National identity and style of hockey by

[meangene]

This is a bit meta, but does anyone know of a good place to read up on the mentality and strategy that different Euro countries put into forming their "identity" when it comes to hockey? Why do certain countries emphasize certain skills or preparation over another? Why does the "style" of play in national teams from Russia, Finland, Sweden, etc. vary so much?

Click to read more...

 

[gqmixmaster]

This is a bit meta, but does anyone know of a good place to read up on the mentality and strategy that different Euro countries put into forming their "identity" when it comes to hockey? Why do certain countries emphasize certain skills or preparation over another? Why does the "style" of play in national teams from Russia, Finland, Sweden, etc. vary so much?

I think it comes down to coaching - look at the difference between how a guy like Darryl Sutter coaches his team to play versus say Jon Cooper.