World Junior Tournament

[HunterDave]

What, no thread yet? I missed the live Can vs CZE game but I was happy to find it on again at 9 pm. Wow, do our players ever look quick! Lots of jump in their game! I love this tournament and watching it has become a holiday tradition. New Years Eve usually starts out with a CAN vs USA game but I guess that this year it’ll be RUS vs SWE.

CAN 9 - CZE 0

[58thecat]

After last year’s dramatic gold-medal matchup, the red-hot hockey rivalry between the United States and Canada has been reignited. And now, they’re taking it outside.

History will be made when the teams face off for the IIHF World Junior Championship’s first-ever outdoor game on Friday, Dec. 29 at 3 p.m. at New Era Field in Orchard Park, N.Y.

Really kinda cool.

Go Canada Go!

[Dweb]

My favourite tournament , its the best part of the Christmas holidays lol

[gtr]

It was a good game to watch, no doubt!

[skain11]

this is also my favourite level of international hockey....just looked at tickets for next year in Vancouver/Victoria...but Canada games are only in Vancouver...the outdoor game between Canada/USA on the 29th in Buffalo could be very interesting depending on the weather and importance...sk

[wags]

So excited!

I booked time off work to make sure i don't miss a game!

[Okotokian]

Outside game in Buffalo in late December is just a cash grab and stupid. The most important game in the entire round robin and it's going to be played in the cold on lousy ice. Outdoor games are a spectacle and money maker, but have you ever seen one that was great?

[1899b]

Originally Posted by Okotokian

Outside game in Buffalo in late December is just a cash grab and stupid. The most important game in the entire round robin and it's going to be played in the cold on lousy ice. Outdoor games are a spectacle and money maker, but have you ever seen one that was great?

Nope. Gimmick...

[wags]

Originally Posted by Okotokian

Outside game in Buffalo in late December is just a cash grab and stupid. The most important game in the entire round robin and it's going to be played in the cold on lousy ice. Outdoor games are a spectacle and money maker, but have you ever seen one that was great?

You understand it's an entertainment business, yes? If they don't make money (cash grab) they don't put on a tournament.

The game originally was played on outdoor rinks. They going to their roots. I've attended an outdoor game and it was thrilling.

It's not THE most important game in the round robin. It's a very short tournament and subsequently, every game is important.

Enjoy the show!

[Scott N]

It's the best part about this time of year for me.

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by wags

It's not THE most important game in the round robin. It's a very short tournament and subsequently, every game is important.

Canada vs US in a North American tournament not the most important?? I must be missing something. Is it perhaps the Czechs vs Belarus? What I mean is that this game in question pits two likely finalists against each other. Poor conditions could cause bad bounces and sway the outcome. Canada could play Belarus in a swimming pool and we would still know who, in all likelihood, is going to win.

And your comment that it is a very short tournament is exactly why the issue is important. The NHL can get away with it in an 82 game schedule. You will note the NHL doesn't have outdoor games in the playoffs, where things really matter.

[wags]

Originally Posted by Okotokian

Canada vs US in a North American tournament not the most important?? I must be missing something. Is it perhaps the Czechs vs Belarus? What I mean is that this game in question pits two likely finalists against each other. Poor conditions could cause bad bounces and sway the outcome. Canada could play Belarus in a swimming pool and we would still know who, in all likelihood, is going to win.

And your comment that it is a very short tournament is exactly why the issue is important. The NHL can get away with it in an 82 game schedule. You will note the NHL doesn't have outdoor games in the playoffs, where things really matter.

Finland, Sweden, Russia are pretty good teams as well!

Here are your last 7 Gold medal winners:
US beats Canada
Finland beats Russia
Canada beats Russia
Finland beats Sweden
US beats Sweden
Sweden beats Russia
Russia beats Canada
US beats Canada

But please, carry on

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by Okotokian

Outside game in Buffalo in late December is just a cash grab and stupid. The most important game in the entire round robin and it's going to be played in the cold on lousy ice. Outdoor games are a spectacle and money maker, but have you ever seen one that was great?

Bahhhhhumbug!

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by wags

Finland, Sweden, Russia are pretty good teams as well!

Here are your last 7 Gold medal winners:
US beats Canada
Finland beats Russia
Canada beats Russia
Finland beats Sweden
US beats Sweden
Sweden beats Russia
Russia beats Canada
US beats Canada

But please, carry on

So of the last 7, only 3 didn't involve the US or Canada. And go back 15 years... hmmm... still only 3. Your argument is weak....


Canada/US is the most important game... in terms of attendance (certainly when played in North America), TV viewership, and in terms of one of these two teams more likely being in the final than any others (by a mile). Your argument is like saying a game between the US and Canada in women's hockey isn't the most important in the Olympic women's hockey tournament. But carry on. Make the Swiss feel important.

