When you say "only about greed"....what exactly is wrong with people profiting from the tournament?

It's not like they're employing Malaysian pre-teens to work concessions and forcing the zamboni drivers to drive machines that have a random-explosion rate of 43%.

I don't know why making money has to be equated to greed. Not everyone who tries to institute something to generate revenue is some greedy, capitalist pig who wants to make money by trampling on the dreams of doe-eyed children.
- eichiefs9

I don't want any part of some wimpy, watered-down capitalism that doesn't trample on the dreams of doe-eyed children.

We should submit ideas for what 'anthem' should get played when the under-23s or best-of-the-resters win. Suggesting "Forever Young" for the under-23s right off the bat!
- Mr_Clean

"Loser" by Beck for the best-of-the-rest

Tanner, tend to agree with most of what your bringing. You should have gone with some propagandhi "Dear Coaches Corner" ... Best hockey song EVER http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2s2fy1

James Tanner: International Tournaments Are Outdated, Unnecessary and Only About Greed
Why I have zero interest in the Olympics or the World Cup.
- James_Tanner

International hockey is great. The Olympics, WJC and WC are all good hockey events. Specifically the last 2 because more teams have a similar chance to win. The Olympics seemed to be dominated by Canada, sans 2006. However this world cup of hockey is dumb. It's supposed to be the best collection of NHL talent. Why have a U23 team and a World team? Also the Czechs have named a player to their roster who's currently in the KHL. The world cup of hockey is a dumb concept.

I don't want any part of some wimpy, watered-down capitalism that doesn't trample on the dreams of doe-eyed children.
- Mr_Clean

Move to America and vote for Trump. You'll get your wish.

Interesting article James.
Can I ask you what level of hockey you played? (serious question... I have a reason for asking)

The greed is just one of many problems I outlined. I don't think the hockey is great at all. I would rather watch the SCF than the Olympics every time.
- James_Tanner

I think part of what makes the SCF awesome is that it has the possibility of going 7 games, whereas the Olympics does not.. I think if the Olympics had a similar series format, best of 5 or something, it would be just as exciting (at least for the whole hockey world), maybe even moreso than the NHL. As stacked as Canada is, it would still be a blast to watch a USA/Canada series, or Finland/Sweden series, USA/Russia, etc. possibly go 5 games or more with the amount of talent on those teams.

We should submit ideas for what 'anthem' should get played when the under-23s or best-of-the-resters win. Suggesting "Forever Young" for the under-23s right off the bat!
- Mr_Clean

How about we just stop signing anthems at sporting events all together?

Interesting article James.
Can I ask you what level of hockey you played? (serious question... I have a reason for asking)
- mlindsay

I quit in Pee Wee because my family was too poor for me to play. I used to play mens league, but I finally wore the blades of my old skates down far enough they were useless and shamefully haven't bought new ones or skated once this year.

Keep in mind though that Glen Healy used to play in the National Hockey League and so experience is not the boon to analysis that people think.

I quit in Pee Wee because my family was too poor for me to play. I used to play mens league, but I finally wore the blades of my old skates down far enough they were useless and shamefully haven't bought new ones or skated once this year.

Keep in mind though that Glen Healy used to play in the National Hockey League and so experience is not the boon to analysis that people think.
- James_Tanner

You mean Keith Jones and Mike Milbury aren't credible analysts?

I quit in Pee Wee because my family was too poor for me to play. I used to play mens league, but I finally wore the blades of my old skates down far enough they were useless and shamefully haven't bought new ones or skated once this year.

Keep in mind though that Glen Healy used to play in the National Hockey League and so experience is not the boon to analysis that people think.
- James_Tanner

Gold. Lol. Healy is absolutely the worst. Simpson's pretty awful to. I used to sort of not mind Jim Hughson, but man, listening to him along with those two clowns is painful. I'm in favor of public broadcasting and think its a shame that CBC can't compete with TSN/SPN, but man, when you continue to trot out the likes of Simpson, Healy, PJ, and Cherry I just can't help you.

Gold. Lol. Healy is absolutely the worst. Simpson's pretty awful to. I used to sort of not mind Jim Hughson, but man, listening to him along with those two clowns is painful. I'm in favor of public broadcasting and think its a shame that CBC can't compete with TSN/SPN, but man, when you continue to trot out the likes of Simpson, Healy, PJ, and Cherry I just can't help you.
- Ragingpikey

Not to mention giving Greg Millen a shot. I'd rather listen with the radio delay than listen to Millen call Canuck games back in the day.

Gold. Lol. Healy is absolutely the worst. Simpson's pretty awful to. I used to sort of not mind Jim Hughson, but man, listening to him along with those two clowns is painful. I'm in favor of public broadcasting and think its a shame that CBC can't compete with TSN/SPN, but man, when you continue to trot out the likes of Simpson, Healy, PJ, and Cherry I just can't help you.
- Ragingpikey

I love Jim Hughson! but that might be bias from the EA NHL games where he was constantly yelling about Howitzers....

I love Jim Hughson! but that might be bias from the EA NHL games where he was constantly yelling about Howitzers....
- j.boyd919

I grew up in Vancouver. It seems the gods declared that we would have A+ broadcasters and a terrible team. We had Robson, Houston, and now Shorthouse, who I much prefer to Houston. That said, he's talented.

My issue with him is that I find his tone to be contrived. I really like Doc and Cole because their emotional response is organic, and as a fan I can piggyback off of that energy. I find that more difficult with Houston.

I grew up in Vancouver. It seems the gods declared that we would have A+ broadcasters and a terrible team. We had Robson, Houston, and now Shorthouse, who I much prefer to Houston. That said, he's talented.

