If United States won seniors Worlds...

[Lartsaman]

Thats interesting one. US hasnt won this tournament since the time of Al Capone and John Dillinger(last time 1933). Almost every year they end up losing the quarterfinals and at the best win the bronze medal. They would have had a chance to win many times by now if their best available nhlers had participated(or cared?).

I know that hockey fans in the US dont care much about the tournament, at least the majority. It would be interesting to see what would happen if they finally won this tournament. Would people celebrate? Would ANYONE care?

I know that finnish people go crazy when we win, same can be assumed about czechs and slovaks....

Click to read more...

 

[Conspiracy Theorist]

Bonnie and Clyde were still alive when they won last time. It is fascinating. They are a major power after all.

 

[Albatros]

They won in 1960.

 

[Lambo]

The last won was 1960. The last olympics(Important tournament) 1980. Long long time ago. The most overrated hockey power. Reminds me England in football(soccer).

 

[Lartsaman]

I know they won in 1960. I didnt count that because it was Olympics although I know its usually counted as WHC gold also. But anyways its a long long time ago and for me United States is one of the strangest top country because of that. I actually kind of hope that they could succeed sometime in the near future.

 

[Mathieukferland]

The last won was 1960. The last olympics(Important tournament) 1980. Long long time ago. The most overrated hockey power. Reminds me England in football(soccer).

Thanks for the idea, hockey to football national team comparisons:


Finland=Uruguay

Small Country obsessed with the sport, plays well above their population, have won tournaments in the past. Youth development is very good. Both play physical brands of their sport considering which continent they’re on (Uruguay is a physical side on an otherwise skill oriented continent, Finland play a tight defensive style on a continent that is more known for possession and skill hockey)

Czech Republic=Hungary

Used to be really good, but since the fall communism players raised in the post communist age have failed to live up to the glorious accomplishments of the past. Both have players that can be considered amongst the greats of all time in their sport (Jagr, Puskas). Both have one standout performance that will live on in national folklore (Hungary bollocking England at Wembley, and Czech beating Russia to win gold in Nagano)

Sweden=Holland

Produce excellent, skill oriented players, both probably should have won more tournaments given the quality of players they produce (Sweden with one best on best win, Holland have won the Euros once). Both countries style of play place an emphasis on passing and possession. Both currently have a player that is one of the best if not the best defensive player in the world (Hedman, van Dijk)

USA=England (thanks for the original idea)

Both countries with large player pools and populations that have won relatively little, only 1 best on best victory for each (USA 1996 WCOH, England 1966 WC). Both are home to the best domestic league in the world (NHL and Premiership), and despite large injections of money from their domestic leagues into the national federation, keep falling short on the big stage. Both currently have a young generation of promising players that have had success at youth level (England u17 WC 2017, USA WJC 2017), but have yet to make their mark on the senior international stage. Both have a player that, while not the best of the upcoming generation, will be top 5 in the world for a while to come (Sancho, Matthews)

Russia=Argentina

Large countries in which the sport is most popularly amongst specific socioeconomic demographics (in more affluent areas of Argentina, rugby is the most popular, whereas amongst skint people in Russia, football is more popular). Both countries had great successes during the later part of the 20th century (Argentina with multiple continental championships and world cups, Russia winning a Canada Cup and routinely beating NHL all star teams), but have not had the same success in the 21st century despite producing two of the best players ever in their sport (Ovechkin, Messi). At the current moment, both nations seem to produce forwards en masse, yet have difficulty producing defensive players

Canada= Brazil

The most successful nations of all time and the countries in which the sport is most popular. Canada has won 9/13 of the best on best tournaments, and Brazil has won a record 5 world cups. Both have produced arguably the greatest player of all time in their sport (Gretzky, Pele)

 

[member 305909]

Interesting analysis above. However Canada is much more dominant at hockey than Brazil at football. Brazil hasn't been the best in the world for years.

I know that Argentina has a good rugby-team which does well at the world cup but that was news to me that the sport is actually more popular than football among certain segments of the population.

Having said that I seem to recall that they have said the same thing about rugby and football in France as well.

In Wales rugby is probably more popular than football.

