[flambers]

Here is an interesting article... supports Tranny's comments about the mens game but it also states the problem is getting worse in the Women's game....

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/news-centr...n+catch+canada

"So, it is undeniable that it took a great amount of time for any parity to come to the men's game.

In the women's game, however, there is growing concern that the lesser hockey nations are not progressing at all - are, in fact, going backward. While Canada and the U.S. pour tremendous funds into their women's programs, treating them as equal to any athletes and providing the best facilities and coaches, the other countries, such as Russia, offer nothing.

The problem is twofold, says one ranking International Ice Hockey Federation official: resources and undeniable sexism. "


"When there is no real competition apart from fluke, it can be argued that women's hockey is failing to meet the Olympic criterion of widespread competition. If so, and if we accept that the Canadian and American women are world-class athletes who deserve to compete at the highest level in the largest forum, then it is incumbent on both federations, Hockey Canada and U.S.A. Hockey, to lean on the other federations, men's hockey included, to spread those resources around more fairly, and fast. "