Quote:
Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina
No player has ever been shoved down our throats like him and he will be a dominant narrative through the tourney
The absence of Russia (for all the right reasons) is also a factor for me. Just doesn’t seem the same
The tourney is not for me. But if others enjoy it that’s great
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Agreed...though the Gretzky in Edmonton era was similar but without social media.
I just dont see how the intensity or quality of the teams involved, changes if Russia or any other team is there or not. But that seems to be a theme. Its a "gimmick" or "made up" tournament....well isnt every tournament made up?
The thing about Russia not participating is....they likely wont be at the Olympics either. Definitely not if the IOC follows the IIHF lead.
That's what I meant if it was the Olympics right now...would people still not watch?
I get the sentiment of not all the best countries are there....because they aren't.
But the best players from those countries that are going are there, which is still best on best regardless of tournament name or date or location and that has, historically, resulted in extremely high intense hockey.
No idea why this would be any different, particularly when the whole thing was really a player initiative. Owners absolutely loathe letting their star players whom they pay millions and millions a year too...go and risk their health for another team while still having to guarantee their pay cheques.
I dunno...maybe im reading the whole thing through an outdated lens but if we follow precedent, this should be great hockey.