Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle
That sounds like the opinion of someone who doesn't remember or wasn't around for The World Cup in 96 and any other World Cup and Canada Cup or Summit series prior to that date.
When it becomes the only best on best, the fans and the players start to really really care. National pride to say who's the best at hockey takes over. Our 87 Canada Cup victory meant every bit as much to me as any of our three gold medals did since the NHL has gone to the Olympics, and the 96 loss to the US is easily the most devastating international hockey loss I've experienced. History shows, the care will be there, no doubt.
|
This.
87 (and even moreso 72) were the most important victories this country ever acheived in hockey.
And every single Canadian who gave even a little care was absolutely glued to their TV's for the 8 game set in 72 and that best of 3 in 87. In 87 there wasnt a seat to be had in any bars showing that last game. That team was so good that Yzerman and Roy were cut.
I mean if people dont think the Canada/World Cup matters...here is what Wayne Gretzky said about 87.
Quote:
"The entire experience was really overwhelming," Wayne Gretzky told ESPN.com in an interview last week.
"The Great One" has said it many times, that it was the best hockey he was ever part of.
"No question," said Gretzky, whose 21 points (3-18) in nine games led tournament scoring. "There’s no question, at the time, they were the best team in the world. They were that good."
|
I agree with the notion that this years WC wont have quite the allure of those in years past because of the NA and Euro squads that represent nothing basically. It was a poor solution to minor problem IMO in that they could not get 2 teams to join the big 6 that would be able to compete. They just should have left it at 6 teams like they used to. However, that concept is a one and done IMO. they want 8 teams for the next WC as well but that will be 8 different countries ....period.
I cant wait for this thing actually and will be surprised if it is not at Olympic levels of intensity or very close.