So called "World Cup" beginning to suck

[SwisshockeyAcademy]

If a North American team wins again there will be some Europeans who will claim that the tournament is "irrelevant" . Some (particularly Russians) claimed that the Salt Lake City games were fixed.

With the way the Russians played the first two periods in the Semi's if there was a fix they were in on it. A disgraceful display then they picked it up in the third. Too late by then.

 

[me2]

The SEL is only semi-professional, like the SM-liiga in Finland. The only professionals in those leagues are those who have gotten pro pay in another league.

So the best players in the SEL are not full time hockey players?

 

[TK79]

So the best players in the SEL are not full time hockey players?

Yes, they are. The SM-liiga and SEL are both pro leagues and the best players do get paid very good money (between 200 and 250 grand a season.)

 

[psycho_dad*]

and the crowds are just as anti-Canadian in Europe as crowds are pro-Canadian in Canada.

Crowds in europe are hardly Anti-Canadian. Usually Canada is cheered for and admired. Sometimes in the past they have tried to rough things up in a game they have already lost and crowds have not liked that for obvious reasons, but in general all hockey fans respect Canada loads. And your southern neighbour is making sure that they take all the heat with their actions all over the globe.

 

[Korkki]

The SEL is only semi-professional, like the SM-liiga in Finland. The only professionals in those leagues are those who have gotten pro pay in another league.

I wouldn't say this in that way. There are few players who work part-timely, but they are very rare. Not even one per team. And then there are students, most youngsters are in high school (which are actually sport oriented) and some are in university. But studying while playing is quite hard and the players won't get many credits during the season.

Most players in Finland are professionals and train two times per day.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Crowds in europe are hardly Anti-Canadian. Usually Canada is cheered for and admired. Sometimes in the past they have tried to rough things up in a game they have already lost and crowds have not liked that for obvious reasons, but in general all hockey fans respect Canada loads. And your southern neighbour is making sure that they take all the heat with their actions all over the globe.

Yep, Canada is the hockey equivilent of Jesus Christ.