Why does the IIHF force losing players to stand around after games?

[Incognito]

The standard for Canada is much much higher than other countries, you know that. A silver medal to certain countries is pretty huge.

This. Canada has expectations placed upon them (both by fans and by the players, coaches and management themselves) that no other country has. There are usually other tournament co-favourites, but none of them have the "if you're not first, you're last" mindset the way Canada does.

 

[Big Phil]

In my eyes, if you can´t appreciate silver, you don´t deserve gold.

In Canada I am speaking literally when I say this that the "Ricky Bobby" mentality of "If you're not first you're last" is prevalent. Canadians hate the Silver medal in hockey it is gold or it is failure. Logically speaking 2nd place is better than 8th but it never feels like it at that time. There is a bit of a movement in Canadian hockey of a "there is no loser" train of thought but it is in the minority. Hockey is the one thing Canadians are the best at and the majority take that literally.

 

[saskriders]

In Canada I am speaking literally when I say this that the "Ricky Bobby" mentality of "If you're not first you're last" is prevalent. Canadians hate the Silver medal in hockey it is gold or it is failure. Logically speaking 2nd place is better than 8th but it never feels like it at that time. There is a bit of a movement in Canadian hockey of a "there is no loser" train of thought but it is in the minority. Hockey is the one thing Canadians are the best at and the majority take that literally.

For the player that earns the silver they will appreciate it once they get over the immediate pain of losing such a big game.

 

[toewsintangibles]

North Americans don't really believe in sportsmanship or international sports altogether

 

[Mr Kanadensisk]

For the player that earns the silver they will appreciate it once they get over the immediate pain of losing such a big game.

A big part of appreciating one would come from being able to show it to people who also appreciate it, friends, family, etc. Unless Canadian hockey declines to a point where 2nd or 3rd place is considered a good result then silver and bronze medals in hockey will never be widely appreciated here. It would just be seen as a symbol of failure, in a weird way it is better to finish 4th and not have the reminder.

You would never see a Canadian from a best on best tournament showing off a bronze or silver medal in Canada, they'd be laughed or heckled out of the room.

 

[tony d]

Because the silver is still a medal, sure it's not gold but hey at least you finished better than 8 other teams.

 

[rduck1]

Basically, like many others have said, even being second is a big freakin' accomplishment. For some of the players it might a highlight of their careers. It's something that should be celebrated, even though they might not feel like it now. For many it will turn to a good memory as time passes.

 

[Inkling]

In Canada I am speaking literally when I say this that the "Ricky Bobby" mentality of "If you're not first you're last" is prevalent.

Certainly in hockey where we are always usually in the hunt for gold. I don't think it's the same for other sports. You see athletes in other sports, such as skiing, being thrilled with bronze or silver because it was a big accomplishment. I'm not sure Canada is any different from other countries. I doubt New Zealand is going to be celebrating a third place finish at the rugby World Cup.

 

[Crosbyfan]

Certainly in hockey where we are always usually in the hunt for gold. I don't think it's the same for other sports. You see athletes in other sports, such as skiing, being thrilled with bronze or silver because it was a big accomplishment. I'm not sure Canada is any different from other countries. I doubt New Zealand is going to be celebrating a third place finish at the rugby World Cup.

Even in skiing if the last guy down the mountain wins it, the second place guy, who knew he already had at least that, isn't going to jump in celebration...though he might more quickly regain his sense of accomplishment.