Hitchcock - "The WC hockey is better than the Olympics."

[xxxx]

No doubt. The players aren't a homogenic bunch, after all. Their comments indicate that some like the idea of playing in the World Cup, others are indifferent to it and others would rather be somewhere else. But they'll go through the motions all the same.

I hope you weren't implying all of them are interested, because that would most assuredly NOT be the truth.


This heterogenity is, however, in clear contrast to the Olympics, where very few players figure they'd rather be somewhere else. The fact that they don't even get paid tells us as much. They'd be free to say "no thanks" to their respective federations and take the two weeks as an extra vacation. In fact, there are players who have done the very thing.

1) no, they are no such comments that indicates there would rather be somewhere else, please provide me a link of anything like this. That is completely made up.
2) In the past, some players chose to not particpate for Canada at Canada Cup. So they are free to say no.

As to players that are interviewed, I actually believe what they say that's the difference probably. Have a nice day.

 

[habsrule4eva3089]

Pierre McGuire on the radio, ''I'm not even thinking about the World Cup, it's an exhibition tournament.''

LOL even the nhl's number one analyst can honestly look at the situation and realize what this tournament is, nothing but a money maker. This shouldn't even be in the International tournament section, keep in the nhl section, this is not a tournament millions and millions of people around the World are awaiting for.

 

[Canuckistani]

Sandysan, I don't get the sense from any of your posts that you are the slightest bit interested in what is best for the game of hockey. All I see is some nonsense about the NHLs coffers, at a time when they are desecrating best-on-best hockey.

Seriously, do you work for the league?

 

[Senor Catface]

Why are so many Europeans acting so hurt about this tournament?

 

[xxxx]

Why are so many Europeans acting so hurt about this tournament?

they are hurt because some people actually take this tournament seriously so they need to remain them that it's not that good tournament

It is a best-on-best tournament, it is a serious tournament, it is absolutely on par with the olympics, and the players care about it as much as about any other TOP trophy.

Oh boy, they hate to hear that, I'll tell you.

 

[FiLe]

As to players that are interviewed, I actually believe what they say that's the difference probably. Have a nice day.

Three questions:

1) What country do you come from?
2) What country are you rooting to win the World Cup?
3) Are you proud to be a national of said country?

Now, if the answers are 1) Canada, 2) Canada, and 3) Yes, please read the following...

The under 23 team is pretty much forced to play. They are rookies and sophomores with no say. They haven't built up a reputation where they can call their own shots. Can you imagine the backlash McDavid or Larkin or Ekblad will get if they say they don't want to play? Listening to McDavid answer questions on the World Cup yesterday, it's hilarious when he says he will shut off being Canadian for the duration of the tournament. He actually said that!

Now, one additional question...

4) Do you choose believe McDavid?


And if the answer is "Yes", one last question...

5) Don't you think making a man to do something like that is just plain wrong?

 

[sandysan]

Sandysan, I don't get the sense from any of your posts that you are the slightest bit interested in what is best for the game of hockey. All I see is some nonsense about the NHLs coffers, at a time when they are desecrating best-on-best hockey.

Seriously, do you work for the league?

The NHL has never made a dime off olympic participation. What benefits?

If money is to be made at the olympics ( and Billions are involved) who do you think should get a cut? The talent which is THE draw, the owners who have the draw under contract or a bunch of beaurocrats whose biggest contribution is to find someone to drive the zamboni?

So do you work for the IOC? The NCAA? The thai slave labor seafood industry?

Desecrating best on best from an entity that put up the charade of amateurs as professionals from some countries got to beat up on college kids? Or the one that allows citizenships of concenience like vicktor ahn?

For some of you the nhl is using this as a cash grab ( but they cut the players in) the ioc does NONE of this, they sell broadcast rights for billions and keep ALL the revenues and its the NHL that is greedy?

 

[JackSlater]

they are hurt because some people actually take this tournament seriously so they need to remain them that it's not that good tournament

It is a best-on-best tournament, it is a serious tournament, it is absolutely on par with the olympics, and the players care about it as much as about any other TOP trophy.

Oh boy, they hate to hear that, I'll tell you.

It has nothing to do with being European, as many of the people who hate the tournament are not European. It is obviously not a best on best, since best on best in this usage implies international, and the tournament is not between nations. It has also prevented a level playing field, as not all of the actual "national" teams involved are allowed to draw from their full pool of players. 4/8 of the teams are either gimmick teams that have no place in an international tournament or are teams that are unfairly hindered from selecting all of their top players. Those are blatant and obvious issues that do not exist in the Olympics, or in any actual best on best tournament in any sport. To suggest that the tournament is then on par with the Olympics, a legitimate best on best tournament since 1998, is laughable and idiotic.

 

[sandysan]

It has nothing to do with being European, as many of the people who hate the tournament are not European. It is obviously not a best on best, since best on best in this usage implies international, and the tournament is not between nations. It has also prevented a level playing field, as not all of the actual "national" teams involved are allowed to draw from their full pool of players. 4/8 of the teams are either gimmick teams that have no place in an international tournament or are teams that are unfairly hindered from selecting all of their top players. Those are blatant and obvious issues that do not exist in the Olympics, or in any actual best on best tournament in any sport. To suggest that the tournament is then on par with the Olympics, a legitimate best on best tournament since 1998, is laughable and idiotic.