 

[Snowsii]

Thanks for the idea, hockey to football national team comparisons:


Finland=Uruguay

Small Country obsessed with the sport, plays well above their population, have won tournaments in the past. Youth development is very good. Both play physical brands of their sport considering which continent they’re on (Uruguay is a physical side on an otherwise skill oriented continent, Finland play a tight defensive style on a continent that is more known for possession and skill hockey)

Czech Republic=Hungary

Used to be really good, but since the fall communism players raised in the post communist age have failed to live up to the glorious accomplishments of the past. Both have players that can be considered amongst the greats of all time in their sport (Jagr, Puskas). Both have one standout performance that will live on in national folklore (Hungary bollocking England at Wembley, and Czech beating Russia to win gold in Nagano)

Sweden=Holland

Produce excellent, skill oriented players, both probably should have won more tournaments given the quality of players they produce (Sweden with one best on best win, Holland have won the Euros once). Both countries style of play place an emphasis on passing and possession. Both currently have a player that is one of the best if not the best defensive player in the world (Hedman, van Dijk)

USA=England (thanks for the original idea)

Both countries with large player pools and populations that have won relatively little, only 1 best on best victory for each (USA 1996 WCOH, England 1966 WC). Both are home to the best domestic league in the world (NHL and Premiership), and despite large injections of money from their domestic leagues into the national federation, keep falling short on the big stage. Both currently have a young generation of promising players that have had success at youth level (England u17 WC 2017, USA WJC 2017), but have yet to make their mark on the senior international stage. Both have a player that, while not the best of the upcoming generation, will be top 5 in the world for a while to come (Sancho, Matthews)

Russia=Argentina

Large countries in which the sport is most popularly amongst specific socioeconomic demographics (in more affluent areas of Argentina, rugby is the most popular, whereas amongst skint people in Russia, football is more popular). Both countries had great successes during the later part of the 20th century (Argentina with multiple continental championships and world cups, Russia winning a Canada Cup and routinely beating NHL all star teams), but have not had the same success in the 21st century despite producing two of the best players ever in their sport (Ovechkin, Messi). At the current moment, both nations seem to produce forwards en masse, yet have difficulty producing defensive players

Canada= Brazil

The most successful nations of all time and the countries in which the sport is most popular. Canada has won 9/13 of the best on best tournaments, and Brazil has won a record 5 world cups. Both have produced arguably the greatest player of all time in their sport (Gretzky, Pele)

Which one would be Germany?

 

[kilowatt]

Which one would be Germany?

Germany

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Thats interesting one. US hasnt won this tournament since the time of Al Capone and John Dillinger(last time 1933). Almost every year they end up losing the quarterfinals and at the best win the bronze medal. They would have had a chance to win many times by now if their best available nhlers had participated(or cared?).

I know that hockey fans in the US dont care much about the tournament, at least the majority. It would be interesting to see what would happen if they finally won this tournament. Would people celebrate? Would ANYONE care?

I know that finnish people go crazy when we win, same can be assumed about czechs and slovaks....

No one would care except the five or six die hard USA Hockey fans on this board and maybe the players' families. It is remarkable though that the U.S. hasn't somehow lucked out and won at least once over the past decade or so. We've sent some good teams.

 

[Albatros]

I know they won in 1960. I didnt count that because it was Olympics although I know its usually counted as WHC gold also. But anyways its a long long time ago and for me United States is one of the strangest top country because of that. I actually kind of hope that they could succeed sometime in the near future.

The players were also awarded World Championship gold medals like any other year, so not counting it would be somewhat unusual.

 

[Mathieukferland]

Which one would be Germany?

Germany Hockey or Football? If you’re talking about the Germany Hockey Team I’d probably say Norway, traditionally not very successful, but always give bigger nations a harder time, and have one younger player who is amongst the best in the world (Draisaitl/Haaland)

 

[Mathieukferland]

Interesting analysis above. However Canada is much more dominant at hockey than Brazil at football. Brazil hasn't been the best in the world for years.

I know that Argentina has a good rugby-team which does well at the world cup but that was news to me that the sport is actually more popular than football among certain segments of the population.