But enough of that. How about I call it a very important game with far reaching consequences that should be played under the best conditions possible, not in circus conditions that might be fun to watch but which handicap great play?

[TBoe]

I was at all the games in Montreal last year and have tickets to Vancouver for next year...not sure why we didn't buy for Buffalo this year, kinda kicking myself now. Best international tournament in my opinion, it is great watching these kids grow!

[Ice Fishing Maniac]

Best hockey of the YEAR !!! Except for the Cup Finals.

Tradition with a buddy of mine for like 28 years to watch, eat moose/elk steaks and shrimp and drink beer and Amber RUM !!. My 2 boys watch it with me now too, and my wife has "HAD" to get into it ....lol with 2 boys in minor hockey.

Might even goto Vancouver for 2018-2019 World Juniors as my lil sister lives there...free place to stay. !!


Go CANADA Go !!!!

Quite the thumping last night.

[wags]

Originally Posted by Okotokian

So of the last 7, only 3 didn't involve the US or Canada. And go back 15 years... hmmm... still only 3. Your argument is weak....


Canada/US is the most important game... in terms of attendance (certainly when played in North America), TV viewership, and in terms of one of these two teams more likely being in the final than any others (by a mile). Your argument is like saying a game between the US and Canada in women's hockey isn't the most important in the Olympic women's hockey tournament. But carry on. Make the Swiss feel important.

But enough of that. How about I call it a very important game with far reaching consequences that should be played under the best conditions possible, not in circus conditions that might be fun to watch but which handicap great play?

My point is only to say that Canada and the States are not the only good teams. If that's weak, than I can live with that.

Now woman's hockey you would certainly be arguing correctly here. The gap between Canada and US woman's hockey and EVERY other team is significant. With the men (boys), the gap is minimal and any of the 5 teams I've mentioned could win it any year. Czech Slovakia are usually good, and sometimes, great!

This is one of the reasons it's so exciting to watch...every game, not just Canada's!

Your final paragraph I think is valid, but circus' are fun, so....I'm in

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by wags

My point is only to say that Canada and the States are not the only good teams. If that's weak, than I can live with that.

Now woman's hockey you would certainly be arguing correctly here. The gap between Canada and US woman's hockey and EVERY other team is significant. With the men (boys), the gap is minimal and any of the 5 teams I've mentioned could win it any year. Czech Slovakia are usually good, and sometimes, great!

This is one of the reasons it's so exciting to watch...every game, not just Canada's!

Your final paragraph I think is valid, but circus' are fun, so....I'm in

Both your guys arguments suck.

The fact is...ALL winners and participant in the last 10-15 years have involved US and Canada...because pretty much all players are playing north American hockey...playing together with north American players learning north American style hockey with north American style rules and with north American coaches. Doesn't matter what country you are from...you are training with the best in Canada. So what makes you good is us.

Very few players get developed over seas these days.

So right now what we have in Canada that makes us great is a far larger entry level source of players and a local system making it easier to try out for.

We technically are coaching and teaching the other countries juniors on how to beat us at our own game. That makes us both stupid and brave as the players are all getting the same access to training once in the junior leagues.

[wags]

Originally Posted by Sundancefisher

Both your guys arguments suck.

The fact is...ALL winners and participant in the last 10-15 years have involved US and Canada...because pretty much all players are playing north American hockey...playing together with north American players learning north American style hockey with north American style rules and with north American coaches. Doesn't matter what country you are from...you are training with the best in Canada. So what makes you good is us.

Very few players get developed over seas these days.

So right now what we have in Canada that makes us great is a far larger entry level source of players and a local system making it easier to try out for.

We technically are coaching and teaching the other countries juniors on how to beat us at our own game. That makes us both stupid and brave as the players are all getting the same access to training once in the junior leagues.

Well, except Dahlin - this year's projected #1 overall pick, who's entire career has been in Sweden. While lots come here, you're obviously aware of the import limits, therefore, most are home grown.

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by Sundancefisher

Both your guys arguments suck.

The fact is...ALL winners and participant in the last 10-15 years have involved US and Canada...because pretty much all players are playing north American hockey...playing together with north American players learning north American style hockey with north American style rules and with north American coaches. Doesn't matter what country you are from...you are training with the best in Canada. So what makes you good is us.

Very few players get developed over seas these days.

So right now what we have in Canada that makes us great is a far larger entry level source of players and a local system making it easier to try out for.

We technically are coaching and teaching the other countries juniors on how to beat us at our own game. That makes us both stupid and brave as the players are all getting the same access to training once in the junior leagues.

Very few players get developed overseas these days
Europe has made leaps and bounds in thier development program over the last 20 years.

[Clayrod]

Not officially Christmas till boxing day. Let's go boys

[HunterDave]

Can 8 - Sui 1.

I would have liked to see Canada face a little competition in the pre-Tournament games. This is way too easy for them.

First tournament game against Finland on Boxing Day.