Putin gives players from Russia's winning World Championship team Mercedes Benzs

[nik-]

The best way to find out is ask a European who's won both which they feel more pride in.

I'd bet significant dollars the answer wouldn't be the WHC

[GoJetsGo]

How is it even up for debate?

The Olympics has been best-vs-best for the last decade plus.

Who would take more pride in winning a tournament where it's not each country sending their best players?

That doesn't even begin to make sense.

[CedarMeter]

Benz? Should have been a Skoda.

[combustiblefuel]

Hey don't shoot the messenger. I never said Olympics were not bigger . I just relayed what was said in a documentary. In the documentary some players said "growing up in Europe the World Championship is more Celebrated than the Olympics. It gives a more even playing field for all the Countries. It is just like before the NHL players started participating in the Olympics in 1998."

The thing I take away from this is Country's like Switzerland, Denmark etc Celebrate it more Is because They have a better chance at winning it. Remember the Stanley Cup has similar beginnings. It was only For the best Amateur Canadian hockey team.

[combustiblefuel]

Originally Posted by nik-

The best way to find out is ask a European who's won both which they feel more pride in.

I'd bet significant dollars the answer wouldn't be the WHC

I would bet its not either it was just something that was on one of the docs on Tsn. The focus was on hockey culture in Europe. They didn't talk to Nhlers just people who hadonly played , playing and those that choose to stay in Europe.

[nik-]

Was it on a puff piece before the airing of the WHC?

[FlameZilla]

Tax money well spent.

[combustiblefuel]

Originally Posted by nik-

Was it on a puff piece before the airing of the WHC?

No, this was a year or two ago I saw it on in the winter. They also went into various leugues in Europe and the Spengler Cup. It might of not been on Tsn. I can't remember what the heck it was called. . The part about the Whc always has stick with me Because I have the exact same feeling as the rest of the people on here. I found it strange but interesting. It went on to say it was covered more than the NHL use to be , compared It to a being a similar thing to how some people In North America Covent the Wjrs . There are a lot of people here who go nuts for the World juniors but not So much for the Memorial cup which the Chl is known as the Best Junior League(s). Just vice versa really. I could see some Europeans not going to hoots about the Stanley Cup and caring more so about the Whc and there own leugues ( same ice size and IIHF). Same with Russians not caring about The Cup and only about Gagarin Cup. I know I don't give two Hoots about either of those two.

[combustiblefuel]

Originally Posted by neo45

Olympics is bigger than WCs in every Euro country, even Russia


This is Putin saving face from their Sochii embarassment

Culturally in Europe out side of the Olympics It is the best trophey



I don't think Its a ploy by Putin. I think Its just the past history of What the WHC means to them. If Its to save face from the poor play of the Russians crap play at the Olympics Why reward the players? Should he give cars to the fans? I don't see how it saves him face.

[Point Blank]

If they won the Olympics I guess Putin would have to give them each a spaceship

[nik-]

Originally Posted by Point Blank

If they won the Olympics I guess Putin would have to give them each a spaceship

no, just a province in Ukraine

[wwkayaker]

Good for those young players.

[PIMking]

Made in Tuscaloosa, alabama

[theoforever]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Great use of public funds as usual by the Russian government.

I see, nothing wrong with rewarding national athletes for bringing medals. Russia gave lots to Olympic medalists as well. Good on them.

Considering the amount of government waste that goes around and idiotic special interest funding this one is actually a positive story.

[corporatejay]

This is the equivalent of a participation medal

[SOMBRI2]

Putin should give them Poutine.

I hope these guys donate their cars / to convert the values to people in need in their country.

[combustiblefuel]

Originally Posted by CedarMeter

Benz? Should have been a Skoda.

"Skoda-ve", would-ve , could-ve.

[dying4acup]

I guess each would have got a mansion in Siberia for a gold medal?

Putin is in political hell and is reaching for small victories at this point!

Lol, I hope Putin gets sentenced to a slow painful death for what he's doing to my Ukrainian friends.

[Pointman]

I dont see a big deal here. German soccer players will receive $408k each, which is about 2-3 new Mercedes-Benzs. This bonus is in line with world practices, as far as I know, and is not a misusage of public funds. Not sure if it is an attempt to recover from Olympics or whatever. It is just routine bonus.

As for importance of World Champs versus Olympics, Olympics are way more important for educated fans. Casual fans, though, just look at whatever TV is feeding them. Some of them may not even know that best players are still playing in the NHL playoffs. For them WC may be more important.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Originally Posted by Pointman

I dont see a big deal here. German soccer players will receive $408k each, which is about 2-3 new Mercedes-Benzs. This bonus is in line with world practices, as far as I know, and is not a misusage of public funds. Not sure if it is an attempt to recover from Olympics or whatever. It is just routine bonus.

As for importance of World Champs versus Olympics, Olympics are way more important for educated fans. Casual fans, though, just look at whatever TV is feeding them. Some of them may not even know that best players are still playing in the NHL playoffs. For them WC may be more important.

The amount the Germans received was actual prize money disbursed by FIFA. The German federation got $35 million for winning the tournament. So not quite the same as it coming directly from the government. I do agree its a miniscule amount, though somewhat strange to reward winning the B tournament when the nation got completely humilated in the A tournament.