I'm a badddddddd boy
- VANTEL

Yeah I bet you are quite the misogynist. Probably do a lot of illegal drugs too.

Anyone unsure about going to the Vancouver 7s definitely should.

Not sure about the rest of the world but when it comes to New Zealand its one of the best parties of the year. Everyone dresses up in very strange costumes and just drinks all day in the stands. I've been a few times and barely even watch the pitch, it's good fun.

We have the same thing with league now, the 9s, it's just as loose.

In regards to hockey: Bye Vrbata maybe you'll actually put some effort in...
He will be good in his first year back and suck hard year two as is his style.

Good post

I will say this ...I wonder if edlers downward trend in points had more to do with his role changing the past few years and less his age ...he went from being a 3/4 pp guy mostly to having to be the top pairing guy
- Redmile247

Absolutely. I think he was relied on for big minutes and seem to kind of break at the seams. He is an excellent defenseman to a degree but I think for the amount of play time he had kind of exhausted him. They got rid of Bieksa and Garrison and expected him to pick up all the slack. I'd still say he has more to prove. Being 30 isn't quite the point where defenseman decline but where they really start to settle in IMHO.

I don't think he's worth a lot but I don't think he's worth nothing either. People always seem to sidestep being a good fit. In the right environment I'm sure he would thrive. Is that in Vancouver? Probably not but you never know. Still could wait and see what he does this season.

Can we at least agree that it was a bad management decision to claim Ron off of waivers and bad asset management on the Edmonton HB board to waive him without trying to trade him first? Nobody can bat a .1000 after all...

Poor Ron will be stuck in the ban box all season, that's going to be bad for his future development as a future Olympian HB poster.
- DariusKnight

If he is coming here I am joining Vegas too

Can we at least agree that it was a bad management decision to claim Ron off of waivers and bad asset management on the Edmonton HB board to waive him without trying to trade him first? Nobody can bat a .1000 after all...

Poor Ron will be stuck in the ban box all season, that's going to be bad for his future development as a future Olympian HB poster.
- DariusKnight

First part was pretty good but I don't think my rap sheet is as long as you think.

Why you hating on the World Cup so bad just because they are doing a one-off tournament without two bottom-dwelling countries?

First part was pretty good but I don't think my rap sheet is as long as you think.

Why you hating on the World Cup so bad just because they are doing a one-off tournament without two bottom-dwelling countries?
- RonPielep

Because it's during the middle of training camps/preseason and there's no cache to it. It's basically the ASG but instead of East vs West or Team Whoever vs Team Whoever or Team Pacific/Central/Metropolitan/Atlantic it's Team Canada, etc.

The only teams that will be actually trying in this format will be the Young Guns of Team NA and Team Europe because they have the most to prove and even then, no one is going to be hitting much or playing very hard in order to avoid injuries especially when you consider that due to Pittsburg, Tampa Bay, St. Louis and San Jose all having had long post season runs, most of their players may decline to play to focus on being ready for the regular season.

Since it's being run by the NHL, in NHL rinks and with NHL rules and mostly NHL players with only the few decent national teams and a couple of NA/Europe All-stars, it's just not really a "World Cup" or even deserving of that name/attention/money. I liken it to MLS or the EPL running a "World Championship" with the top 8 teams in the FIFA rankings, but under EPL rules/officials/players. It's a mockery of the actual IIHF World Championships and Olympics and a way for the NHL to thumb their nose at the IIHF for being unwilling to pay for travel/insurance for players to go to South Korea for 2018.

No surprise, you won't see regular contributing posters here these days.

Kane for Edler.
- mhp

Please no Kane.

If Edler ever did ok a trade, we would need to get a D prospect + in return. This team can't afford to give away D.

Because it's during the middle of training camps/preseason and there's no cache to it. It's basically the ASG but instead of East vs West or Team Whoever vs Team Whoever or Team Pacific/Central/Metropolitan/Atlantic it's Team Canada, etc.

The only teams that will be actually trying in this format will be the Young Guns of Team NA and Team Europe because they have the most to prove and even then, no one is going to be hitting much or playing very hard in order to avoid injuries especially when you consider that due to Pittsburg, Tampa Bay, St. Louis and San Jose all having had long post season runs, most of their players may decline to play to focus on being ready for the regular season.

