island. If he was asked to represent Team Canada, he would go no matter what. Everyone talks about his knee injury in the Olympics, he suffered a broken foot in either his 1st of 2nd WHC. No complaints, no nothing out of him. All he talked about was what an honor it was for him to even participate. Even after these Olympics and Snow fuming about the injury, you heard nothing but glowing things out of him about the experience and he said he's go again with no hesitation. He puts his ego to the side and accepts whatever role he is given.

Not just to single Tavares out (as I'm an Isles fan), but it's no surprise that the Olympic team had a lot of faces very familiar in the Canadian Team program. Guys who paid their dues and played the good foot soldier. If you're out of sight, then you're out of mind. The fact that it's an Olympic year and all the big boys won't participate in the WHC, the younger players trying to establish their place at the table should be foaming at the mouth at the opportunity. The smart players who really want a legit shot at making the 2018 know this is an opportunity and not a throwaway.
Click to expand...

Agreed. This younger group of players seem to lack any kind of strategy in terms of placing themselves on team Canada. This year would be an opportunity for young Canadian players to take a prominent role on the team, and even in a low pressure environment where no one really expects them to dominate by any stretch. Tavares (even more than Crosby/Toews) does seem to be the poster boy for what HC wants. Shows up when called upon and plays the role assigned to him.
 
JackSlater said:
Agreed. This younger group of players seem to lack any kind of strategy in terms of placing themselves on team Canada. This year would be an opportunity for young Canadian players to take a prominent role on the team, and even in a low pressure environment where no one really expects them to dominate by any stretch. Tavares (even more than Crosby/Toews) does seem to be the poster boy for what HC wants. Shows up when called upon and plays the role assigned to him.
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I don't understand it either. It's easy for us to critique them for going/not going and all that, but they have a unique opportunity presented in front of them. Did these youngsters not watch the Olympics and their hearts and minds swell up with pride when they won? Don't they want to experience that too? I'm not Canadian and I didn't root for Canada (I had to go with my home country), but I watched for Tavares and it gave me chills.

With basically no Olympians wanting to play in the WHC, it is WIDE OPEN! If you have a kid who's hungry, willing to sacrifice and put in the work, play the political game (as much as they can by showing up, performing, keeping their mouths shut) - you couldn't design a better opportunity for them. The Canadian's have talent coming out of their butts, but it's the desire that separates the guys who make it and those that don't. I really don't get it, I would have thought some of the available players would have fought to get a spot on this year's team. These are the types of tournaments that you can really make a name for yourself and really set yourself up for future selections. Look at Duchene, he was the youngest to make it and I'm sure last year's showing at the WHC helped his chances.
 
Mr Writer said:
I don't accept that an Olympic year means a blanket exemption to all "star players" Those who played in the Olympics? Yes, they get the right to cash in that chip.. Those who did not? No. Unless you finished the year on the IR or have other legitimate reason or reasons, then suck it up for 3 weeks and go play. We let these players off the hook way to easy.
Click to expand...

Any other year and I rarely hear complaints about this. But now because of the Oil kids declining, people are ripping them.

Eberle has easily paid his dues internationally, and Hall was snubbed and had a bad experience at the last WCs. If that excludes him from future Olympics than so be it. Its his choice, this isn't mandatory.

Nobody called out Iggy for almost never attending..

Smif said:
I've never thought of Kadri as a diver, I've also never heard fans from other teams call him that before.
Click to expand...

He isn't a diver, it was more a joke about the other 2. But he is a pest and disliked by people.


PWJunior said:
Just making the Team Canada Olympic team is an accomplishment in itself, the competition for a spot is pretty insane. Seeking every advantage possible is a good way to increase your odds of making such a team. Answering the call when asked and paying your dues now can go quite a long way for future consideration - some players seem to get this and others don't.

The WHC has turned into the training ground and evaluation tourney for the younger players that are trying to impress and at least plant the seed of them making the next Olympics or any other high profile tournament, possibly the Canada Cup? As you mentioned in another post, Ryan Smyth was pretty much the poster boy for this attitude. He'd have to be dying from something to miss any TC tourneys during his younger years/prime. They called him Captain Canada for a reason, he left nothing to chance in order to ensure his spot.

