Smart move by the IIHF. The WJCs get more support in Canada than any other international hockey tournament in any other country. All games in Vancouver (two 16,000-plus seat arenas) are sold out. Kamloops and Kelowna aren't far behind. It's not uncommon to see the host team's games sold out, but games between Belarus and Switzerland usually draw flies.
Hopefully other countries around the world will start to realize that this is the most exciting international tournament in hockey, and start to support it more. That way, Canada can go back to hosting it every four or five years. But at this time, in terms of drawing the public, it's the best move.
I think Ottawa's a lock to host one of them in 2009 or 2012. That would likely eliminate any other Ontario city. Quebec City likely won't get it, because they have the Worlds in 2008. St. John's might be a candidate, along with Calgary (never hosted it on its own before) or Saskatoon, which did a great job in 1991. (Although the WJC may have outgrown that city's arena).
As for this year: Canada's crop of 1987s is almost as good as its 1985s, which tore this year's WJCs apart. Not as many good 1986s, but there are a few goodies, like Pouliot, Barker, Bolland and Chipchura. If the NHL lockout isn't settled, Canada will get to use all of their 1987s, and they'll dominate. If the NHL is back, Crosby will be gone, but Canada will still have guys like Price, Brule (a future franchise forward), Staal, Bourret and Latendresse, among others.
