Team Europe should be like Team NA but the rest of the world

[JackFr]

That started a long time ago with the glow puck, and most recently, advanced stats.

Mmm yes exactly the same thing.

 

[Sipak4]

Maybe Olympics games can be U24 tournament and teams should play qualification. I'm not sure if I want it. I'm just considering.

 

[PG Canuck]

That started a long time ago with the glow puck, and most recently, advanced stats.

One of these things is not like the other.

 

[gretskidoo]

Why, of all things, are nations vs nations a "level playing field"? Level for whom? Making a Continental Europe team sounds like a great idea to level the field for where it matters - our entertainment. I like the "rookie" teams. The goal is entertainment.

Why even bother with any sport then? It's all apparently pointless. Everything should just be like the WWE.

And why would you only combine European teams? Since national teams mean nothing at all, let's just remove them all and combine the weakest with the strongest!

Norway kinda only has one player worth mentioning, so let's put them with Canada. US can team up with Germany. Sweden and Switzerland. Finland and the Czechs. Even better, let's ignore nationality altogether and let GMs draft players! This is the start of something great.

 

[Elvs]

It's funny that the Czechs beat the Russians and played a close game a couple of days ago too. Proof again that the differance isn't as big as some people seem to think, no matter what the rosters on paper say. And these Czechs, with no Krejci/Hertl/Gudas, is just barely better than Slovakia and Switzerland would be on paper.

 

[JackSlater]

Why even bother with any sport then? It's all apparently pointless. Everything should just be like the WWE.

And why would you only combine European teams? Since national teams mean nothing at all, let's just remove them all and combine the weakest with the strongest!

Norway kinda only has one player worth mentioning, so let's put them with Canada. US can team up with Germany. Sweden and Switzerland. Finland and the Czechs. Even better, let's ignore nationality altogether and let GMs draft players! This is the start of something great.

Since some clearly just want an exhibition with the best players possible, they should obviously just do away with the facade of national teams. Team A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H. Drafted by GMs as you suggested. What entertainment! People will be telling their grandkids about how great Team E was.

 

[me2]

Since some clearly just want an exhibition with the best players possible, they should obviously just do away with the facade of national teams. Team A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H. Drafted by GMs as you suggested. What entertainment! People will be telling their grandkids about how great Team E was.

The only national teams are Sweden Russia Finland Czech anyway.

 

[Past Considerations]

Why, of all things, are nations vs nations a "level playing field"? Level for whom? Making a Continental Europe team sounds like a great idea to level the field for where it matters - our entertainment. I like the "rookie" teams. The goal is entertainment.

No. The goal is entertainment AND finding out which country is the best in this tournament. Don't tell me you watch e.g. Olympics (Summer or Winter) just for entertainment, and that how well your country's athletes do has no role in that.

North American under 23 population does not form a country. Europe minus Sweden, Finland, Czech and Russia is not a country. Are ok with combining Canada, USA and Team NA to one single team? Yes or no?

Observation: I think I've yet to see one European here or elsewhere who was fine with the idea of these gimmick teams. Not saying most Americans or Canadians are supporters, but most supporters definitely seem to be Americans and Canadians. I just find it pretty ironic how typically very patriotic/nationalistic Americans and Canadians are fine with this idea. So, Team Europe ironically must have more "fans" in North America and probably particularly in USA than Europe. That's quite telling. And that's probably exactly what NHL wanted.

 

[miikah]

I think it would make a lot more sense and be more interesting. Think about it, all players under 24 (I believe that is the NA limit). Think of all the young talent that the rest of the world has. The roster would be stacked, and IMO make the games that much more engaging to the fans.

The NA vs World game would basically be the worlds on steroids, and both teams might have a chance of winning this.

Do you not have any idea why it was done the way it is? Competitiveness and superstars. Make Team Europe U-24 and at least Finland loses most of its defence and brightest stars on offense and Russia loses Kucherov, Tarasenko and who else (I'm too lazy to check). Yes it would two supercharged WJC teams + Canada, USA, Russia etc. But the way it is done we get more or less the best of the best of who would be left out, as in Kopitar, Chara, Vanek, Bödker, Josi, Tatar, Gaborik, Zuccarello. They might not seem like much on page but if we had for example Denmark instead of Team Europe it would only be Bödker and Ehlers and Björkstrand.

This way, at least in theory, we have the best there are competing against each other and I for one will enjoy watching every minute of it regardless of the uncertainty of who is Team Europe playing for.

 

[BruinLVGA]

Why, of all things, are nations vs nations a "level playing field"? Level for whom? Making a Continental Europe team sounds like a great idea to level the field for where it matters - our entertainment. I like the "rookie" teams. The goal is entertainment.

Do you really have to ask? Because it is the the best players from the same kind of entity (= nations) competing against each other for the glory of their nations.
Which is the way international competitions at nations level have been + are organized in all sports, all over the world. This is NOT a new concept, it has been around for eons.