I look at Tavares as a guy who gets it. He took a lot of physical abuse in his initial seasons as he was literally on an Island. If he was asked to represent Team Canada, he would go no matter what. Everyone talks about his knee injury in the Olympics, he suffered a broken foot in either his 1st of 2nd WHC. No complaints, no nothing out of him. All he talked about was what an honor it was for him to even participate. Even after these Olympics and Snow fuming about the injury, you heard nothing but glowing things out of him about the experience and he said he's go again with no hesitation. He puts his ego to the side and accepts whatever role he is given.

Not just to single Tavares out (as I'm an Isles fan), but it's no surprise that the Olympic team had a lot of faces very familiar in the Canadian Team program. Guys who paid their dues and played the good foot soldier. If you're out of sight, then you're out of mind. The fact that it's an Olympic year and all the big boys won't participate in the WHC, the younger players trying to establish their place at the table should be foaming at the mouth at the opportunity. The smart players who really want a legit shot at making the 2018 know this is an opportunity and not a throwaway.
Click to expand...

So where are Okposo and Ryan? That U.S team looks terrible..

It is BS that some players play good soldier and go every year but then don't even get consideration for TC.

Look at Eberle, 50 international GP for Canada and he is only 23.

But when the Olympics role around he doesn't even get serious consideration.

Jamie Benn has been to 1 WJC, WC and made the Olympic team.

Hockey Canada doesn't reward loyalty yet they expect Canadian players to risk injury and play tired to win a championship that Canadians barely even watch.
 
Yeah Eberle and Hall and RNH have paid their dues. The conversation on the oilers forum is amusing on this topic.

They don't need to go. They need to rest. They have no obligation. It's a lousy second class tourney. Hall was snubbed for the olympics! Hall was benched by Ruff last year! etc etc etc etc.

Meanwhile Perron, Petry (who played more than any of the kids this past year) and Marincin are playing and it's peachy keen and good for his development.

The golf course and lake front lot awaits! It will be fun when the oilers make the playoffs some year and these guys realize they are going to actually have to play hockey past April 15th.

And I am an Oilers fan lest anyone think I'm just trying to troll them.
 
Iceonfire said:
Any other year and I rarely hear complaints about this. But now because of the Oil kids declining, people are ripping them.

Eberle has easily paid his dues internationally, and Hall was snubbed and had a bad experience at the last WCs. If that excludes him from future Olympics than so be it. Its his choice, this isn't mandatory.

Nobody called out Iggy for almost never attending..



He isn't a diver, it was more a joke about the other 2. But he is a pest and disliked by people.




So where are Okposo and Ryan? That U.S team looks terrible..

It is BS that some players play good soldier and go every year but then don't even get consideration for TC.

Look at Eberle, 50 international GP for Canada and he is only 23.

But when the Olympics role around he doesn't even get serious consideration.

Jamie Benn has been to 1 WJC, WC and made the Olympic team.

Hockey Canada doesn't reward loyalty yet they expect Canadian players to risk injury and play tired to win a championship that Canadians barely even watch.
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Then you should play closer attention every year... I ripped on Stamkos the year he went balls out to score 60 in the final few games of the the season, but then said, sorry folks bum shoulder can't go.... I don't play favorites or let my team loyalties get in the way.. I'm consistent every year and every year I called out Iggy.

And if you pay attention to my earlier posts on this I never once mentioned Eberle (he's played in 4 - I'll give him a pass) never was particularly interested in RNH going anway; in fact I was hoping the only Oil to get an invite would be Hall, as realistically he's the only one with the best chance to make the A team when and if the World Cup rolls around in a few years... and it would be his best interest to give the WHC another shot to try and undo the stink of last year. And it wasn't all the coaches fault... yes, Ruff must carry some of the blame, but the vast majority of the blame falls directly on the player's shoulders. He wasn't good...and in fact I have my doubts Hall can ever be an effective player on big ice... speed is there, but I'm still questioning his hockey sense.
 
Beerfish said:
Yeah Eberle and Hall and RNH have paid their dues. The conversation on the oilers forum is amusing on this topic.

They don't need to go. They need to rest. They have no obligation. It's a lousy second class tourney. Hall was snubbed for the olympics! Hall was benched by Ruff last year! etc etc etc etc.

Meanwhile Perron, Petry (who played more than any of the kids this past year) and Marincin are playing and it's peachy keen and good for his development.