Having said that I seem to recall that they have said the same thing about rugby and football in France as well.

In Wales rugby is probably more popular than football.

Yeah there really is no good football comparison to Canada to be honest, the closest thing would probably be USA basketball when they have everyone, not even the fabled All Blacks have won over half of the world cups played.

 

[Lambo]

Thanks for the idea, hockey to football national team comparisons:


Finland=Uruguay

Small Country obsessed with the sport, plays well above their population, have won tournaments in the past. Youth development is very good. Both play physical brands of their sport considering which continent they’re on (Uruguay is a physical side on an otherwise skill oriented continent, Finland play a tight defensive style on a continent that is more known for possession and skill hockey)

Czech Republic=Hungary

Used to be really good, but since the fall communism players raised in the post communist age have failed to live up to the glorious accomplishments of the past. Both have players that can be considered amongst the greats of all time in their sport (Jagr, Puskas). Both have one standout performance that will live on in national folklore (Hungary bollocking England at Wembley, and Czech beating Russia to win gold in Nagano)

Sweden=Holland

Produce excellent, skill oriented players, both probably should have won more tournaments given the quality of players they produce (Sweden with one best on best win, Holland have won the Euros once). Both countries style of play place an emphasis on passing and possession. Both currently have a player that is one of the best if not the best defensive player in the world (Hedman, van Dijk)

USA=England (thanks for the original idea)

Both countries with large player pools and populations that have won relatively little, only 1 best on best victory for each (USA 1996 WCOH, England 1966 WC). Both are home to the best domestic league in the world (NHL and Premiership), and despite large injections of money from their domestic leagues into the national federation, keep falling short on the big stage. Both currently have a young generation of promising players that have had success at youth level (England u17 WC 2017, USA WJC 2017), but have yet to make their mark on the senior international stage. Both have a player that, while not the best of the upcoming generation, will be top 5 in the world for a while to come (Sancho, Matthews)

Russia=Argentina

Large countries in which the sport is most popularly amongst specific socioeconomic demographics (in more affluent areas of Argentina, rugby is the most popular, whereas amongst skint people in Russia, football is more popular). Both countries had great successes during the later part of the 20th century (Argentina with multiple continental championships and world cups, Russia winning a Canada Cup and routinely beating NHL all star teams), but have not had the same success in the 21st century despite producing two of the best players ever in their sport (Ovechkin, Messi). At the current moment, both nations seem to produce forwards en masse, yet have difficulty producing defensive players

Canada= Brazil

The most successful nations of all time and the countries in which the sport is most popular. Canada has won 9/13 of the best on best tournaments, and Brazil has won a record 5 world cups. Both have produced arguably the greatest player of all time in their sport (Gretzky, Pele)

Hmmm? I think ist is little bit disrespectful to FIN, CZE, SWE. This Hockeynations are much bigger. Uruguay s succes is long long ong ago. Finland is now rising. This comparing isn t very lucky. Czechs had the big time in the past yes. But they re much more comptetitive in hockey than Hungary in Football. Sweden is much more steady than Nederlands.

Now my comparings.
Czech Rep = Uruguay (Big past)

Finland = Italy (After WW II since 50s)

Sweden = Germany(Very consistent and always stay long in tournamants)

Russia = Brazil (Rekordworldchampions with great history and the bis succes came 2n half of century but now with some weakness).

USA = England (Both with strong leagues + corresponding potential and therfore they re overrated and with big noise).

Canada = France + Spain(I can t find a single Football-Nation for Canada )

 

[SanDogBrewin]

Thats interesting one. US hasnt won this tournament since the time of Al Capone and John Dillinger(last time 1933). Almost every year they end up losing the quarterfinals and at the best win the bronze medal. They would have had a chance to win many times by now if their best available nhlers had participated(or cared?).

I know that hockey fans in the US dont care much about the tournament, at least the majority. It would be interesting to see what would happen if they finally won this tournament. Would people celebrate? Would ANYONE care?

I know that finnish people go crazy when we win, same can be assumed about czechs and slovaks....

Be sure to let us know what the celebration is like when Finland wins gold at the Olympics.

