Hlinka Gretzky Cup

[DDRhockey]

Why Finland didn't play like this earlier in this tournament.

Well it is switzerland

 

[snipes]

If it's Canada - Russia final, will it be a sellout in Edmonton?

It will draw a pretty good sized crowd.

Canada v Russia is always a big draw and with it being for Gold and on a Saturday I imagine it would be well attended.

This is the first year it's been in Canada and even casual fans who are now watching it for the first time can see how good the quality of best-on-best U18 hockey is at this event.

 

[S E P H]

Just because one nation chooses to withhold from playing their best while everyone else does, doesnt mean it isnt best on best.

Because a nation chooses to withhold their best players absolutely means it isn't the best of the best. Now that doesn't mean that you guys' cannot enjoy it, but I don't take this tourney seriously. When people say this is the strongest is a complete lie, it's more about prospects you liked and want to follow when they head back to their domestic teams.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

 

[Wooren]

Because a nation chooses to withhold their best players absolutely means it isn't the best of the best. Now that doesn't mean that you guys' cannot enjoy it, but I don't take this tourney seriously. When people say this is the strongest is a complete lie, it's more about prospects you liked and want to follow when they head back to their domestic teams.

What tournament do you take seriously then? Pre-2018 Olympics would the only one that fit your criteria.

 

[theslatcher]

What the actual f***? Why do the refs love to throw out Swedes from the faceoff circle?

 

[snipes]

Because a nation chooses to withhold their best players absolutely means it isn't the best of the best. Now that doesn't mean that you guys' cannot enjoy it, but I don't take this tourney seriously. When people say this is the strongest is a complete lie, it's more about prospects you liked and want to follow when they head back to their domestic teams.

I don't think you understand the definition of best-on-best.

It's a question of "does a federation have unbridled access to their player pool?" Meaning no league play interfering, playoffs not on, the federation is participating, etc.

In other words, if the answer is yes a federation can pick whoever they want outside of injuries then it's a best-on-best tournament. The USA choosing their roster is their choice to assemble the team they want.


Edit: you said best of the best I'm talking how best-on-best has generally been conceived.

 

[SOLR]

Finland vs Switzerland 5-1 after 1st period.
Finland's goals Nikkanen 2, Puistola 2, Kokkonen

Henri Nikkanen is on fire 2+3 in 1st period.
But Puistola hasn't been bad either Puistola has scored 2+2 in 1st period.

Why Finland didn't play like this earlier in this tournament.

Switzerland is a crappy team this year. Fins are not playing well, the swiss are not good.

 

[Boonk]

Because a nation chooses to withhold their best players absolutely means it isn't the best of the best. Now that doesn't mean that you guys' cannot enjoy it, but I don't take this tourney seriously. When people say this is the strongest is a complete lie, it's more about prospects you liked and want to follow when they head back to their domestic teams.

No it doesnt actually. Thats USA Hockeys choice. And even then they still invite and select the best US players from the CHL, USHL (non NDP), Prep Schools and Midget teams. You can try and deny it all you want, its still a best on best tournament.

You can also have your opinion about how you dont take this tournament seriously. Clearly the hockey federations participating, the hundreds of scouts in attendance, and a good majority of the hockey community disagrees.

 

[EK47]

With Söderström out, Björnfot and Broberg are soo far ahead of the other swedish dmen.

 

[FinPanda]

Such a shame Finland showed up when it didn't matter anymore. Talking about mistakes preparing the team/or their attitude for this tournament.

 

[snipes]

What a save!!

 

[theslatcher]

Save of the tournament.

 

[snipes]

Russians are far deeper, faster, and more skilled top to bottom. Looks like the Canada v Sweden game with Russia carrying the play like Canada did.

However, that Holtz line is always dangerous and can strike at any moment.

Russia needs to bury one and capitalize on their pressure they've had. Upcoming PP is a good opportunity now.

 

[Outofbodyinhungary]

Mrazik continues to score and dominate using his big body, nearly a ppg at u18 tourney and now over a ppg here. Should be gone within first 3 rounds of next draft.

 

[theslatcher]

I wonder if Holtz & Raymond will ever get a PP.

 

[Mauler]

That Russian goalie has played very well in this game both teams creating lots of chances this can go either way

 

[JimboA]

I liked that TSN segment on Dylan Cozens. Can't be that many NHL players from Yukon, right?

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

Broberg came close there on a great rush .. should have scored

And he scored from the pt on the pp... stock rising

 

[grentthealien]

Yet another rush from Broberg. Don’t tell him he’s not Bobby Orr yet.

 

[Marc the Habs Fan]

Oh look, Broberg beasting again. 1-0 Swedes.

I liked that TSN segment on Dylan Cozens. Can't be that many NHL players from Yukon, right?

I think he would be the 3rd or 4th and the other guys played a few games at most.

 

[snipes]

Yet another rush from Broberg. Don’t tell him he’s not Bobby Orr yet.

And now he scores

 

[PWJunior]

Podkolzin, wow.

 

[HockeyAddict]

What a beautiful goal by the Russian!!!

Now Sweden scores… wow!!

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

great individual effort by podkolzin to tie it up inside 2 minutes