GDT: Quarter Finals: Canada vs Czechia; Jan. 2, 2025; 19:30 EST

[Ciao]

The “elite” levels are even worse. If it looks like your kid has talent at age 9 or 10, be prepared to spend 10-15k+ per year if you want to give them a shot.

Most families don't have that kind of money hanging around. It's becoming like polo -- for the rich and famous.

If you can't buy a horse -- or can't afford the sticks, equipment, summer school and travel costs (let alone the time off work) -- then forget it.

 

[DackellDuck]

Agreed. That's a different conversation though.

Tonight's game will probably be one of the highest rated sporting events in Canada in 2025. That's what I was referring to.

I’m curious as to what the ratings are. Amongst my friends and family, people don’t seem to be into it near as much as they were 5 or 10 years ago.

And as someone who lives in Ottawa, there wasn’t much buzz. The ticket prices were outrageous which didn’t help.

Get this tournament back into smaller rinks and “junior cities” and maybe it can get its charm back.

It’s become way too corporate, IMO.

 

[End on a Hinote]

Dallas Eakins for Team Canada 2025

He's 'Murican

 

[OttersFan]

On the plus side, everyone but George’s trade value went down so maybe people can get what should’ve been elite players for cheaper?

 

[McDrailers]

Maybe hockey Canada taking hit out from every level below AAA allows for habits like sticking out a knee? Nah. That couldn’t be.

 

[MOGlLNY]

You’re right.

Usually we don’t have to cheer for anyone because we’re in the Final of virtually every hockey competition.

Then maybe he shouldn’t be a poopy pants loser when a team historically worse than you in every single tournament and particularly this tournament is enjoying a win.

 

[DackellDuck]

Which is crazy. On the flip side if you do make it to the NHL you recoup that money invested eventually?

99% of the “elite” still have no shot at an NHL career.

 

[NyQuil]

I heard that Dave Cameron was going to finally get his guys out for a practice only to be informed that they were eliminated from the tournament.

 

[McDrailers]

He's 'Murican

He’s probably not busy, I’m sure he could take the shot of maple syrup and draw a maple leaf. Whatever the citizenship test is these days

 

[NyQuil]

Then maybe he shouldn’t be a poopy pants loser when a team historically worse than you in every single tournament and particularly this tournament is enjoying a win.

Personal growth comes from new experiences like getting eliminated in the quarter finals two years in a row.

At least it’s not boring.

 

[Ciao]

Yup. I see it a lot as a teacher, soccer and basketball are much more popular than hockey.

Lower participation costs.

Watching hockey is the pastime of the older generations now.

 

[Smif]

Maybe hockey Canada taking hit out from every level below AAA allows for habits like sticking out a knee? Nah. That couldn’t be.

Didn't see any knees tonight tbh.

 

[hockey20000]

Dallas Eakins for Team Canada 2025

cant do any worse

 

[DavidHasselhoffsFist]

He's 'Murican

I think he has Canadian citizenship as well but for the greater good let’s just say he doesn’t

 

[OttersFan]

I heard that Dave Cameron was going to finally get his guys out for a practice only to be informed that they were eliminated from the tournament.

I heard it was bag skate time.

 

[TheNumber4]

Canada used to be adaptable in hockey terms because their best would adapt to being solid in other areas - subsume scoring roles to be checkers, to be shot blockers, while still having skill guys. Canada taught to the test if I can borrow a US educational adage and didn't take their best skilled people. They tried to achieve an outcome without the proper skills.

And the lack of practice time blows my mind. Lack of discipline and then tonight looking like half the game was just a disjointed warm up? What the hell. That's embarrassing for Hockey Canada.

Those grinding role skills can be brought out of skilled players though. But you can't bring goal scoring talent out of a grinder. It's just not there.

The lack of discipline was apparent for sure. The fact that Team Canada was still running around trying to change momentum in a game they had full control of the momentum, and it's tied late in the 3rd, tells me that's a huge coaching fail for Canada.

 

[Smif]

Lower participation costs.

Watching hockey is the pastime of the older generations now.

Ball hockey is also growing in Canada.

 

[Chainshot]

Which is crazy. On the flip side if you do make it to the NHL you recoup that money invested eventually?

So few make it that far.

It's become ridiculously expensive and the constant off-season camps and workshops and trainers... just put the cash right into the fire, it's gone just as fast.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

 

[McDrailers]

Didn't see any knees tonight tbh.

First one no, second one was most definitely a knee.

That being said I truly believe the Czech player should be fined or something for the sell job.

 

[S E P H]

I don't understand Canada, they know the games in these tournaments are always officiated severely and every year they keep making the same boneheaded penalties.

Bob McKenzie thinking the kneeing penalty wasn't a penalty has to be one of the worst takes I think I have ever listened to in the last decade. I understand debating if it was a major or minor, but not even a pen is hilariously Neanderthalian.

 

[Three On Zero]

cant do any worse

Jim Benning for coach

 

[OttersFan]

I didn’t realize Canada had a goal song.

 

[Chainshot]

Those grinding role skills can be brought out of skilled players though. But you can't bring goal scoring talent out of a grinder. It's just not there.

The lack of discipline was apparent for sure. The fact that Team Canada was still running around trying to change momentum in a game they had full control of the momentum, and it's tied late in the 3rd, tells me that's a huge coaching fail for Canada.

Yeah, that was what I was saying. The skill guys would take on the grinder roles when needed. The Canadian selection seemed like they wanted all the grit and intangible stuff without taking the skill guys who traditionally are the guys who play the heroes when Canada wins these games.

 

[End on a Hinote]

Don't blame 'em