State of the U20 International hockey 20 years ago

[alko]

Lets look back to time, when USA wasnt the top dog, when Sweden was barely considered as a medal contender, when Czech rules the international level 2 years in a row, when Slovakia could create a competitive team, when Russia exploded at domestic tournament...

Now is almost everything set, but 20 years ago there was room for surprises.

On the other side, the quality was lower.

Still wonder, how did the Czechs 2 gold medals in 2 years? What was behind it?

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[Eye of Ra]

One problem with Sweden in those days was not selecting the best possible players. They took out too many grinders and players with famous names.

Here is swedish roster for 2000 tournament for exemple: Sweden U20 at eliteprospects.com

Players that should have been on the team: Henrik Lundqvist, Andreas Holmqvist, Jonas Andersson, Pår Bäcker, Lars Jonsson, Mattias Weinhandl.

 

[Czechboy]

Lets look back to time, when USA wasnt the top dog, when Sweden was barely considered as a medal contender, when Czech rules the international level 2 years in a row, when Slovakia could create a competitive team, when Russia exploded at domestic tournament...

Now is almost everything set, but 20 years ago there was room for surprises.

On the other side, the quality was lower.

Still wonder, how did the Czechs 2 gold medals in 2 years? What was behind it?

Holik! It was the coach.

Honestly, look at those rosters.. no generational superstars.. none of the goalies played a game in the NHL.

I've always said I'd rather be on a team that finishes 6th but has 10 guys make the NHL then be on a team that wins gold and graduates no NHL players.

2001

It could legit be argued that these gold medal teams are worse than our decade of 6th place teams. Oops.. should've highlighted Vrbata and Erat. Promin!