2016 World Cup of Hockey

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

The Khazakstans (spell?) of the soccer world in soccer get elliminated years before the actual World Cup begins because the competition in soccer is so deep they get filtered out in the zone qualifications.

The soccer model needs to stop being used as a comparison for international hockey. Agreed it's the gold standard, but the hockey situation is completely different. Soccer, the most popular and universal sport in the world, hockey a regional sport that we love, but doesn't come close to the depth of competition. To your point, maybe one day, but right now the nations that can't compete don't get better by coming to World Cups to lose to Canada 10-0. Their development will come in other ways.

sure soccer is the extreme example but all other sports have similar world cup criteria. Like Rugby or Cricket. Yes most sports have 5-6 dominant teams (in rugby New Zealand beats Canada by 50) but I want to see a team try not to lose to Canada 10-0. Come up with a gameplan, that's interesting too. "Maybe one day" can't happen unless it starts today.

again i love the U23 idea. But that's an invitational.

[jemjey]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

The Khazakstans (spell?) of the soccer world in soccer get elliminated years before the actual World Cup begins because the competition in soccer is so deep they get filtered out in the zone qualifications.

The soccer model needs to stop being used as a comparison for international hockey. Agreed it's the gold standard, but the hockey situation is completely different. Soccer, the most popular and universal sport in the world, hockey a regional sport that we love, but doesn't come close to the depth of competition. To your point, maybe one day, but right now the nations that can't compete don't get better by coming to World Cups to lose to Canada 10-0. Their development will come in other ways.

Kazakhstan (number one exporter of potassium!)

But also to your point I don't think getting spanked would discourage fans. I'd love to see Argentina or Germany crush Canada live (in footy.) Seeing superstars up close would probably grow the game, if anything.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by jemjey

Kazakhstan (number one exporter of potassium!)

But also to your point I don't think getting spanked would discourage fans. I'd love to see Argentina or Germany crush Canada live (in footy.) Seeing superstars up close would probably grow the game, if anything.

Among people who already know who they are. How many active NHLers do you think the average person in Kazakhstan or Norway can name?

[corporatejay]

Listen. This tournament is a travesty. Until I can see Latvia v. Belarus or Slovenia v. Norge I will consider this a second rate tournament.


Honestly, I don't care because I don't know what's going on. Maybe once the schedule becomes more regular I'll watch. Plus nfl and mlb is really heating up. Plus I love club preseason.

[Mike F]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

sure soccer is the extreme example but all other sports have similar world cup criteria. Like Rugby or Cricket. Yes most sports have 5-6 dominant teams (in rugby New Zealand beats Canada by 50) but I want to see a team try not to lose to Canada 10-0. Come up with a gameplan, that's interesting too. "Maybe one day" can't happen unless it starts today.

again i love the U23 idea. But that's an invitational.

You keep pointing to sports that have broad international appeal because all you need is some simple equipment and some open space - anyone in a dusty village in Nigeria, Brazil, or Mongolia can fashion a ball and be playing soccer, rugby, or some cricket equivalent in no time. But hockey doesn't just require exposure to the sport and desire - in order to develop a competitive program, you need serious infrastructure that's well beyond most countries.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by OldSam

And the mouthpieces on TSN are saying in six months, McJesus will be the best player on the planet AND once the real games start, he will instantly show how good he is. With those kinds of comments, no wonder Conner is struggling. His coach says he is getting better every game and they need to find players who can compliment him. Yup, that is what great players do. They don't make those around them better..nosiree. Good grief!!!

Yep.

The expectations are beyond reasonable, of any player. Can't possibly live up to it at this rate. These panel guys and media need to just shut their traps and let the kids play.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Yep.



The expectations are beyond reasonable, of any player. Can't possibly live up to it at this rate. These panel guys and media need to just shut their traps and let the kids play.

I, for one, have no problem with national media outlets foisting unreasonable expectations on Oilers players.

[jemjey]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

Among people who already know who they are. How many active NHLers do you think the average person in Kazakhstan or Norway can name?

I get your point - however I'm not sure Norway or Kazakhstan are the greatest examples as they actually have relatively decent hockey programs. Still, even if you don't know who these players are - seeing their skill live and up close could surely help grow an appreciation for the game. Especially with hockey, which imo is the best sport to watch live. I've got a couple English mates who like to bash hockey just to rustle my jimmies, but after showing them JG highlights and taking them to a live game, even they were like, "Damn, that's pretty awesome."

I get what others are saying about hockey requiring infrastructure and equipment. However people seem to think places like China don't have ice and it's just rice paddies. People there are getting more and more income to spend on things like sports and all it takes is one superstar from their country to potentially grow the game. (think Yao Ming)

[GirlySports]

Its starting!

Suck it USA!

[calgarygeologist]

Couldn't they have picked some sort of song to play as an anthem for team Europe? Maybe some sort of EDM or Beethoven or something? Doesn't the EU have some sort of anthem? Do they play anything for team NA?

[GirlySports]

Woo

[Toonage]

Neat how they have the ads change along the boards. Curious to see the tech behind this sorcery.

[badradio]

Lol noticed the ads on the boards change with the camera used. Digital ads... Not a fan it's distracting.

[RougeUnderoos]

Europe goes up 1-0 on a goal from Gaborik. First shot!

Is is just me, or is the sound kind of weird? The clicking and clacking of the sticks and puck and the shooshing and scraping of the skates seems really loud.

[calgarygeologist]

With those digital ads does it mean that boards are blank in the arena so that they can superimpose them for TV? It looks like they have conventional ads on the camera/penalty box side of the rink.

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

With those digital ads does it mean that boards are blank in the arena so that they can superimpose them for TV? It looks like they have conventional ads on the camera/penalty box side of the rink.

Replays show the usual ads in place where the digital ads have been displayed. So folks in the arena see normal ads.

[GirlySports]

I didnt even notice the ads til you guys said so

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Replays show the usual ads in place where the digital ads have been displayed. So folks in the arena see normal ads.

Impressive. Technology is amazing.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

Couldn't they have picked some sort of song to play as an anthem for team Europe? Maybe some sort of EDM or Beethoven or something? Doesn't the EU have some sort of anthem? Do they play anything for team NA?

Should have been this!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jK-NcRmVcw

[Toonage]

It's like they worked so hard to make sure they weren't distracting and in doing so well, made them super distracting.
I'll shut up about the boards now