 

[BOS358]

I know that hockey fans in the US dont care much about the tournament, at least the majority. It would be interesting to see what would happen if they finally won this tournament. Would people celebrate? Would ANYONE care?

It really depends on the media coverage, which holds a lot of sway in the opinions of fans. If the team goes on a strong run in the group stage and the press picks up on it, people might start to care. If not, it'll barely be a blip on the radar. I don't know how much buzz the 1980 Olympics garnered at the beginning (I wasn't alive at the time,) but you'd better believe that everybody was paying attention at the end. On the other hand, I've actually won money from people who claimed that the US skipped the 1984 games entirely (not true, but the hockey team might as well have.)

I know that finnish people go crazy when we win, same can be assumed about czechs and slovaks....

Until fans from another country go streaking and skinny-dipping in well-below freezing temperature, I don't think anybody is in the same league as the Finns!

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

Thanks for the idea, hockey to football national team comparisons:


Finland=Uruguay

Small Country obsessed with the sport, plays well above their population, have won tournaments in the past. Youth development is very good. Both play physical brands of their sport considering which continent they’re on (Uruguay is a physical side on an otherwise skill oriented continent, Finland play a tight defensive style on a continent that is more known for possession and skill hockey)

Czech Republic=Hungary

Used to be really good, but since the fall communism players raised in the post communist age have failed to live up to the glorious accomplishments of the past. Both have players that can be considered amongst the greats of all time in their sport (Jagr, Puskas). Both have one standout performance that will live on in national folklore (Hungary bollocking England at Wembley, and Czech beating Russia to win gold in Nagano)

Sweden=Holland

Produce excellent, skill oriented players, both probably should have won more tournaments given the quality of players they produce (Sweden with one best on best win, Holland have won the Euros once). Both countries style of play place an emphasis on passing and possession. Both currently have a player that is one of the best if not the best defensive player in the world (Hedman, van Dijk)

USA=England (thanks for the original idea)

Both countries with large player pools and populations that have won relatively little, only 1 best on best victory for each (USA 1996 WCOH, England 1966 WC). Both are home to the best domestic league in the world (NHL and Premiership), and despite large injections of money from their domestic leagues into the national federation, keep falling short on the big stage. Both currently have a young generation of promising players that have had success at youth level (England u17 WC 2017, USA WJC 2017), but have yet to make their mark on the senior international stage. Both have a player that, while not the best of the upcoming generation, will be top 5 in the world for a while to come (Sancho, Matthews)

Russia=Argentina

Large countries in which the sport is most popularly amongst specific socioeconomic demographics (in more affluent areas of Argentina, rugby is the most popular, whereas amongst skint people in Russia, football is more popular). Both countries had great successes during the later part of the 20th century (Argentina with multiple continental championships and world cups, Russia winning a Canada Cup and routinely beating NHL all star teams), but have not had the same success in the 21st century despite producing two of the best players ever in their sport (Ovechkin, Messi). At the current moment, both nations seem to produce forwards en masse, yet have difficulty producing defensive players

Canada= Brazil

The most successful nations of all time and the countries in which the sport is most popular. Canada has won 9/13 of the best on best tournaments, and Brazil has won a record 5 world cups. Both have produced arguably the greatest player of all time in their sport (Gretzky, Pele)

You're aware that Russia and Canada have the same amount of Olympic gold medals 9 and Russia has won more World Championships at 27 than any other nation. Not Gretzky's fault but they also boast what most consider the greatest international players of all time because Gretzky wasn't really playing in big tournaments in his prime. I can call him the greatest player of all-time, but international seems a stretch, Kharlomov is usually a fixture in these arguments. At the very least there isn't a big gap here at all in terms of the countries.

That Canadian trick where you just throw out any tournament you don't like isn't how it works. Much like the last two best-on-best WJC that we all knew were a coronation to Canada dominance and wound up with them not winning, if it didn't happen you don't get to change it to whatever way you hope it counts. 9/13 where do you come up with those numbers? If we are throwing out the Soviet era, we are throwing out Canada's first 6 OG from a different era as well.

