World Cup Boycott

[snipes]

In Europe?..probably not. At least not in Russia I can say.

Any non-IIHF 'best on best' likely won't be received well in Europe. However, this World Cup format (unlike past world cups) ensures that it also won't be received well in the USA too, imo. Poor time of year, and no games in America.
In addition to the gimmick teams, another sad fact is that the NHL appears to be catering to the Canadian (more specifically, Toronto) market only.

I can understand why. The IIHF is the sanctioning body of international hockey.

However, the IIHF banning Canada from using our best players in the 1970s led to these non-IIHF best-on-best hockey tournaments. Every country could use their best players in IIHF tournaments and Olympics except Canada during this time.

This led Canada boycotting 2 Olympics and 7 World Championships from 1970 to 1976.

But at the same time, it led to the 1972 Summit Series with the Soviet Union and eventual Canada Cups which was some of the best hockey ever played. Even Soviet players talk about Canada Cups being the highest level of competition they faced in international hockey.

The Olympic games with NHL participation will always remain the highest and most prestigious best-on-best competition in hockey. The World Cup can never take that away. I'm praying that the NHL players can go to the Olympics in 2018.

 

[Urbanskog]

Still holding out hope for the NHL guys going. If they let them go, all is forgiven with the gimmick teams at the World Cup.

Asia is a big market, the NHL is always trying to grow the game. Untapped market potential? I don't know. I'll be so mad like everyone else if they don't let the guys go. It would be a huge short-sighted mistake by the NHL.

If this Gimmicky Cup becomes enough of a success it's clear that the NHL will withdraw from the Olympics. There's no question about it.

 

[BruinLVGA]

People will actually watch this?

High quality Hockey.

let's see, no one in Finland,Sweden,Slovakia, Czech Republic, Russia, Latvia, Switzerland will be watching. No one is talking about it.

Average Americans don't even know what Hockey is for the most part apart from people who think the World ends at the nhl, and there's there Canada.

Judging by the laughter around the country, everyone knows this is just a money grab.

It's not a high quality tournament.
It's not a meaningful tournament.
It's
a
money
maker
for
an
American
company.

Hockey supremacy can only and will only ever be decided at the Olympic Games.

Just like Football has the World Cup
Rugby has their World Cup
Cricket has their World Cup

We're fortunate to have the Olympics. The most meaningful Hockey tournament. Where everyone watches our game, the only time Hockey is on a global spotlight like those other sports.

The nhl is barely watched in any country apart from Canada.

What does a tournament run by this company matter if the rest of the Hockey countries let alone the World doesn't give a ****

Does anyone realize in how many countries the game is played now because of Hockey at the Olympics? How many kids around the World take a look at those games and tell their parents they want to try playing Hockey.

The nhl doesn't do crap, it's the International game that grows the game. Will anyone in Japan, China, India, New Zealand, Australia, or Western European country be watching like they do the Olympics?

Use your brains.

Amen to this!

 

[BruinLVGA]

I'm curious, if say Switzerland and Slovakia made up the 7th and 8th team, do you think there would be more interest in Europe? It would then be proper best-on-best international hockey.

It would gain in legitimacy, because those Team North America and Team Europe truly & instantly transformed this tournament into a farce.
I can tell you that folks in Switzerland would probably watch it. But still it wouldn't be taken with the same importance as the Olympics, because the OG have such a tradition that their importance is paramount.
It would probably still be perceived as an NHL money grab & a dig at the world hockey community & a novelty, but it would be a bit more legit than its current format and as such, an improvement over the current situation.

 

[Xokkeu]

I'm curious, if say Switzerland and Slovakia made up the 7th and 8th team, do you think there would be more interest in Europe? It would then be proper best-on-best international hockey.

Main problem is that games are on at 3am but it would definitely be watched.

Despite what some more defensive fans say, Europeans recognize the worlds aren't the best players. They'd be happy to have a real best on best tournament along with the Olympics. This wouldn't be perfect (because it provides no avenue for small countries to participate). But as a first step I think it would be fine and draw interest.

The gimmick teams just reenforce any European reluctance to trust that the NHL has any interests outside its own.

 

[JackSlater]

I, for one, will be cheering for the nation of North America Under-23. Their rivalry with Europe is the best in hockey. North America Under-23ans and Europeans really dislike each other, and I would know since I've been to both countries.

