World Cup of Hockey 2016 - "All Star Teams"

[kabidjan18]

I don't think many people like the format obviously, but I doubt it's here to say. Bettman is working on something to the effect of a grandfather clause like FIFA or FIBA have to strengthen the other teams and allow more NHL players to participate for like Great Britain or Italy for a truly nation vs. nation tournament. The iihf nationality rules are stupid anyways. As for this one, maybe streaming it live as opposed to dialing in on ESPN? That way ratings stay low but you still watch the game for those who struggle with the idea of missing out on it.

 

[LittleKev6D9]

It's an interesting idea.

This tournament holds no water and I won't give a **** if the USA wins. It's a second rate event unless the Olympics start using amateurs.

The Summer Olympics in Men's Soccer uses a U23 team but allows 3 overage players. It's a cool idea and the event means something, but obviously the FIFA World Cup is the tournament you want to win.

But the inclusion of these two "All-Star teams" makes this whole event very "exhibitiony" (great word, I know).

 

[Hire Sather]

Quite honestly, if the initial article I read about this idea wasn't on NHL.com, I would've thought it was some kind of satire.

Entire point of the World Cup is nation vs nation, the idea is one of the worst sports ideas I've ever heard of in terms of it just not making any sense at all.

 

[FanHabtic*]

I would like to see the top 8 nations have a World Cup every 4 years with no made up gimmick teams, but really the Olympics is like the World Cup for hockey. The annual world championship and the Olympics every 4 leaves little room for a true World Cup for the sport of hockey. Betman is certainly greedy, but make no mistake, so is the IIHF. I feel that something else would have to give in order for there to be a true World Cup, such as amateurs in the Olympics, or the World championships only involving players who play outside of North America or the NHL or something.

Agreed. I think we are all hockey purists. I can't believe they would soil the former Canada Cup like that.

Lets fight the power!!!

 

[FanHabtic*]

Would fans of the Czech Republic and Slovakia care to see a unified team play in a World Cup?

 

[TheTwelfth]

The Olympic Qualification will be taking place at the same time. These are the countries that won't be available:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_ho...n's_qualification#Final_Olympic_qualification

So the players they said Team Europe gave a chance to appear on this stage: Kopitar, Zuccarello, Roussel, Ehlers, Andersen etc, would have to give up their national team's most important matches during this Olympiad. Yeah, that make sense. The irony is great

 

[Laphroaig]

I was excited by the idea of another World Cup of Hockey. Great idea ruined by the ridiculous format. I'm pissed.

 

[Gormo]

LOL Jesus some of you are over dramatic. It's an exhibition tourney with no weighting on anything except to hopefully see some exciting hockey and most of the top players in the world. Is it a cash cow? Most likely, but it's not like this is replacing the Olympics or WC.

Edit:spelling

I dont think hes too far off the mark imo.

I think it's an unbelievably poorly conceived idea, and in a larger sense I think it does undermine the sport internationally in a very real way.

You have to include underdog teams because if they achieve some measure of success it's the best way to grow the game. For me these artificial teams suck all of the meaning right out of it.