GDT: World Cup of Hockey Discussion

[Nharris31]

Not sure where to put this Suter was named alternate captain for team USA. Also is it bad that I'm not cheering for US?

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[Dr Jan Itor]

Probably.

 

[gphr513]

I'm excited for the tournament. I always like watching international hockey.

 

[FVM]

I still resent the NHL for butchering this up. North American youngsters and European leftovers... seriously?

 

[Nharris31]

Probably.

I don't like their roster construction or that Kane gets an A and no I'm not mad that Parise didn't get it.

 

[Dr Jan Itor]

I'm fine with the European conglomeration because none of them are going to be asked to play against their own country. Team U23 North America I'm very much not a fan of. I get that they want to showcase more young talent, but its just wrong.

 

[Minnesota]

Kane's kind of a head-scratcher when it comes to leadership positions...

 

[Saga of the Elk]

Thing is the Olympic pool is no better. If you don't allow teams with growing programs or hockey traditions like Latvia, France, Italy, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Denmark - just to name a few - to participate, then how can they be expected to commit resources? How are the players supposed to grow? Instead they have a three pool tournament (that features the host team) and will result in the same old medalists as ever.

At least Team North America brings some of the best players in the league together. They will be the most fun team to watch by far.

But the whole WC is a goofy Bettman boondoggle that will undoubtedly result in a severe injury impacting some team's fortunes (hope not). A chance to roll out ads on uniforms and water down interest in player participation in the Olympics. I don't mind if the NHL doesn't do the Olympics because the spirit of the thing is an amateur competition, but if you're going to do a World Cup then make it a bit more inclusive. Or maybe just allow each province to enter a squad - I have little doubt a Team Manitoba would be competitive in international tournament play. It would be nice for the rest of the world to have the chance to catch up as well.

 

[Gaps]

I still resent the NHL for butchering this up. North American youngsters and European leftovers... seriously?

This format is embarrassingly ridiculous but even that wouldn't really matter if the NHL wasn't planning on skipping the Olympics and replacing the tournament with this abomination. Hockey is not played on paper and simply a list of good players doesn't make for a great team. At least some Finnish players (like Koivu) seem to be skeptical when it comes to the leftover teams' motivation and team effort. I can only imagine what their reaction would've been if the NHL had dismantled Team Finland and instead created Team Nordic.

 

[Wabit]

I like the U23 and Europe teams. It's a different feel than the rest of the country tournaments. All the players should be at their healthiest, but maybe a bit rusty. So should be some good hockey.

All the NHL players need to stay healthy for it to be a success. It's not like NHL owners/Bettman really care if a KHL player gets hurt. But if Crosby (or his caliber of player) gets injured and misses a chunk of the season, owners might be a little reluctant to have another one of these before the season starts.

 

[Sharppi]

IDGAF about the team compositions or if this is a gimmick or whatever. Just give me some hockey and preferably with good teams playing. This tournament gives me that.

 

[gphr513]

IDGAF about the team compositions or if this is a gimmick or whatever. Just give me some hockey and preferably with good teams playing. This tournament gives me that.

Yep, that's where I'm at.

Ideally, if this was the only best-on-best tournament, you wouldn't have the U23 team and the "European Leftovers" team, but I love international hockey enough that I will gobble this tournament up.

 

[Lapa]

FIN v SWE soon. Also ordered a pizza.

This should be an excellent evening.

 

[Dampland]

Honestly, I just want this stupid gimmick tourney OVER ASAP!!!

Get me real NHL hockey soon, or I might lose it.

(Thank gawd the NFL is starting, so at least I will be comforted by that for a while)

 

[W75]

Just saw a smallish but marvellous movie: The Happiest Day in The Life of Olli Mäki. Ate some fried vendace and puikula potatoes. Now Finland-Sweden gimmick-hockey and a few beers. Not a bad day.

 

[Lapa]

Finnish broadcast said Granlund is in excellent shape.

 

[Lapa]

Is it bad that I'm already scared of facing Laine next season?

Fast, big and has a great shot.

 

[W75]

Guess it would've been more fun to play in front of full arena, but ticket prices made sure there are empty seats. Could've been there too if the prices were at least moderate.

Although surprisingly small amount of empty seats, at least what can be seen on TV.

 

[Dee Oh Cee]

Is that at Quebec's arena?

Edit: Nvm, saw this one is in FIN. Europe/NA is at Quebec.

 

[W75]

Is that at Quebec's arena?

Edit: Nvm, saw this one is in FIN. Europe/NA is at Quebec.

Yeah, here first and in Sweden on Saturday. Me and my son would've cost 79€+39€=118€, tickets only. The cheapest alternative available when I was looking for tickets. The cheapest tickets were already gone though. And this is a preliminary game..

Heard that in Sweden the most expensive tickets are like 80€ (no source though).

 

[Lapa]

Granny ties the game, 2-2. Koivu with the assist.

 

[gphr513]

Are pre-tournament games televised?

 

[jackouu]

Are pre-tournament games televised?

Of course! This is Finland

 

[Arturia Pendragon]

That shot by Maatta .

 

[Wabit]

Are pre-tournament games televised?

There is a NAvEurope game on espn2 tonight at 7pm ct