The golf course and lake front lot awaits! It will be fun when the oilers make the playoffs some year and these guys realize they are going to actually have to play hockey past April 15th.

And I am an Oilers fan lest anyone think I'm just trying to troll them.
Click to expand...

You would think that Oiler fans would be familiar with Ryan Smyth's international career where he was an automatic to show up wherever Team Canada asked him. In all honestly, Smyth was never the most skilled or greatest player yet he wanted a spot on Team Canada so badly and did everything in his power to get a spot, they couldn't leave him off. That's paying your dues. Not showing up if you feel like it and having excuse after excuse and playing the victim when things don't go your way. Shut your mouth, get to work, play your ass off, and again - shut your mouth. The name on the back doesn't mean squat, the logo on your chest is all that matters and exists when you represent your country.

I can understand the Oiler kids coming under fire for this, but if they really wanted to make the 2018 bad enough... they'd be doing what they can even now to lay the ground work to make sure that they do. It may seem silly to think about something 4 years from now, but have you seen the competition for spots? Crosby, Toews, Tavares, Stamkos, etc. - those guys aren't going anywhere and they will be busting their ass to make sure no one takes their spot from them.

This is not about the NHL. This is purely on the player and their desire to represent their country on the world's biggest stage. Tavares said it best, 'as a hockey player, the Stanley Cup is the ultimate prize. As an athlete in general, the Olympics is the pinnacle'. I paraphrased a bit, but you get the meaning. It's two separate issues.

Like it or not, there is a process to earn membership into that select group. What did Hall/Eberle/RNH do over Tavares/Duchene/Benn to make it over them? Canada went with a very heavy veteran laded team this year with only a few spots for youngsters. It probably worked against the Oilers kids that none were in their 5th season plus like everyone on the team - kind of seemed to be the cut off. Still, the 2018 campaign starts now. You want that spot, then take it and make sure no one takes it from you. God forbid, players have to work for it.
 
PWJunior said:
You would think that Oiler fans would be familiar with Ryan Smyth's international career where he was an automatic to show up wherever Team Canada asked him. In all honestly, Smyth was never the most skilled or greatest player yet he wanted a spot on Team Canada so badly and did everything in his power to get a spot, they couldn't leave him off. That's paying your dues. Not showing up if you feel like it and having excuse after excuse and playing the victim when things don't go your way. Shut your mouth, get to work, play your ass off, and again - shut your mouth. The name on the back doesn't mean squat, the logo on your chest is all that matters and exists when you represent your country.

I can understand the Oiler kids coming under fire for this, but if they really wanted to make the 2018 bad enough... they'd be doing what they can even now to lay the ground work to make sure that they do. It may seem silly to think about something 4 years from now, but have you seen the competition for spots? Crosby, Toews, Tavares, Stamkos, etc. - those guys aren't going anywhere and they will be busting their ass to make sure no one takes their spot from them.

This is not about the NHL. This is purely on the player and their desire to represent their country on the world's biggest stage. Tavares said it best, 'as a hockey player, the Stanley Cup is the ultimate prize. As an athlete in general, the Olympics is the pinnacle'. I paraphrased a bit, but you get the meaning. It's two separate issues.

Like it or not, there is a process to earn membership into that select group. What did Hall/Eberle/RNH do over Tavares/Duchene/Benn to make it over them? Canada went with a very heavy veteran laded team this year with only a few spots for youngsters. It probably worked against the Oilers kids that none were in their 5th season plus like everyone on the team - kind of seemed to be the cut off. Still, the 2018 campaign starts now. You want that spot, then take it and make sure no one takes it from you. God forbid, players have to work for it.
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RNH was never in the equation. But Hall finished tied for 6th in scoring. Eberle has proven that he performs well on the international stage. Nash was having a terrible season but they took him anyways.

Team Canada is all politics. MSL gets excluded but then added again to appease him. Giroux was given a massive snub because he either A) Didn't attend the camp or B) Crosby didn't want him on the team.

Kunitz gets a free pass on Crosby's coattails.

The Oil kids unfortunately play for the wrong team as team success was obviously taken into account. And how they handled Hall being excluded was a joke.

Nobody is discrediting the team because they won gold but that was largely on Team Canada's D.

Scoring was a major issue and they nearly lost to Latvia because of it.
MSL, Duchene etc.. when given the opportunity did nothing with it.
 
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