[Rumour] 2016 World Cup of Hockey in Toronto

[dino7c]

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.

different era, and the "young stars" team ruins it

You think Monahan and Hamilton will be working their asses off, blocking shots ect. to knock team Canada out of a tournament

JG would make the US main team but will likely be held back

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by dino7c

different era, and the "young stars" team ruins it

You think Monahan and Hamilton will be working their asses off, blocking shots ect. to knock team Canada out of a tournament

JG would make the US main team but will likely be held back

Is there a rule about that? Like you absolutely can't make the main team if you are under 23? He would definitely be part of the main USA team otherwise.

It would be interesting to see if teammates let up on each other a little like the all-star game.

[neo45]

This is one of those ideas that is so gimmicky and bad that it actually makes me feel uncomfortable thinking about it. Can't believe it is going forward

[Ruttiger]

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.

Agreed. A lot of people say the 3 game Canada - USSR final of the 1987 Canada Cup was the best hockey they ever witnessed:

"The quality of players participating in 1987, led many to agree that 1987 Canada Cup featured the two greatest teams ever iced (Canadian and Soviet Union), and the greatest hockey ever played."

http://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/Tea...-Cup/1987/Home

[getbak]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Is there a rule about that? Like you absolutely can't make the main team if you are under 23? He would definitely be part of the main USA team otherwise.

Yes, any player born after October 1, 1992 will have to play for Team North America.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

[QUOTE=CroFlames;5416109]Is there a rule about that? Like you absolutely can't make the main team if you are under 23? He would definitely be part of the main USA team otherwise.
Edit: Getbak has it

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by neo45

This is one of those ideas that is so gimmicky and bad that it actually makes me feel uncomfortable thinking about it. Can't believe it is going forward

Yeah I was listening to it on 960 and the whole thing felt really cheesy. Nobody in the US is going to even care or watch given it's going head to head with the beginning of the NFL season.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Ruttiger

Agreed. A lot of people say the 3 game Canada - USSR final of the 1987 Canada Cup was the best hockey they ever witnessed:

"The quality of players participating in 1987, led many to agree that 1987 Canada Cup featured the two greatest teams ever iced (Canadian and Soviet Union), and the greatest hockey ever played."

http://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/Tea...-Cup/1987/Home

Oh it was great but that was before Russians were playing in the NHL and the rivalry between the countries was as big a rivalry as you would see in any sport. Now that rivalry just doesn't exist as the Russians are still good but not the dominant worldwide force and we see most of their best players in the NHL. This tournament isn't going to recreate that magic as this is an NHL/NHLPA cash grab and glorified All-Star game tournament.

[MrMastodonFarm]

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.

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.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

Originally Posted by Ruttiger

Agreed. A lot of people say the 3 game Canada - USSR final of the 1987 Canada Cup was the best hockey they ever witnessed:

"The quality of players participating in 1987, led many to agree that 1987 Canada Cup featured the two greatest teams ever iced (Canadian and Soviet Union), and the greatest hockey ever played."

http://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/Tea...-Cup/1987/Home

That was some of the best hockey ever, and certainly produced one of the most iconic goals ever.

As an old fart, I was actually at the 1984 semi-final game at the Saddledome between Canada and the USSR. Greatest game I have ever witnessed live. The Dome was incredible in OT.

[Ruttiger]

Originally Posted by Fighting Banana Slug

That was some of the best hockey ever, and certainly produced one of the most iconic goals ever.

As an old fart, I was actually at the 1984 semi-final game at the Saddledome between Canada and the USSR. Greatest game I have ever witnessed live. The Dome was incredible in OT.

I remember that vividly as Coffey broke up the 2 on 1 in overtime before turning the play back up ice, leading to the winning goal.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by dino7c

You think Monahan and Hamilton will be working their asses off, blocking shots ect. to knock team Canada out of a tournament

Sure. Do you really think they'd sabotage their own team just to let Canada win?

The only way they'll play Canada or the USA is if they finish top-two in their own Group. To do that, they'll likely have to beat at least two of Russia, Sweden, and Finland.

Any game against Canada will either be for a spot in the Gold Medal game, or the Gold Medal game itself. I can't see any professional athlete rolling over after fighting against those odds just to see their home country win.

Also, the bragging rights would be huge, to be able to say that you were on a team of kids that took down the most elite players in the world.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by getbak

Sure. Do you really think they'd sabotage their own team just to let Canada win?

The only way they'll play Canada or the USA is if they finish top-two in their own Group. To do that, they'll likely have to beat at least two of Russia, Sweden, and Finland.

Any game against Canada will either be for a spot in the Gold Medal game, or the Gold Medal game itself. I can't see any professional athlete rolling over after fighting against those odds just to see their home country win.

Also, the bragging rights would be huge, to be able to say that you were on a team of kids that took down the most elite players in the world.

no but it will be a no hitter, you think Gio is gonna lay JG out 2 weeks before camp? Face wash Mony in a scrum?

[dino7c]

I am old enough to remember the Canada cup, also smart enough to realize this is TOTALLY different. I don't remember any gimmick teams back then and when you mention Canada Vs. USSR that should be the first clue that things have changed just a bit

[Locke]

Originally Posted by dino7c

yeah team mates playing against each other 2 weeks before camp, this is gonna be intense hockey action

They should play it on International Ice with IIHF refs just for the icing on the cake.

[CliffFletcher]

I agree the format is dumb. But as for players caring about the Olympics more, it's looking like the NHL won't participate in the 2018 Olympics. So the players can care all they like, but they probably won't be going. That leaves the World Cup as the only true best-on-best international tournament. Once that becomes apparent, pride will kick in.

[SuperMatt18]

Why would we expect it to be physical anyways? It is international play, not the playoffs.

The Olympics are never very physical, but the hockey is great because of the speed, and skill that is on display.

Short of Pronger running some guys I really don't recall a real physical play or big body check in Olympic play.

The U-23 team and the Rest of Europe team just add to the skill and talent on display IMO. As long as the players play hard, and have something to play for (I am sure there will be some monetary value to winning to go along with pride), then it should be an entertaining tournament.

Canada Cup 91, World Cup 96, and World Cup 04 were all tournaments that happened before the start of the season, without the real "Cold War" aspect, that I felt were entertaining enough events. Maybe not on par with an Olympics (although 96 was pretty damn intense) but still good hockey.

[Coach]

So will under-23s that aren't American or Canadian not play on the North America team? If they will, the name is dumb. Just call it the U23 Team. Or the Purple Cobras.

[RyZ]

Originally Posted by MattyC

So will under-23s that aren't American or Canadian not play on the North America team? If they will, the name is dumb. Just call it the U23 Team. Or the Purple Cobras.

I think that by virtue of being called "Team North America" the answer to your question is fairly obvious.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Why would we expect it to be physical anyways? It is international play, not the playoffs.

The Olympics are never very physical, but the hockey is great because of the speed, and skill that is on display.

Short of Pronger running some guys I really don't recall a real physical play or big body check in Olympic play.

The U-23 team and the Rest of Europe team just add to the skill and talent on display IMO. As long as the players play hard, and have something to play for (I am sure there will be some monetary value to winning to go along with pride), then it should be an entertaining tournament.

Canada Cup 91, World Cup 96, and World Cup 04 were all tournaments that happened before the start of the season, without the real "Cold War" aspect, that I felt were entertaining enough events. Maybe not on par with an Olympics (although 96 was pretty damn intense) but still good hockey.

all events with no gimmick teams