Quote:
Originally Posted by waner
The U23 doesn't make much sense for hockey because NHL teams aren't giving up their guys to go to that tournament and 95% of good guys will be in NHL by 22. I think U20 (WJHC age) is what would make the most sense if they are going to go the soccer route of a youth tournament.
If they aren't going to use the NHL guys then I would just go with use whoever is willing to go and have it as b/c level tournament that people only care about because it is the Olympics.
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Yes, but creating an U23 will bring more stars to the tournament, but will help NHL teams as well because on most NHL teams, their star players are older than 23. IMO, hockey is the central event of the WO, and making it basically a WJ or a b/c level tournament would just reduce peoples interest.
Coming from a non-hockey country, I can tell you that during the Olympics, most turn in to watch guys like Sid, Kane, Doughty...and it does contribute to making the sport more popular. I imagine its the same in other countries as well.
Locke, I agree with you. At the end of the day, its all about the money. Which is sad, really.