World Cup: Is international hockey dead (or too boring to resuscitate)?
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More than 1 000 000 000 people crazy for table tennis.Btw, what is Gaelic football?
It's like a weird combo of rugby and soccer.
There was no heart in this tournament.
Even if many people consider the IIHF world championships a meaningless tournament played during Stanley cup playoffs, it still has far more emotion, joy and tears as well as giving it your everything than the World Cup.
And in the end, that to me is ultimately more important than pure skill when it comes to these tournaments.
Even if many people consider the IIHF world championships a meaningless tournament played during Stanley cup playoffs, it still has far more emotion, joy and tears as well as giving it your everything than the World Cup.
And in the end, that to me is ultimately more important than pure skill when it comes to these tournaments.
BLNY
Registered User
I think most people recognized early on that the WC was a money grab. Many that played in it played not to get hurt.
It's a cash grab for the league, the union and its members. Instead of supplimenting the incomes of millionaires (I don't begrudge athletes making their money), I think union proceeds from the event should go to charities. Give it to veterans living below the poverty line - there are plenty. Heck, there was a time when there were a large number of retired NHLers who were struggling. If they're still alive, pass it on to them.
I'm not saying that the players who played in this won't do something constructive with it on an individual basis. I'm just saying that instead of hearing union members squabble over how the money should be divided, take it out of their hands altogether.
When it comes to other international tournaments I think there's plenty of quality play. The World Championships in the Spring are usually strong. The Spengler Cup is good. The various junior age tournaments all offer compelling hockey. Even the Olympics has provided drama and good play.
It's a cash grab for the league, the union and its members. Instead of supplimenting the incomes of millionaires (I don't begrudge athletes making their money), I think union proceeds from the event should go to charities. Give it to veterans living below the poverty line - there are plenty. Heck, there was a time when there were a large number of retired NHLers who were struggling. If they're still alive, pass it on to them.
I'm not saying that the players who played in this won't do something constructive with it on an individual basis. I'm just saying that instead of hearing union members squabble over how the money should be divided, take it out of their hands altogether.
When it comes to other international tournaments I think there's plenty of quality play. The World Championships in the Spring are usually strong. The Spengler Cup is good. The various junior age tournaments all offer compelling hockey. Even the Olympics has provided drama and good play.
I made a post about a year ago predicting that the sudden interest in resurrecting the World Cup after 12 years dormancy was to give the NHL cover to drop participation in the Olympics in Asia in 2018 and 2022. Now dallasnews.com is repeating that speculation. The NHL brass think they can drop the Olympics because the World Cup will satisfy fans interest in seeing international competition.
That would definitely work in Canada, given the fact that the format for the World Cup guarantees Canada a victory on their home ice, in front of home fans, with Canadian referees officiating. There is no possibility that Canada could lose under those conditions. That allows Canadian fans to say We're No. 1 without having to break up NHL schedules in mid-season. I doubt that there was much TV viewing of the WCH outside of Canada, but there are all kinds of other advertising gimmicks that generate revenue.
That would definitely work in Canada, given the fact that the format for the World Cup guarantees Canada a victory on their home ice, in front of home fans, with Canadian referees officiating. There is no possibility that Canada could lose under those conditions. That allows Canadian fans to say We're No. 1 without having to break up NHL schedules in mid-season. I doubt that there was much TV viewing of the WCH outside of Canada, but there are all kinds of other advertising gimmicks that generate revenue.
In that case more players should follow Ovechkin's lead and go to Olympics no matter what the NHL says. I wonder how many would actually be brave enough to do it.
gwh
Registered User
- Mar 4, 2013
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Most popular sport in each country, on map. Thought that s obvious, but apparently it was not.
Canada wasn't number 1 before this tournament?
Canada could lose the next 2 best on best tournaments to the same country and still be considered the number 1 hockey nation. Winning or losing a game means squat. It's the record over the long haul.
BruinLVGA
Just got me a Beretta 92XI Squalo!
Canada wasn't number 1 before this tournament?
Confucius says "Canada always #1, whether they lose or win!"... Laughable.
Yes they will be for a long time. It will take a lot of losing before they fall back with the rest.
BruinLVGA
Just got me a Beretta 92XI Squalo!
Definitely. However that's not impossible like you made it sound before. Look at the period of 1998 to 2009.
jj cale
Registered User
Certainly not impossible, of course they will come down to earth.
But between 1998 and 2009 was no lost in the forest era for Canada either. They won gold in salt lake in 2002 and the World cup in 2004.
They were still the top hockey nation, the gap was not as large as right now but they were still the best overall.
BruinLVGA
Just got me a Beretta 92XI Squalo!
According to IIHF, in 2009 they were #2, they were also #2 in 2007... Before that I don't have data.
jj cale
Registered User
They have had us at less then 1# even after winning gold at the olympics.
The IIHF rankings mean very little if anything.
The point still stands that Canada was indeed still winning best on bests during this supposed time of Canadian hockey discontent that you were alluding to.
You make it sound like we had not won anything that gives you a claim to the number one spot in this time period.
Untrue.
BruinLVGA
Just got me a Beretta 92XI Squalo!
1. Ahhhhhh okay... So the IIHF rankings mean "very little if anything". So, whose rankings? Yours?
2. Yeah, you won in 2002 and 2004. Others won in 1998 and 2006. When you won, you were #1, when others did, they were. Seems logic, no?
jj cale
Registered User
I don't have any issue with you stating the obvious that in 2006 and 1998 Canada was not the best, why would I? they obviously were not, if they were....they would have won. Pretty simple.
I do have an issue with you making it out as if Canada did not have any years where they proved they were the best between 1998 and 2009, because they did.
Don't see what that has to do with the IIHF rankings, or mine,whatever they would be.
The whole Olympic format is bogus. In the medal rounds One loss and you're out. Anybody can win one game luck plays a big part. Take last year's playoffs the pens lost their 1st game to Tampa their cup chances should have ended there I guess. They also lost their 1st to Washington again it would have had them eliminated.
Like I said before its how a country fairs over the long haul.
jj cale
Registered User
True, it is the long haul that really demonstrates the true strength of a program.
I can live with the single elimination in the olympics, there really is no other way they can fit it in the games without it being single elimination.
Main issue I have with the olys is any knockout game being determined by a shootout, no way any game of that importance should be determined on a gimmick deal.
A shootout to determine the gold medal winner in hockey? really?
That has to go, a complete joke.
Beau Knows
Registered User
Canada is in a golden era. The current group will be replaced, and while the next group looks promising Canada dominating best on best tourneys every year going forward is far from a sure thing.
jj cale
Registered User
Very far from a sure thing.
Canada will have to keep producing the players that enable us to win the majority of best on best tournaments and other countries will have to keep failing to have the players to keep up the pace which if you look at the recent drafts I would not count on happening.
Canada is in for some tough tournaments in the coming ten years.
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