Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
I think a lot of people here are too young to remember the Canada/World Cup. Play was just as intense as the Olympics.
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Sure but some of the reasons why it was so intense aren't there in 2016.
Olympics weren't available to NHL players back then so it was considered THE international tournament for pros.
The Soviet Union, communism, cold war etc etc, most of their top players not in the NHL, few defections meant that NHL players were trying to prove something to these guys calling themselves the best.
The 2004 World Cup was a glorified exhibition event. With the Olympics around it's a 2nd rate event. Depending on which Flames players get chosen for the u23 team, I'll be cheering for them.