My issue with him is that I find his tone to be contrived. I really like Doc and Cole because their emotional response is organic, and as a fan I can piggyback off of that energy. I find that more difficult with Houston.
- Ragingpikey

At least you don't have Paul Steigerwald He is the worst in the league, and it sucks because Bob Errey isn't bad, but piggybacking off of Stieggy makes him look like a (frank)in joke.

I quit in Pee Wee because my family was too poor for me to play. I used to play mens league, but I finally wore the blades of my old skates down far enough they were useless and shamefully haven't bought new ones or skated once this year.

Keep in mind though that Glen Healy used to play in the National Hockey League and so experience is not the boon to analysis that people think.
- James_Tanner

Ok. Nothing to do with analysis.
Having played a lot of hockey in my day and travelling to the States as well as Europe to play I can see elements of that being a reason for the interest from many. I can see your point about it not really mattering, however, I believe that there are certain nations you love to "beat".
For me, I hated the US teams we played against in Ohio, NY state, Michigan, Florida, and more. And I truly mean hate. Often there were bench clearing brawls with them. I think that association with US based teams drives some (not all of course) to cheer against them almost as a throwback to the days when we were on the ice.
I played against teams from Germany, Austria and Czech (Jagr's old Jr team) and really don't have the same passion when watching team Canada play them. Mainly because... I didn't have the same experience playing them myself (Sparta Prague wiped the floor with us 13-1 if I remember correctly, but they were a friendly group and weren't dirty at all).
The only other time I care about who we play is Sweden, Finland and Norway. Why? I have quite a few friends/colleagues that I regularly talk to from those countries. When we lose in any tournament... they gloat... when we win... they hide. It's all in fun.
Anyways... this is a lot longer than I intended.
Is it a cash grab? absolutley!
Is it fun to banter with other nationalities about the result? ABSOLUTELY!

Gold. Lol. Healy is absolutely the worst. Simpson's pretty awful to. I used to sort of not mind Jim Hughson, but man, listening to him along with those two clowns is painful. I'm in favor of public broadcasting and think its a shame that CBC can't compete with TSN/SPN, but man, when you continue to trot out the likes of Simpson, Healy, PJ, and Cherry I just can't help you.
- Ragingpikey

Met Healy on saturday before the MTL game.
Really nice guy for sure!
He Spoke with me and my buddies for quite a while in the Sheraton.

Met Healy on saturday before the MTL game.
Really nice guy for sure!
He Spoke with me and my buddies for quite a while in the Sheraton.
- mlindsay

I'm sure lots of these guys are nice. Doesn't make them good analysts. I will say this. I sort of enjoy the character Healy has carved out for himself. He knows he's brash and outspoken and probably despised as a homer and an idiot, and he panders to that. A bunch of these guys, like Healy, Cherry, Milbury, and Doug Maclean have created these caricatures that are fun to hate (in a fun sports sort of way).

The greed is just one of many problems I outlined. I don't think the hockey is great at all. I would rather watch the SCF than the Olympics every time.
- James_Tanner

Speak for yourself. Very few agree with you. Olympic hockey is the best there is. Hands down. The world championship is lame though. Team rookies and team Europe? That's BS.

Speak for yourself. Very few agree with you. Olympic hockey is the best there is. Hands down. The world championship is lame though. Team rookies and team Europe? That's BS.
- domi_legend

When has it been anything other than clear that I speak for myself only? I'd be happy to speak for some other people but I'm guessing they wouldn't like that.

Speak for yourself. Very few agree with you. Olympic hockey is the best there is. Hands down. The world championship is lame though. Team rookies and team Europe? That's BS.
- domi_legend

Best is really subjective. I far and away prefer the SC to the Olympics, and its not even comparable. I know if I was a player I'd much rather win a cup than a medal, and as a fan I definitely care more about my team winning the cup than about my countries efforts in the Olympics. To me, the SC is the harder trophy to win and I find the intensity of a 7 game SC series to be unmatched. Sure, the talent and execution at the olympic level is superior and enjoyable to watch, but to me it doesn't hold a candle to what the grind of the NHL regular season, followed by playoffs, has to offer.

I'm fine cutting all international competition or finding a way to do a champions league style thing. Not sure how that would work, but that's the only international competition that find compelling.

Right On. 100%

I understand the point of view for not liking international hockey. The World Championships are a joke and this years World Cup seems more of a money grab than anything. However, watching the 2010 hockey tourney at the Olympics was the best and most dramatic hockey tournament I've ever witnessed. That alone, will always get me behind a Canadian team in an international tourney.

It's not unlike NHL seasons for fans of teams. Some seasons are a great ride and memorable. Some season are both good and bad. Some seasons just suck and get you disinterested. International hockey is the same way. Some tourneys loose your interest. Some are ok, but kinda just going through the motions. Then some are an epic ride that you'll remember for years.

It all depends on the quality of hockey really. A few upsets here and there, a bit of hate on each sides, and well played games will get people interested. This all happened in 2010. Didn't really happen in 2014. And was down right awful in 2006. We will see how it goes this fall.

Everything about the World Cup kind of rubs me the wrong way, since it's mainly a money grab, but at the end of the day I'll watch team Canada. It will either be a crummy tourney, an middling tourney, or a memorable run that will get us wanting more World Cup and International play. Just like NHL seasons, they can't all be gems, but the ones that are, you want to be a part of.

"As outdated as a Sony walkman, Or a Defensive defenseman"
Except one of these you will probably never see again, And the other one plays on every single NHL team and makes great money doing so!

"As outdated as a Sony walkman, Or a Defensive defenseman"
Except one of these you will probably never see again, And the other one plays on every single NHL team and makes great money doing so!
- camfor

Wrong again. No NHL team uses walkmans.