WJC: Is this years Austria the worst team ever in the history of WJC?

[SoundAndFury]

how is Germany worse than Latvia?? I thought german hockey has made a big step up in the past 7 or so years??

Past the big 6 (which is big 5 at the moment) anyone can be stronger than anyone in a single given championship. It's not like it will rain Seiders and Stutzles in Germany from now on. They have a decent team, 2 guys drafted. That's kind of the usual. Latvia has maybe their best team ever with 3 guys drafted. Here we go, easy maths.

P.S. I'm not saying drafted guys are of some vital importance to determine the team's strength, that's just so there are some concrete numbers to illustrate the point.

 

[Suntouchable13]

Austria? Well, G'Day mate! Let's put another shrimp on the Barbie!

 

[GermanSpitfire]

On thing is for certain, as long as Russia is out of the tournament we are going to see more teams like Austria get blown out. I doubt Norway will be any better next year.

Norway has a real strong roster set for next year - a lot of returning players from their D-A championship team and a couple potential first rounders in Stian Solberg and Michael Brandsegg Nygard to be exited about.

 

[wetcoast]

This just proves that Russia should be at the tournament.

I’m sure that we can all agree that what Russia is doing is wrong but you should ban the teenagers because of it. It’s not like it is their choice or their fault.

My guess is that most people agree with the ban in Canada and almost certainly in Europe.

Sure the tournament would be better with Russia in it, but the world also would be in a much better place.

I actually don't miss them being at the tourney all that much as their ahs been some great hockey games and upsets as well.

Norway has a real strong roster set for next year - a lot of returning players from their D-A championship team and a couple potential first rounders in Stian Solberg and Michael Brandsegg Nygard to be exited about.

Man so many great prospects out there these days.

 

[Pan]

At WJC 2019, Denmark managed to score in only one game out of 6 they had. Btw, since then they're only falling down being about to be relegated to D1B this year.
I feel that Austria is still able to upset Latvia if they play it right. Latvia is not that good: yes, athletic and well-coached, but clearly unable to play against good defence, maintain a lead and make comebacks. So once Austria scores first and plays well in defence (smaller ice should be in help), who knows...

 

[BagHead]

Kazakhstan in 2009
0-4 2 GF 44 GA

9-0 Germany
15-0 Canada
12-0 USA
10-2 Czechia

So you're saying that to be historic they need to lose their next game 14-2?

Wait, hold on, that was 46 goals against for Kazakhstan. So... 16-2.

 

[Eye of Ra]

Yes Austria lost to Germany, but they actually where better than Germany in this game. Austria won the shots with 33-27

 

[BigBadBoar]

There were worse teams in the past. I remember one year when Kazakhstan was much worse, and also I believe Belarus was worse one year. Just some examples I remember right now.

 

[Czechboy]

Yes Austria lost to Germany, but they actually where better than Germany in this game. Austria won the shots with 33-27

I really think they will give Latvia a run here... I think Latvia is better for sure but I could see 4-3 type games.

 

[Golden_Jet]

CZE ..... good team?

I guess.

Can tell your not watching tourney, like you said then.

 

[ORRFForever]

The Austrian KIDS gave up their Christmas and tried their best.
No criticism from me. Good for them.
I hope they had the time of their lives.







God bless Pope Benedict XVI. RIP.

 

[OscarsCards]

The weaker teams are not the problem. The problem is how the tournament is played out. It's a 10 team tournament where 8 yeams qualify for playoffs and the other two teams are participating just to warmup the big boys.

 

[ORRFForever]

The weaker teams are not the problem. The problem is how the tournament is played out. It's a 10 team tournament where 8 yeams qualify for playoffs and the other two teams are participating just to warmup the big boys.

Russia being gone hurts. If Russia plays, Austria is nudged out and the tournament is better - it sure would have been fun to see Russia vs Czechia in 2023.

We need to hope the lesser teams start improving and make a difference going forward - of course, people have been saying that for decades and, if anything, the tournament has become LESS competitive over that time.

 

[smitty10]

Past the big 6 (which is big 5 at the moment) anyone can be stronger than anyone in a single given championship. It's not like it will rain Seiders and Stutzles in Germany from now on. They have a decent team, 2 guys drafted. That's kind of the usual. Latvia has maybe their best team ever with 3 guys drafted. Here we go, easy maths.

P.S. I'm not saying drafted guys are of some vital importance to determine the team's strength, that's just so there are some concrete numbers to illustrate the point.

You may be on to something with drafted players helping determine strength.

 

[PaulD]

Can tell your not watching tourney, like you said then.

Yea. Not as interested as I usually am. Have watched it religiously for decades.
May catch the elimination games and get into it.

 

[Silky Johnson]

This just proves that Russia should be at the tournament.

I’m sure that we can all agree that what Russia is doing is wrong but you should ban the teenagers because of it. It’s not like it is their choice or their fault.

Nope. Russia is an international pariah and will be treated that way.

If Canada participated in any international event with Russia you'd see me protesting.

In fact if the IIHF let Russia play I think you would see alot of other teams drop out...

 

[Joe Zanussi]

If Russia comes back next year, is Norway kicked out?

 

[Burkeocet]

they wouldn’t be here if Russia was.

.. and frankly, it’s BS they’re not. Those hockey players are not responsible for being from a country with a war criminal. WTF does the IIHF expect them to do? Punishing a bunch of teenagers is stupid.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

If Russia comes back next year, is Norway kicked out?

I’m guessing that Russia would likey have to make their way through the divisions again.

Even if they’re reinstated - it‘ll take a few years for Russia to make it back to the top division.

 

[BigBadBoar]

If Russia comes back next year, is Norway kicked out?

I don't expect Russia returning earlier than in 2025.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

I’m guessing that Russia would likey have to make their way through the divisions again.

Even if they’re reinstated - it‘ll take a few years for Russia to make it back to the top division.

It will be interesting how they get re-integrated. It wouldn't really serve anyone to make them climb back up from the bottom of the ladder again and have them beat up on like Israel 40-0 for years but they also probably shouldn't be booting teams out that earned their place in the time they were gone. I think we are likely a couple years at minimum before having to figure out that problem though.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

I’m guessing that Russia would likey have to make their way through the divisions again.

Even if they’re reinstated - it‘ll take a few years for Russia to make it back to the top division.

I'd love to see Russia vs Egypt.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

I'd love to see Russia vs Egypt.

If you think players get overhyped because of the WJC in the top division - wait until Matvei Michkov puts up 20 goals against Bosnia

It will be interesting how they get re-integrated. It wouldn't really serve anyone to make them climb back up from the bottom of the ladder again and have them beat up on like Israel 40-0 for years but they also probably shouldn't be booting teams out that earned their place in the time they were gone. I think we are likely a couple years at minimum before having to figure out that problem though.

I think putting them in D-1B is a good place to put them.

I think that the IIHF will also talk about going to up to 12 teams in the top division. That could be an interesting discussion also.

 

[Silky Johnson]

I’m guessing that Russia would likey have to make their way through the divisions again.

Even if they’re reinstated - it‘ll take a few years for Russia to make it back to the top division.

When it happens it's going to be so funny.

It's the gift that keeps on giving.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

Austria is currently beating Germany in the first relegation game fwiw.