We could've had a classic Canada v Sweden final; it might have saved any dignity this tournament had left. But alas...
So stupid.
classic? how many times Sweden played Canada in the finals?
We could've had a classic Canada v Sweden final; it might have saved any dignity this tournament had left. But alas...
So stupid.
As others mentioned, Bellemare has been a crucial player for them. Hes on the ice in every important defensive scenario and has played well offensively too. He really brings it on the international stage. Hes playing way above his level he brought in Philadelphia the past 2 seasons.
"Gimmick team", "stupid idea", "not a real tournament"... WTF? You act as if we asked for this. We wanted our own teams in a tournament called "World Cup", we were not allowed to. Most of you defended that decision by saying that this format truly ensures a "best on best" tournament. And now that the midget team keeps eliminating everyone, suddenly it is just a stupid gimmick team that has no place in an international tournament.
Make up your mind. You wanted Team Europe in this tournament, now watch Team Europe win the stupid thing!
The concept of a band of underdogs confronting the king is powerful. Team Canada is the greatest challenge for any international team to overcome -- it would be the crowning achievement to defeat them -- and for a group of players from less-successful hockey countries to have earned their position in the Final, and then potentially claim victory against Canada would be an incredible example of achievement through collaboration and fellowship. Without one another, they stand no chance against those that dominate the sport internationally. Together, they have defied all expectations.Given the thesis of the article, wouldn't Team Europe vs. Team North America have been better than the best outcome?
With the defeat of Team Sweden this afternoon, Team Europe has advanced to face Team Canada at the 2016 World Cup Final. While some spectators naturally look on with cynicism, I think that this match up is the best possible outcome for the event.
In a tournament known as the World Cup, we have nine countries being represented in the Final, eight of which have been belittled at every international tournament by the world's strongest hockey nations. The World Cup has brought these countries together in a way that was never imaginable before.
What makes it so fascinating is that all of these countries that have conventionally been deemed the "underdogs" now have a chance to unite against the top-ranked powerhouse country, Canada, and potentially accomplish a feat that they would never have been able to do alone. This would be the ultimate tale of vengeance for them to be able to take down the country that generally crushes them at every encounter.
Eight countries that, on their own have no chance, are now united to face Canada and potentially take down the king of hockey. Even after being assembled as a group, they were laughed at and mocked, considered by many to be incapable of accomplishing anything during the tournament. By embracing one another and encapsulating the spirit of good will beaten nations, however, they have shocked the hockey world. They have beaten the odds and now, together, have a chance to dethrone the top nation in hockey.
"Seven Nation Army" is their goal song, although eight stand in harmony as their fans cheer as one; this alliance of eight flags gives them their greatest ever opportunity for revenge. This is the story of the little guys working together to take down the king.
Team Europe has proven to be a much-needed beacon of comradery and a symbol of the cosmopolitan community; putting aside their differences and understanding that more can be accomplished together than alone, countries may humble themselves and be as kin. This is one of those rare instances in international sports. This group has triumphed above all expectations.
No matter how this three-game international series unfolds, it should be remembered as the time the underdogs banded together to achieve the unthinkable, including potentially defeating the team that nobody else could. For that, this is an historic moment in hockey -- the time that those countries that receive no respect as hockey nations came together to spite their naysayers, defeat their most fearsome nemeses, and possibly win it all.
Even as a Canadian I wouldn't mind seeing Europe win... which shows this tournament has no heart.
Also if Team Europe wins, don't they HAVE to repeat the team in the next WC? You can't have the winners blink in and out of existence.
As others mentioned, Bellemare has been a crucial player for them. Hes on the ice in every important defensive scenario and has played well offensively too. He really brings it on the international stage. Hes playing way above his level he brought in Philadelphia the past 2 seasons.
Yup, you're Canadian with that german flag under your avatar.
Given the thesis of the article, wouldn't Team Europe vs. Team North America have been better than the best outcome?
Oh man, I hope Europe wins. Would be a total slap in the face for the NHL and their money grab gimmick tournament.
Not going to watch Canada wreck this team.
Yup, you're Canadian with that german flag under your avatar.
Canada is the made up country. If war breaks out I'm joining Denmark.