I don't think the World Championship would be a very big deal. Why should it be? They have rarely if ever played it in NA. It's a low profile event over here, played in the middle of the Stanley Cup playoffs during the middle of the day. I mean I love watching it, but you're not attracting new viewers with this thing over here as currently constructed.

I agree with the post by @Rabid Ranger that it does seem like they should have accidentally run into one over the years. More of the big boys have been coming, the USMNTDP has really helped massively at the international level. It has built substantially more depth to the program and it gives these guys a familiarity and now ultimately a recruiting tool the last few. It seems to be getting them a better team. As a USA fan, I really don't believe we have ever been this good and that is really exciting. I think we have passed the 96' World Cup winning team at this point in terms of talent. By the way that tournament would be a good example, it didn't move the needle considerably, but it did have some traction while it was going on. But these events seem to fade quickly in terms of helping a bunch more popularity. I have always wondered if that is in part because of the standoffish nature the NHL and IIHF have had with each other for years.

 

[AmericanDream]

Unfortunately a 1 minute horse race runs at the same time so far better things to do for many Americans sadly.

 

[Lartsaman]

Be sure to let us know what the celebration is like when Finland wins gold at the Olympics.

If thats going to happen in my lifetime, I sure will...

 

[Rexor]

Czech Republic = Hungary sounds harsh, we are more like Italy.

 

[ES]

Switzerland (hockey) = Croatia (football)

Not very big country but sport is important part of their culture. Have been close to win in big tournament but not quite managed to do it. However, neither one can be referred as consistent top team.

 

[613Leafer]

Yeah there really is no good football comparison to Canada to be honest, the closest thing would probably be USA basketball when they have everyone, not even the fabled All Blacks have won over half of the world cups played.

Football has ~10+ competitive teams, and another ~20+ reasonably competitive teams.

Hockey has 5 competitive teams and like 2-3 reasonably competitive teams. There won't be good comparisons between the sports. Basketball and baseball are more similar as the number of competitive countries is lower.

 

[Big McLargehuge]

If the US won gold on the backs of a 10-0 win I still wouldn't waste my time watching the highlights.

Frankly if the US stopped participating it'd take a decade for anyone to notice. It's not a best on best tournament, it's not a tournament that non-hockey fans are aware exists here, and it's not a tournament that American hockey fans put any value on or the overwhelming majority even acknowledge. I absolutely get why my Finnish friends love this tournament, but for me it's a fart in the wind whose mere presence is as annoying as it is invisible.

It's best on best or nothing when it comes to tournaments, at least for me. I didn't watch that sham of a NHL-hosted tournament with fake teams and I didn't watch the Olympics without NHLers either. Olympics with NHLers? I'm glued to my TV watching every game. Heck, if the World Juniors stopped being a thing I'd only notice because of how upset it'd make a lot of Canadian fans and the US is actually fairly decent at that one. I think. I really can't be bothered to care.

 

[CantHaveTkachev]

You're aware that Russia and Canada have the same amount of Olympic gold medals 9 and Russia has won more World Championships at 27 than any other nation. Not Gretzky's fault but they also boast what most consider the greatest international players of all time because Gretzky wasn't really playing in big tournaments in his prime. I can call him the greatest player of all-time, but international seems a stretch, Kharlomov is usually a fixture in these arguments. At the very least there isn't a big gap here at all in terms of the countries

Russia/Soviet teams sending "professionals" to the Worlds and Olympics to compete against amateurs really isn't that impressive

That Canadian trick where you just throw out any tournament you don't like isn't how it works. Much like the last two best-on-best WJC that we all knew were a coronation to Canada dominance and wound up with them not winning, if it didn't happen you don't get to change it to whatever way you hope it counts. 9/13 where do you come up with those numbers? If we are throwing out the Soviet era, we are throwing out Canada's first 6 OG from a different era as well.

huh? Canada won the WJC in 2020

 

[SotasicA]

I think it really depended on who went. If it's just random hockey players, then no.

But maybe if the players had interesting back stories. Like they were all high school kids or something. Or it was a team of black students from Malcolm X college. Or WWE pro wrestlers. Or a team of celebrities. Maybe a female goalie? Tom Brady was their coach? Some sort of a gimmick.