OT: World Cup of Hockey

[CaptHowdy00]

Hockey World Cup All-Star teams would be a bad idea

I don't like gimmicky tournaments. If a country can send a team to the Olympics (Slovenia) they can send a team to this tournament. If a country is not good enough to get in, too bad. Not everyone gets a trophy.

 

[oxnardkingsfan]

If they must have this tournament in non-Olympic years I hope they don't screw it up with that stupid idea to get 8 teams. They don't have a problem getting enough teams for the Olympics. I'm not a big fan of holding the tournament at all.

Ox

 

[CaptHowdy00]

NHL All-Stars react favorably to 2016 World Cup of Hockey

It seems like it's a done deal. 2 gimmicky teams. One made up of a group of Euros and the other is a group of under 23 years old North Americans
So several questions arise right off.
1) What National Anthem are they going to play for the Euro-All Stars?
2) what if either the North Americans U23 team and say the U.S. want the same player? Does the home country get dibs? Or can neither U.S. Or Canada chose a player who is 23 or younger?
3) Who's going to run and coach the Euros?
4) For that matter who's going to coach the U23 team?
I honestly think that this is a bad idea.

If a country, cannot put a team on the ice, too bad. And if a young player can't make the big boy team, too bad. These guys are pros and should know that not everyone should get a trophie for trying.
Besides, why are they only concentrating on NHL players? In the past, some countries had a mix of NHL and non-NHL players. Why not allow for that and play. Kopitars's country (Slovania?) had an Olympic team.bwhy can't they then have a WC team too. Either scrap the whole thing or play meaningful games.

 

[oxnardkingsfan]

Although I'm not in favor of holding this tournament at all I'm sure I'll watch the games.

Ox

 

[davnlaguna]

Will it hurt players by limiting time with their teams in the preseason?
Will Ox have to change his Frozen Fury plans?
Will the under 23 guys win a game?
Will the NHL pocket a lot of money?
Only one of these questions means anything to the NHL.

 

[oxnardkingsfan]

Will it hurt players by limiting time with their teams in the preseason?
Will Ox have to change his Frozen Fury plans?
Will the under 23 guys win a game?
Will the NHL pocket a lot of money?
Only one of these questions means anything to the NHL.

1. Probably not. They'll be playing competitive hockey and should serve as good training.
2. Not at all. I don't make any plans for Frozen Fury until the date is set for the game. There may not even be a Frozen Fury game.
3. We may be surprised. A lot of very skilled player in that age group. Goaltending may not be up to snuff however.
4. Most likely. Why else would they agree to this. Most likely have to split it with the NHLPA though or they would never have gone along with the plans.

Ox

 

[davnlaguna]

Of course the players are getting some money from it or Donald Fehrs would not have agreed to it. Since he was at the announcement you know there is money for the players.

 

[oxnardkingsfan]

From a story on ESPN/NHL: Sources said the World Cup tournament could see gross revenues of $120 million.

Link to the story: NHL, NHLPA toying with Ryder Cup-type tournament - ESPN


Ox

 

[davnlaguna]

Yep
Just trying to get more money out of meaningless games.
Turn the preseason into a spectacle.

 

[Deader2818]

The 96 world cup of hockey was one of the best tournaments ive seen in a long time. I honestly like the idea of the 23 and under team and the rest of euro team as it gives even more players into the spot light.

Honestly, this is prob going to stop players going to the Olympics which is fine with me. Id rather have players play some games in the pre-season than stop the league for 2-3 weeks.

 

[CaptHowdy00]

Let the speculations begin.

World Cup of Hockey 2016: Projecting the North American Youngstars | The Hockey News