Wait best on best is now synonymous with international? The gimmick teams have more talent than some national teams. What they dont have is players all sharing the same passports. So the choice is aggregate with a chance to win or keep it the same ( well not really the ioc has no problems with athletes of convenience) and get steamrolled.

From players in a league that is perfectly willing to go to war with ANYONE wearing the same jersey.

To me the choice is clear. To others I hope you get to enjoy the spectacle of team has beens and never will be's if the nhl choses not to go.

 

[FiLe]

Wait best on best is now synonymous with international? The gimmick teams have more talent than some national teams. What they dont have is players all sharing the same passports.

Let's see...

Nope, it's still not cake.

 

[Canuckistani]

The NHL has never made a dime off olympic participation. What benefits?

Who the hell cares? Why would the NHLs coffers even be a consideration for a fan?

I want to see best-on-best competition and the NHL has proven that they have no idea what that even means. The IOC, meanwhile, has got it done since 1998 and they seem to have a firm grasp on the whole idea of "national teams."

Team Europe...North American kids....how do you not throw up in your own mouth when defending this sham?

If the NHL goes to the Olympics then I won't care about this disgraceful event, but they seem to be banking on it replacing the only best-on-best event that we have. And you're fine with that because the NHL needs to fatten their wallets. Good lord.

 

[sandysan]

Let's see...

Nope, it's still not cake.

Beggars cant be choosers. The notion that being sanctioned by the iihf means legitimacy ( hello best of the rest world shampionships) is laughable on its face.

Your beloved IOC could easily fix this by opening up their wallets. But they wont and to deflect from their greed you try to paint the nhl as greedy in hopes no one notices.

The nhl is a private company designed to make money but some fans want them to forgo the ability , lend their players for free for nothing, so sone can get to watch tge best players on the planet while 3rd parties get rich.

 

[FiLe]

Your beloved IOC could easily fix this by opening up their wallets. But they wont and to deflect from their greed you try to paint the nhl as greedy in hopes no one notices.

More strawmen. How quaint.

As I've said a number of times already, my only reason for defending the IOC is that they get it right. Beyond that, I don't care how they get it right. Pay the NHL, don't pay them - all the same to me.

And it wouldn't change a thing even if Bettman came out now and said they fully expect to make deficit with this - and are simply setting up the tournament out of the kindness of their hearts. They would still have it wrong with these two gimmicks.

Q: But if they were to make it right?
A: Shut up and take my money.

If the NHL goes to the Olympics then I won't care about this disgraceful event, but they seem to be banking on it replacing the only best-on-best event that we have. And you're fine with that because the NHL needs to fatten their wallets. Good lord.

Insane troll logic at its best.

With the emphasis on the middle word.

 

[sandysan]

Who the hell cares? Why would the NHLs coffers even be a consideration for a fan?

I want to see best-on-best competition and the NHL has proven that they have no idea what that even means. The IOC, meanwhile, has got it done since 1998 and they seem to have a firm grasp on the whole idea of "national teams."

Team Europe...North American kids....how do you not throw up in your own mouth when defending this sham?

If the NHL goes to the Olympics then I won't care about this disgraceful event, but they seem to be banking on it replacing the only best-on-best event that we have. And you're fine with that because the NHL needs to fatten their wallets. Good lord.

The olympics isnt best on best. There are tons of players from countries with depth who cant play despite being 1st line players on most other teams. Conversely there are teams who fill their roster with fill ins. Team young guns and leftover europe tries to minimize this by increasing parity.

If you want best on best the World cup is about as close as its going to get. And team leftover europe and young guns are one offs. If its a success this time and it goes all national teams ( provided they play in the nhl) people will accept its legitinacy? What will they complain about then?

 

[FiLe]

The olympics isnt best on best. There are tons of players from countries with depth who cant play despite being 1st line players on most other teams. Conversely there are teams who fill their roster with fill ins. Team young guns and leftover europe tries to minimize this by increasing parity.

Definition of "best-on-best": Countries that made the tournament play it with the best players they have available. Some may have 25 world-class players. Some may have double or triple the amount. Others may fall short of that magic number. Still, they come up with 25 (or 23)-men rosters to their best ability, and these squads are pit against each other. Anything else is the thing-that's-not-cake.

Woe is those who really don't have the muscle to compete. Woe is also those who have more than 25 but must also pick as much. That's how it goes. And not just in hockey, but any team sport, so why in the heck should hockey be an aversion?

If you want best on best the World cup is about as close as its going to get. And team leftover europe and young guns are one offs. If its a success this time and it goes all national teams ( provided they play in the nhl) people will accept its legitinacy? What will they complain about then?

If all the invited countries' best players are in the NHL, then there should be nothing to complain about. If they're not, and the NHL insists this is not a valid reason to invite some of them and replace them with collection squads, there is plenty.

See? It's not so complicated.