I'm just glad that they finally ended their brutal war and that they can now reenter the realm of international competition.

 

[Xokkeu]

I'm just glad that they finally ended their brutal war and that they can now reenter the realm of international competition.

I don't think they should be allowed in! There is still an apartheid in their country against people over the age of 24!

 

[JackSlater]

I don't think they should be allowed in! There is still an apartheid in their country against people over the age of 24!

While it is quite offensive, I'm not sure that it's worse than the blatant discrimination exhibited by European Leftoveria through its refusal to even admit Russians, Swedes, Finns, or Czechs within its borders.

 

[Canuckistani]

While it is quite offensive, I'm not sure that it's worse than the blatant discrimination exhibited by European Leftoveria through its refusal to even admit Russians, Swedes, Finns, or Czechs within its borders.

Time for a regime change

 

[kakanucks]

I will not be watching this.

I love the olympic games because it only comes by every 4 years, and a reason for the nation to get together to celebrate.

NHL is kidding themselves if they think this so called World Cup will replace the Olympics. Funny how they have no problems locking out and stopping the league for months without revenue to dispute between the NHLPA, but god forbid the olympics cause them to have a 2 week break every 4 years.

Will this game be broadcast all over the world??? Because the Olympics will damn well be.

In 2010, my mom was able to watch OT of the 2010 Gold Medal game between Canada vs US in Incheon I'tl Airport.........that's in South Korea!! The same place where 2018 Olympics will be.

The NHL has such shortsight in their growth of the game, its laughable.

 

[kabidjan18]

While it is quite offensive, I'm not sure that it's worse than the blatant discrimination exhibited by European Leftoveria through its refusal to even admit Russians, Swedes, Finns, or Czechs within its borders.

You're missing the point of the diplomatic moves man. The point in inviting European Leftoveria and Nordamerika U23 is to use sports as diplomacy. So yes, the long and emotional history that keeps us engaged in the conflict between these to countries continues, but the NHL is doing the noble dead and reaching out both hands like this

 

[Nordic*]

Not that anything is being organized by any means, but any other fans like me just not going to watch because of the stupid North America/Europe idea?

I hate the ploy/idea of creating extra teams, which aren't even connected to a nation. It makes the tourny a joke and I will not take it as serious as I would have otherwise.

Having said that, I will still watch the world cup due to being a hockey nerd.

Will not consider the winner as the best in the world though, I view ut as an exhibition tournament. Kind of like Karjala Cup....

 

[Uncle Rotter]

I don't think they should be allowed in! There is still an apartheid in their country against people over the age of 24!

 

[BMann]

Farce of a tournament. Bettmann needs to be removed. Couldn't care less what happens.

Ice hockey exists outside of the NHL and is growing. Maybe one day the NHL will realize it's part of the hockey community.

 

[Canuck21t]

No kidding. I'm amazed how many people ***** about this. If you don't want to watch it then fine. But don't tell the people who enjoy watching high level competitive hockey to boycott it.

The thing is, this won't be competitive since the European players won't care. This isn't a true competition because there's nothing on the line. There's no true pride when you win by beating an immature team and a leftover team.

 

[Rob]

They should have teams based on their zodiac signs.

Team Taurus vs Team Gemini

 

[Puckstopper]

I'm not sure why there are several posts assuming the World Cup is intended to be a replacement for the Olympics, and that's why they're so upset. At this point it should be viewed as a nice little cash grab for the NHL and PA and nothing more. The NHL will likely not decline participation in future Games, it would be very short sighted and I'd be shocked to see it happen.

 

[JackSlater]

I'm not sure why there are several posts assuming the World Cup is intended to be a replacement for the Olympics, and that's why they're so upset.

Probably because you didn't read up on it.

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

Key quote from Bill Daly:

"If the World Cup's a big deal, best-on-best tournament, why do we need to go to the Olympics?"

 

[serp]

Good thing it probably won't be then ? If they want it to replace the Olympics might wanna start appealing to the hockey fans outside of North America .

 

[TorstenFrings]

They should have teams based on their zodiac signs.

Team Taurus vs Team Gemini

Crosby and Malkin would never again have to be not-teammates. Team Leo! Slap Price in goal and lets roll.