I, and many others, derive entertainment by seeing their nation compete against other nations. Hoping to see them win. Hoping to see the flag raised and hear the anthem. If you are in NA, that should mean something, seeing that you play your anthems for absolutely everything. It is to glorify one's NATION, not some made up team.

If your goal is "entertainment" (meaning highest concentration of quality players), by that logic the highlight of the season is the All Star Game, right? Furthermore, you must be severely unhappy with the NHL because every team has their fair share of duds, meaning those guys on 4th lines and your average 6th / 7th defensemen. Wouldn't it be better to make up say 4 teams in the NHL instead of 30? Nice concentration of talent. "The goal is entertainment", right?
No? Why not then?

 

[Elvs]

Do you not have any idea why it was done the way it is? Competitiveness and superstars. Make Team Europe U-24 and at least Finland loses most of its defence and brightest stars on offense and Russia loses Kucherov, Tarasenko and who else (I'm too lazy to check). Yes it would two supercharged WJC teams + Canada, USA, Russia etc. But the way it is done we get more or less the best of the best of who would be left out, as in Kopitar, Chara, Vanek, Bödker, Josi, Tatar, Gaborik, Zuccarello. They might not seem like much on page but if we had for example Denmark instead of Team Europe it would only be Bödker and Ehlers and Björkstrand.

Denmark would have Jannik Hansen, Frans Nielsen, Lars Eller, Nicklas Jensen and Frederik Anderson also, just off the top of my head. Denmark isn't a top 8 hockey country either way. They'd only be in the World Cup if there was qualification, or if more than 8 countries were invited.

 

[Elvs]

Proof that Slovakia and Switzerland could have iced almost full rosters consisting of players from the NHL PA.

Marian Hossa (CHI)
Marian Gaborik (LAK)
Tomas Tatar (DET)
Marko Dano (WIN)
Richard Panik (CHI)
Tomas Jurco (DET)
Marek Hrivik (NYR)
Martin Reway (MTL)
Peter Cehlarik (BOS)

Zdeno Chara (BOS)
Andrej Sekera (EDM)
Martin Marincin (TOR)
Erik Cernak (LAK)

Jaroslav Halak (NYI)
Peter Budaj (LAK)

---

Nino Niederreiter (MIN)
Sven Baertschi (VAN)
Sven Andrighetto (MTL)
Kevin Fiala (NSH)
Tanner Richard (TBL)
Joel Vermin (TBL)
Christoph Bertschy (MIN)
Timo Meier (SJS)
Denis Malgin (FLA)

Roman Josi (NSH)
Mark Streit (PHI)
Luca Sbisa (VAN)
Yannick Weber (NSH)
Mirco Muller (SJS)
Dean Kukan (CBJ)
Jonas Siegenthaler (WAS)

Reto Berra (FLA)

---

Fill the holes with European league players, some who are even better than many names listed above. These two nations would be just as good as the Gimmic Euro team, and they'd defenitely put up a fight with the Czechs. And on a good day, they could threat the better nations too.

 

[JackSlater]

If your goal is "entertainment" (meaning highest concentration of quality players), by that logic the highlight of the season is the All Star Game, right? Furthermore, you must be severely unhappy with the NHL because every team has their fair share of duds, meaning those guys on 4th lines and your average 6th / 7th defensemen. Wouldn't it be better to make up say 4 teams in the NHL instead of 30? Nice concentration of talent. "The goal is entertainment", right?
No? Why not then?

Seems pretty obvious that the NHL should take into consideration what the fans want. Maximum talent level = maximum entertainment, and it is a waste that so many elite NHLers miss the Stanley Cup playoffs. Clearly the eighth seeds, which almost never win and are the worst teams in the tournament, should be replaced. One team composed of the best players whose teams missed the playoffs. One team with the young players from the good playoff teams, since that will balance things out better.

 

[Wooren]

Proof that Slovakia and Switzerland could have iced almost full rosters consisting of players from the NHL PA.

Marian Hossa (CHI)
Marian Gaborik (LAK)
Tomas Tatar (DET)
Marko Dano (WIN)
Richard Panik (CHI)
Tomas Jurco (DET)
Marek Hrivik (NYR)
Martin Reway (MTL)
Peter Cehlarik (BOS)

Zdeno Chara (BOS)
Andrej Sekera (EDM)
Martin Marincin (TOR)
Erik Cernak (LAK)

Jaroslav Halak (NYI)
Peter Budaj (LAK)

---

Nino Niederreiter (MIN)
Sven Baertschi (VAN)
Sven Andrighetto (MTL)
Kevin Fiala (NSH)
Tanner Richard (TBL)
Joel Vermin (TBL)
Christoph Bertschy (MIN)
Timo Meier (SJS)
Denis Malgin (FLA)

Roman Josi (NSH)
Mark Streit (PHI)
Luca Sbisa (VAN)
Yannick Weber (NSH)
Mirco Muller (SJS)
Dean Kukan (CBJ)
Jonas Siegenthaler (WAS)

Reto Berra (FLA)

---

Fill the holes with European league players, some who are even better than many names listed above. These two nations would be just as good as the Gimmic Euro team, and they'd defenitely put up a fight fit the Czechs. And on a good day, they could threat the better nations too.

