There's the understatement of the year.

It's going to be silly allstar hockey. I don't care for this tournament and will not be going out of my way to watch or cheer for some random team.
- Scooby_Doo

It'll start off slow. But come the finals and even the semis, it should get pretty competitive.

BTW, I'm enjoying talking to myself. Catch you guys in the morning.

Or get injured and miss 2 months to start the season.

I'm interested if the players are under contractual obligations to play. I wouldn't be surprised to see players start to pull out. Makes no sense for Crosby to play after having a long cup run, concussion issues, and trying to stay healthy for this upcoming season.
- Scooby_Doo

this is true as well.

Coffey breaking up the 2 on 1. Bossy with the redirect out of mid air. I was pretty young and I remember that sequence.

Meant a lot more to the fans and players when the Russians were still over in Russia.
- storm88

this is true. That was back in the days of communism and the Wests ridiculous view of communism being straight from the pits of hell. Lots of flag waving and pride in beating the evil empire.

Made for great hockey!....minus the substituted KGB players w guns under their jerseys (the USA captain spoke of it in an interview)

I bet Manny's real eager to be a member of the Canucks again too
- golfingsince

amazing game! I'm heading to watch he Jays vs Angels in LA in a month!
- CanuckDon

To me, it is because with the inclusion of teams like North America, Europe, whatever that aren't specific countries, it doesn't come close at all to an Olympic style tournament. doesn't carry the same caché. really, they should get the IIHF involved and do it right.

Soccer's world cup is a good example of a non Olympic tournament where players are proud to represent their homeland, wearing the maple leaf on their chest, etc...

I just want to see some hockey, but wonder if it will end up being similar to an allstar game or Olympic hockey, or somewhere in the middle?

It is a big money grab, not growing the game, just revenue.
- hillbillydeluxe

What professional sport or tournament isn't a money grab?? How is this an excuse to not watch the tournament?

Ronald Kennins to play in Switzerland

Ronald Kennins to play in Switzerland
- VANTEL

Should we freak out about asset management?

Should we freak out about asset management?
- Marwood

Yes, first Frankie, now Kenins! Who's next virtanen? Horvat? Such poor asset management.

Typical Benning move.

What professional sport or tournament isn't a money grab?? How is this an excuse to not watch the tournament?
- Brooks_Light

you are right.

you likely pay money to attend any professional tournament, but the product on the ice, and that feeling you get after the event is likely the determining factor on whether it is or isn't a money grab. were you entertained, was it worth it?

I'm curious to see what the compete level will be and if everyone takes it seriously.

Ronald Kennins to play in Switzerland
- VANTEL

Wasn't he part of the future ?

Wasn't he part of the future ?
- Redmile247

He still is in Latvia.

Wasn't he part of the future ?
- Redmile247

Yes, a canuck future of mismanagement and mediocrity.

Wasn't he part of the future ?
- Redmile247

Speaking of asset management, how does flame nation feel about about Monahan and Johnny G holding out?

Yes, a canuck future of mismanagement and mediocrity.
- bloatedmosquito

This is probably a good move ...times are a changing

Speaking of asset management, how does flame nation feel about about Monahan and Johnny G holding out?
- Pres.cup

Can't believe it has taken this long to be honest but I'm not that worried about any long term effects

Can't believe it has taken this long to be honest but I'm not that worried about any long term effects
- Redmile247

Do you have Leaf fans coming into your thread on a daily basis?

Do you have Leaf fans coming into your thread on a daily basis?
- A_SteamingLombardi

They don't even have Flames fans going into their thread on a daily basis.

Can't believe it has taken this long to be honest but I'm not that worried about any long term effects
- Redmile247

Burke's MO. He seems to hate player agents. Always plays hardball.

I always respected that but I lost some of that respect when he was negotiating Bertuzzi's contract years ago. He put our then owners in a really tough situation saying publicly that it is the hands of the owners now to sign the massive contract he negotiated (massive for the time... doesn't seem so massive compared to today's prices).

This is probably a good move ...times are a changing
- Redmile247

Mediocrity is the canuck's battlecry.

They don't even have Flames fans going into their thread on a daily basis.
- golfingsince

It's surprising how few flames fans post on HB. Canadiens, Leafs, Oilers, and canuck treads seem to have lots of activity. Flames, Sens, and Jets treads not so much. Jets you can understand. The other two ????

Thank you Carol. I for one am excited about the World cup. Not for the Tourney itself, I suspect it will be a little more intense then the ASG but not the same compete level as a mid season NHL game.
What really excites me is that the NHL season will start with all top players in mid season form. Hockey will finally be fun to watch in October. I know some of you have brought up injuries and yes there will be some but it will be because of freak accidents rather then results from playing hard. Every player knows that this is just another glorified ASG but the national team jersey will add the pride and the requirement to play a little harder.
I feel sorry for the suckers that will pay huge $$ to go to these games. But on the positive note, the cap might go up by 5mil next season because of this. We will need to resign Bo, Gaunce (future Capt), Etem, Gudy, Tree, Hutton,Pedan, Sedins and FA.

It's surprising how few flames fans post on HB. Canadiens, Leafs, Oilers, and canuck treads seem to have lots of activity. Flames, Sens, and Jets treads not so much. Jets you can understand. The other two ????
- bloatedmosquito

Maybe they just aren't as big of losers as we are ?

They don't even have Flames fans going into their thread on a daily basis.
- golfingsince

This ^^

Maybe they just aren't as big of losers as we are ?
- golfingsince

Yes, there is that.

But to be honest, when I get together with old friends, the conversation isn't much different than it is in here. Insults and overreactions included.

Funny, they consider me Mr. Doom & Gloom as well.