 

[Atas2000]

I know, right? It's not like this tournament is supposed to be a greedy excuse for withdrawing from the Olympics or anything, the flak is completely unjustified.

Really? Team North America, Team Europe, no Slovakia. Unjustified my ***

 

[Canuckistani]

The olympics isnt best on best. There are tons of players from countries with depth who cant play despite being 1st line players on most other teams. Conversely there are teams who fill their roster with fill ins. Team young guns and leftover europe tries to minimize this by increasing parity.

If you want best on best the World cup is about as close as its going to get. And team leftover europe and young guns are one offs. If its a success this time and it goes all national teams ( provided they play in the nhl) people will accept its legitinacy? What will they complain about then?

Ah, now I see why you're ok with this travesty.

You don't even know what a best-on-best event is.

 

[JackSlater]

Wait best on best is now synonymous with international? The gimmick teams have more talent than some national teams. What they dont have is players all sharing the same passports. So the choice is aggregate with a chance to win or keep it the same ( well not really the ioc has no problems with athletes of convenience) and get steamrolled.

No, 'best on best' is not a synonym for international, since most international hockey is not best on best. It's fairly obvious that best on best refers to international competition, since otherwise we would call NHL hockey best on best, or the all star game best on best.

For example, this tournament is masquerading as a best on best by presenting the best Swedes vs the best Finns vs the best Czechs vs the best Russians vs the best Canadian over 24s vs the best American over 24s vs the best North Americans under 23 vs the best Europeans not from Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic and Russia. Surely anyone can see a bit of an issue there.

Who the hell cares? Why would the NHLs coffers even be a consideration for a fan?

I want to see best-on-best competition and the NHL has proven that they have no idea what that even means. The IOC, meanwhile, has got it done since 1998 and they seem to have a firm grasp on the whole idea of "national teams."

Team Europe...North American kids....how do you not throw up in your own mouth when defending this sham?

If the NHL goes to the Olympics then I won't care about this disgraceful event, but they seem to be banking on it replacing the only best-on-best event that we have. And you're fine with that because the NHL needs to fatten their wallets. Good lord.

I guess it's a small coup for NHL propaganda that two fans care so much about NHL profits and will use theoretical NHL profits s justification for idiotic decisions.

 

[SirKillalot]

It could be a great tournament if ...
1) You remplace Team NA and Team Europe by 2 REAL nations (or you go just with the 6 top countries in every teams plays vs every teams tournament)
2) You change the date. We will have the best names out there, but will those names be in a good shape? I don't think so.

Agreed with number both. And, it's called the Olympics.

There is no point other than milking the dough out of this tournament. I mean, haven't people watched opening season games in the NHL? They pretty much suck compared to later in the season. This is just a stupid gimmick to sell merchandise, because NHL hasn't figured out that to actually earn more profit, they have to either set-up shops around the country/world or sell more licenses to other companies that can sell stuff and market for them.

 

[AimForTopCheddar]

Not really sure what the point of this tournament even is? We have the Olympics, and the WC/WCJRs every single year. It would be much cooler to see a champions league similar to UEFA. Top 2 teams from each league competing is much more entertaining.

 

[29dryden29]

This tournament holds my attention for me than the Olympics. I find the Olympics quite boring and mundane. They Olympics should go back to NCAA players and the likes not the NHL.

 

[AimForTopCheddar]

This tournament holds my attention for me than the Olympics. I find the Olympics quite boring and mundane. They Olympics should go back to NCAA players and the likes not the NHL.

In terms of International tournaments, The Olympics are the most important so why should they use inferior players?

 

[Urbanskog]

Pierre McGuire on the radio, ''I'm not even thinking about the World Cup, it's an exhibition tournament.''

LOL even the nhl's number one analyst can honestly look at the situation and realize what this tournament is, nothing but a money maker. This shouldn't even be in the International tournament section, keep in the nhl section, this is not a tournament millions and millions of people around the World are awaiting for.

It's certainly great to hear him voice his honest opinion.

"I am so not focused on the World Cup, it means nothing to me. I'm telling you, it's an exhibition tournament".

"I don't think we have a real legitimate World Cup if you want to know the truth".

Audio link: http://www.tsn.ca/radio/vancouver-1...-real-legitimate-world-cup-of-hockey-1.446915
The World Cup of Hockey talk starts at 11:45.

Really? Team North America, Team Europe, no Slovakia. Unjustified my ***

Sarcasm is obviously not your forte.

 

[Pizza the Hutt]

I still don't understand why there's a team north america and team europe.

None of this makes sense to me.

 

[Snowsii]

Your beloved IOC could easily fix this by opening up their wallets. But they wont and to deflect from their greed you try to paint the nhl as greedy in hopes no one notices.

The nhl is a private company designed to make money but some fans want them to forgo the ability , lend their players for free for nothing, so sone can get to watch tge best players on the planet while 3rd parties get rich.

Plz.. maybe you should get your facts rights..
http://www.olympic.org/Documents/THE%20IOC/Annual_Report/2014_IOC_AnnualReport_ENG_onscreen.pdf Read pages 110 ->, and then come here saying, it's IOC whos creedy..