Considering how close games were the Czech Republic v Russia while Czechs lacked Krejci, Hertl, Gudas, Hudler and Nestrasil (All should/would have been there if not for injuries/bad coach decision) I really see no reason to not have Switzerland and Slovakia in the tourney. Yeah they would have no Kopitar or Zuccarello, but the effort they would put into the games would make up for it.

Has there been any indication whether the gimmicks are going to there in 2020 or it's yet to be decided?

 

[Past Considerations]

Has there been any indication whether the gimmicks are going to there in 2020 or it's yet to be decided?

To be decided probably and probably depends what happens during the next three weeks. When this tournament was announced lack of time to organize a qualification tournament was given as a justification, but we know that was just an excuse.

 

[JackSlater]

Has there been any indication whether the gimmicks are going to there in 2020 or it's yet to be decided?

Under consideration, as wirelessflyingcord said, but they did announce potential plans for 2020:

"The NHL's long-range plan includes a Ryder Cup-style North America vs. Europe series in 2018 and a more expansive 2020 World Cup that could feature North American players with German, English, Irish, Italian or French heritage playing for those countries to grow the game in those nations."

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl-announces-world-cup-of-hockey-to-return-in-2016-1.190879

 

[Xokkeu]

The Olympics were originally created for amateur athletes. In fact, I think football (soccer) is the only sport that is still (mostly) amateur at the Olympics.

Soccer is u23 plus three overage players and most certainly not amateur.

 

[Past Considerations]

Under consideration, as wirelessflyingcord said, but they did announce potential plans for 2020:

"The NHL's long-range plan includes a Ryder Cup-style North America vs. Europe series in 2018 and a more expansive 2020 World Cup that could feature North American players with German, English, Irish, Italian or French heritage playing for those countries to grow the game in those nations."

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl-announces-world-cup-of-hockey-to-return-in-2016-1.190879

I had already forgotten that plan... That would top even the dumbness of these two teams now. Maybe they should also set up a Soviet Reunion team (Canada II) of descendants of defectors/immigrants. Would be like 80s Canada Cup again!

The Ryder Cup like idea is not too bad, but I'm afraid players can't get motivated for that either and obviously works better for individual sports.

 

[JackSlater]

I had already forgotten that plan... That would top even the dumbness of these two teams now. Maybe they should also set up a Soviet Reunion team (Canada II) of descendants of defectors/immigrants. Would be like 80s Canada Cup again!

Once you decide that the "national" aspect of an "international" tournament is of no consequence, there is a logic to the idea of having Canadians and Americans pretend to be Italians/English/whatever.

 

[Xokkeu]

So basically they would have Stamkos play for Team Macedonia and Tavares play for Portugal or something?

 

[Choralone]

Ah. Apparently the World Cup is some sort of big deal for many of you to determine national bragging rights. I look at the Olympics that way, but not the World Cup - for me this thing is a nothing tournament.

 

[JackSlater]

So basically they would have Stamkos play for Team Macedonia and Tavares play for Portugal or something?

I assume that the Canadian entry would have first chance at Stamkos or Tavares, but then again I would have assumed that Canada would have first chance at McDavid as well.

 

[Xokkeu]

I assume that the Canadian entry would have first chance at Stamkos or Tavares, but then again I would have assumed that Canada would have first chance at McDavid as well.

But I mean is that the concept? I guess the entire province of Quebec would theoretically be eligible for France.

 

[GRadio]

They missed the boat by not making team snub so that Hall, Subban, Faulk etc. could play.

Man I was so stoked for that team.

 

[BruinLVGA]

Under consideration, as wirelessflyingcord said, but they did announce potential plans for 2020:

"The NHL's long-range plan includes a Ryder Cup-style North America vs. Europe series in 2018 and a more expansive 2020 World Cup that could feature North American players with German, English, Irish, Italian or French heritage playing for those countries to grow the game in those nations."

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl-announces-world-cup-of-hockey-to-return-in-2016-1.190879

Bolded would take the failure of the gimmick teams of this edition to new heights for 2020. It would be the apex of stupidity.

Like someone pointed out, I imagine Tavares playing for "Portugal" in order to grow the game in that country. For sure that will bring a new appreciation for the ice cubes the Portuguese have in their drinks, because that's the only ice they care for.

Never mind the fact of having players represent a certain nation when most likely they don't even have a passport for that country and, most of all, have nothing to do with it. What kind of allegiance would they have to a country they most likely never even seen? What a fail.
By the way, by that logic, the only players that should be representing Canada or the USA are those who are of indigenous origin (native Americans, Inuits), because all others have come from outside North America (and one could even make a point that those native populations arrived in North America roughly 10000 years ago, from Asia). So, I hope Tootoo can do it all for Canada's sake.

Lastly, I wonder how they would even be able to establish origin. For example, is Shea Weber of German, Swiss or Austrian origin? Whoever cooked up this 2020 "masterpiece" of an idea, must be high on something. That's the only explanation.