I believe you're right regarding the players. Everyeone of them has come to play although they knew that they won't stroll along river Daugava or have nice parties. They knew, they will spend their time in hotel rooms and hockey rinks to represent their country.So tired of this age old bs how "the players don't care about this tournament, so we suck". It's one of the more annoying shit that gets around here. Every single player playing for Canada cares a f***ton as they're competitive ice hockey players - not internet posters. They're there picked to represent their country. Use your brain.
As often, Canada takes time to get together as a team. This happens more often than not lately.
But I have to admit, it looks like neither NHL, Hockey Canada nor USA Hockey are anyhow interested in international tournaments.