IIHF Division I, II, & III discussion?

[Scotty B]

They did have 4 ties: against Norway, Slovenia, Ukraine and France. 0 wins though.

Hmmm....I stand corrected...Like I said, was talking ( outa my hat apparently ) from memory...Did I come close on the rest ???

 

[Hubie]

Hmmm....I stand corrected...Like I said, was talking ( outa my hat apparently ) from memory...Did I come close on the rest ???

By my count they went 0-32-4 in the 7 WC:s they got a free spot in and 0-2-1 in the 98 olympics.

 

[airbus1094]

Long story short, Japan's previous forays, at the elite level, left a bad taste in ppl's mouths...

I don't know too much about their past forays into the elite, but atm they just don't have the skill or physicality to be competitive in the elite. They didn't look to good this year at the D1A, and their u18/20 don't have anything too exciting going on. It would probably take something really special for them to get top 2 next year. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Japan has been at this level (right below the elevator teams) for quite a while now, they haven't really progressed much. Speaking of progression, I've been really impressed with Hungary. Their u18/20 have gotten promotion, they've hosted a lot of tournaments and now the senior squad is going to the elite. I fully expect them head right back down, but it's still a great accomplishment to make it there.

 

[Uncle Rotter]

By my count they went 0-32-4 in the 7 WC:s they got a free spot in and 0-2-1 in the 98 olympics.

They beat Austria in the match for 13th place

 

[BladesofSTEELwFIRE]

I remember when they played real well against Germany in Nagano in 1998 before losing 1-3 there, it was at that moment my thoughts about them where formed, to nowadays think that they will advance to the A pool at the WHC any day now.

Japan is already in pool A in Division I. You mean they will move up to the elite division any day now right?

 

[BladesofSTEELwFIRE]

By my count they went 0-32-4 in the 7 WC:s they got a free spot in and 0-2-1 in the 98 olympics.

Wow! It's pretty amazing Japan even got a tie against the best teams on earth with NHL players there.

 

[tony d]

I remember Japan at the 1993 World Juniors, played 7 games had a goal differential of -74. I don't think they've competed in the event since have they?

 

[slovakiasnextone]

Japan is already in pool A in Division I. You mean they will move up to the elite division any day now right?

He's just using an old term. There was a time when the elite division was refered to as the A pool, Division I B pool, Division II C pool.

 

[ozo]

I remember Japan at the 1993 World Juniors, played 7 games had a goal differential of -74. I don't think they've competed in the event since have they?

You are correct, they have spent last twenty years bouncing between second and third tier of junior championships. That said, they came mighty close to getting promoted back to elite in 02/03 season when they finished second in Division I.

 

[BladesofSTEELwFIRE]

Japan may just need 1 or 2 great position players and then a really good goalie to break through. Easier said than done.

I saw their highlights on youtube from the Division I World Championship and they actually look quite good. They skate very well so technique and skill is more of the issue.