Trying this multi-quote thing!
Wow, lots of convo today, I'm going to try out this multi-quote thing.
First off, I just want to repeat again what I said before...
I don't disagree that the kids should have a choice of which country they want to play for, it's totally their choice. I'm just speaking as to my thoughts on the situation (as a Canadian) that's all. It's still their choice what they want to do.
But we're not talking about which parent they get their hockey ability from.
But that's exactly what I am talking about...their hockey heritage. For instance Zach Parise... his father, Jean-Paul Parise, played for Team Canada in the LEGENDARY '72 Canada/Russia games. He's from a very proud French-Canadian hockey tradition. I read an interview they did of his son where he talks about how Jean-Paul taught him how to play, coached him and many of the other guys who ended up on the Team U.S.A. olympic team and basically what a big influence he was on his hockey career. I mean gosh, his Dad fought the hard fight for Team Canada back in the day, he was part of a Canadian legend and a very long, very proud hockey tradition and heritage in Canada. Having that kind of father definitely shapes and molds you as a player! I'm not saying he should disown the American part of his roots from his Mom but where his hockey roots are concerned, you certainly can't say that the Canadian influence wouldn't have been a very major factor.
Neither country is "losing" these players to the other. They are dual-citizens - they are as much American as they are Canadian. It's their choice who they want to play for, and no one here should tell them that they're wrong or imply that they are somehow a traitor.
We certainly don't have a right to tell them what country to play for. Nevertheless, when some of our greatest players have their next generation playing for the States then of course they are lost to Canada. I personally would have been very proud to see the son of a Team Canada legend out on the ice for Canada just like his dad was before him, carrying on a proud heritage and tradition. It's sad that we will never see that for a lot of these players now. It's an excellent break for the States of course, but a sad one for Canada.
Great story by TSN....Im a huge Nick Foligno fan and I thought it was pretty funny when he said something along the lines of "looks like I picked the wrong team"
He said even tho he has played for the US internationally he is 100% cheering for his brother and team Canada this tournament. A reporter asked something along the lines of "what are you going to tell Brian Burke" and he said something like " hes a family man, he understands"
You were probably watching the same interview as me. Ya although he didn't come out and say it, he definitely gave the impression that he may have had some regrets. What upset me a bit is right after they showed them interviewing some American players who were basically calling him a traitor for supporting Team Canada. Again, this type of thing is bound to happen though and in that instance it was the Americans who were feeling a bit pissed about what they saw as misplaced loyalties.
Imagine in a few years from now Canada catches up to the USA in baseball and then proceeds to beat them with Roy Halladays son, and Aaron Hills son, and Vernon Wells' son....all of which were born in Canada to American parents playing in Toronto.
Would it bother you to see a bunch of would be American kids, celebrating victory in Canadian jerseys?
Thats my point.
Sparxx, thank you, you get my feelings completely. I think if we were maybe talking about an American sport that had a longstanding tradition and heritage behind it and the same situation happened there, then I think they'd totally understand what we're saying.
But the players born in the US and developed by the US should play for the US regardless of where their parents are born. Hell, the place of birth is the minor detail of the two.
I do agree with you there. So I understand why the older Foligno son probably felt obligated to play for the U.S. regardless since he had accepted their offer to participate in a special development program. After all, it would be unfair to do that and then go play for another country.
Probably their moms, because their dads aren't home for a good portion of their childhoods.
Well I can't agree with you there, every interview I've read of a son of an NHL player, they have talked about what a huge influence their father was in their development as a player. Again, I'm not meaning to discount the importance a mother brings to raising children as it's big no doubt, I'm just talking from a hockey perspective here.
How often does that happen though? I can't think of very many American athletes whose kids are born in another country (say Canada) when they are playing for a team there (for this discussion limit it to hockey), grow up, and then end up competing for a country other than the U.S.
Exactly. I think that's why some Americans are having a hard time understanding why it's hard for some Canadians to see that. If it started happening a lot with great American players then I'm sure you guys would have an easier time relating to what we're saying.
I remember reading about an American hockey player playing for a Canadian team whose wife was pregnant and he sent her home because he wanted his child born American.
Not sure if it's true but I will admit I love that type of patriotism.
I agree with you.
Given that the vast majority of Americans don’t have gigantic inferiority complexes, I think it’s safe to say it would bother very few.
I disagree with you on that. Let some American football or baseball greats start doing the same and I have no doubt whatsoever that American fans would be upset. Thing is, right now, this situation only benefits the States for the most part so of course Americans have no reason to feel concerned about it.
If you have a problem with it, then you are probably just scared that the offspring of these "famous canadians/Americans" are going to beat your country.
I'm actually more upset about losing the next generation of some great players that were part of a proud tradition and heritage in this country. I'm sure I'm not the only Canadian that finds it concerning and there's no shame in that.
Ray Bourque was one of my favourite players growing up, I still have his Boston jersey. When his son played for the USA and he sat there and watched I instantly hated him and his kid lol not sure what to do with the jersey. Bothers me how your nationality completely changes, then again my parents are from India and I'm a proud Canadian
It feels weird for sure, can't say that I hate anyone and it's certainly their right to decide but I never thought I'd see the son of a '72 Canada/Russia player trying to beat Canada in Olympic hockey. Notice I said "trying". lol <Sorry, couldn't resist!>
P.S. I just saw the wrap up of the under 17 tourny and Team Ontario just beat Team U.S.A. for gold (5 to 3.)
BUT don't hate me because right now Sweden and U.S. are about to fight it out for the bronze and most Canadians I know said they will be putting their support behind the Americans.