I am digging this idea. I'd feel more represented by a Team Virgo than I'd feel by Team Rest of Europe.

 

[BruinLVGA]

They should have teams based on their zodiac signs.

Team Taurus vs Team Gemini

I say make teams based on favorite donut. I am a staunch supporter of team Krispy Kreme Jelly Donut...

 

[patnyrnyg]

Hockey supremacy can only and will only ever be decided at the Olympic Games.

Just like Football has the World Cup
Rugby has their World Cup
Cricket has their World Cup

We're fortunate to have the Olympics. The most meaningful Hockey tournament. Where everyone watches our game, the only time Hockey is on a global spotlight like those other sports.

So, if all these other sports have a World Cup instead of the Olympics for their International Best on Best Championship, why can't hockey? Why does hockey need it to be in the Olympics? How do you know this wasn't set up with the intention if the NHL Olympic participation ends, they have they will begin working on a World Cup like they have in these other sports? Why does it matter if it is the IIHF, IOC, or NHL running the tournament? If we have the best players from Canada, the best players from the US, the best players from Russia, Sweden, Finland, etc., that is all that should matter. NOT where the money is going or holds the broadcast rights. Oh, and please don't give me "tradition" as a reason. The Olympics being the place for best-on-best is not even 20 years old, so please do not talk about tradition or talk about how the Soccer World Cup goes back to 1930 (or whatever the exact year they started), yet the World Cup of hockey does not go back that far or had the consistency. Has to start somewhere and why not here?

Does anyone realize in how many countries the game is played now because of Hockey at the Olympics? How many kids around the World take a look at those games and tell their parents they want to try playing Hockey.

The nhl doesn't do crap, it's the International game that grows the game. Will anyone in Japan, China, India, New Zealand, Australia, or Western European country be watching like they do the Olympics?

Use your brains.

You have direct evidence to show that it is the Olympics that have caused this growth? Yes, many of the US players from the mid-90s said the 80 Olympics made them want to play hockey. Anywhere else? Oh, and if your direct evidence is anything 1998 or later, that it would be naive to think the NHL didn't do crap. Besides, if the NHL "doesn't do crap" then why does it matter if they are in the Olympics or not?

Very few people in the US watch the World Cup of Rugby or Cricket. A nation of 300million and very little coverage. Why don't they make the Olympics THEIR championship when "everyone" is watching in an effort to grow the game? Why would they not want to do whatever they can to make inroads in a country as sports-mad as the US? A country where rights fees go for ridiculous amounts of money?

 

[patnyrnyg]

The thing is, this won't be competitive since the European players won't care. This isn't a true competition because there's nothing on the line. There's no true pride when you win by beating an immature team and a leftover team.

How do you know the players won't care? You don't think Ovechkin, Malkin, and Kovalchuk would kill to beat a REAL Team Canada, IN CANADA? Or skate around the ice with their medals and World Cup Trophy in the ACC? Look at how they acted when they won the World Championships, when Russia had most of their best players, yet none of the other big 6 had theirs. Give me a break. Will be the same for the Swedish, Finnish, the Czechs and Americans, as well. Yes, I also think the Euro left overs is a dumb idea. However, when the puck drops, those guys will be playing to win, as well. The U23's would love nothing more than to beat "their older brothers" on Team Canada and Team USA.

Now, whether FANS in Finland, Russia, Sweden, the Czech Republic will care about the tourney is another issue. Whether fans in Slovakia will care about Team Euro is another issue. Do the European fans care that many in Canada and almost all of the US do not care about the World Championships? If Russia wins it all, are the Russian fans going to care that more than 99% of the US population didn't watch?

 

[Canuckistani]

The U23's would love nothing more than to beat "their older brothers" on Team Canada and Team USA.

No, I think it's safe to say that no Canadian or American player has ever wanted to be the one who eliminated his own country.

 

[patnyrnyg]

No, I think it's safe to say that no Canadian or American player has ever wanted to be the one who eliminated his own country.

So, if it is U23 vs Canada in the semi's, the Canadian members of the U23 team are just going to go through the motions? Find that hard to believe. If that IS their thinking, they can simply decline the invitation to play. I think, you are underestimating the competitiveness of these guys. You give them an opponent and put up a scoreboard, and they will try to win.