Since it's being run by the NHL, in NHL rinks and with NHL rules and mostly NHL players with only the few decent national teams and a couple of NA/Europe All-stars, it's just not really a "World Cup" or even deserving of that name/attention/money. I liken it to MLS or the EPL running a "World Championship" with the top 8 teams in the FIFA rankings, but under EPL rules/officials/players. It's a mockery of the actual IIHF World Championships and Olympics and a way for the NHL to thumb their nose at the IIHF for being unwilling to pay for travel/insurance for players to go to South Korea for 2018.
- DariusKnight

You don't think there is any NHL players who grew up watching previous World Cup or Canada Cups that are looking forward to the opportunity of winning a World Cup?

The comparison to the All-Star game is interesting to me. I could see the potential for that happening and it would be very disappointing. But the All-Star game has a pretty long history of being like that now and none of the World Cup comparisons were ever like that so I don't see why people would jump the gun on that conclusion.

If, like you say, the Young Stars and Europe will be the only teams competing, do you think other teams are just going to let them walk all over them? If not, that will certainly increase the level of competition and skill/speed.

The one thing that I agree is likely is a reduced level of physicality. That will definitely be a little disappointing as the intensity level just won't be the same without the tenacity. But, as a hockey fan in general, not having the playoff level of physicality is not nearly enough for me to write this tournament off before it even starts. I still expect to see a very fast paced game, with a high level of skill, but like you say probably not the degree of physicality/intensity.

These are competitive professional athletes who have a further monetary incentive to make this tournament successful. I expect the majority of the players involved will be competing to win, but will have enough respect not to try and injure each-other in the process.

Also the MLS example only works if the MLS is by far and away the best league in the world comprising essentially all of the top athletes in the world. The MLS is very far from the NHL of soccer.

No surprise, you won't see regular contributing posters here these days.
- VanHockeyGuy

If he is coming here I am joining Vegas too
- VANTEL

Absolutely. I think he was relied on for big minutes and seem to kind of break at the seams. He is an excellent defenseman to a degree but I think for the amount of play time he had kind of exhausted him. They got rid of Bieksa and Garrison and expected him to pick up all the slack. I'd still say he has more to prove. Being 30 isn't quite the point where defenseman decline but where they really start to settle in IMHO.

I don't think he's worth a lot but I don't think he's worth nothing either. People always seem to sidestep being a good fit. In the right environment I'm sure he would thrive. Is that in Vancouver? Probably not but you never know. Still could wait and see what he does this season.
- WhatTheNuck

It's almost like a phaneuf scenario where he is capable of playing the minutes but you get the most out of him at less minutes and more offensive role

Maybe EG can end up with tanev as your shutdown pair and edler can be second pairing and return to more offensive minded game

You don't think there is any NHL players who grew up watching previous World Cup or Canada Cups that are looking forward to the opportunity of winning a World Cup?

The comparison to the All-Star game is interesting to me. I could see the potential for that happening and it would be very disappointing. But the All-Star game has a pretty long history of being like that now and none of the World Cup comparisons were ever like that so I don't see why people would jump the gun on that conclusion.

If, like you say, the Young Stars and Europe will be the only teams competing, do you think other teams are just going to let them walk all over them? If not, that will certainly increase the level of competition and skill/speed.

The one thing that I agree is likely is a reduced level of physicality. That will definitely be a little disappointing as the intensity level just won't be the same without the tenacity. But, as a hockey fan in general, not having the playoff level of physicality is not nearly enough for me to write this tournament off before it even starts. I still expect to see a very fast paced game, with a high level of skill, but like you say probably not the degree of physicality/intensity.

These are competitive professional athletes who have a further monetary incentive to make this tournament successful. I expect the majority of the players involved will be competing to win, but will have enough respect not to try and injure each-other in the process.
- RonPielep

I'd be less upset if they brought the Canada Cup back or at least tried to tie it to the history of that tournament. Calling it a "World Cup" when it's only the 6 best teams in the world plus two leftover all-star teams to me just makes my blood boil.

I guess what bothers me is that I love watching Olympic hockey and the World Championships where every nation has a shot to win (is it realistic that someone other than Canada, USA, Sweden, Finland, Russia or the Czech Republic will win, probably not, but it is a possibility). This is nowhere near that sort of thing and while I agree that the competitive nature of the players will make them game, I just don't see it being that compelling to watch or deserving of the hype it's getting when it's an NHL tournament using NHL arenas/ice/officials and mostly NHL players. Why not do this instead of the ASG at the time of the All-Star Break? Then you'd have much better hockey, and players would probably be a lot more willing to play mid-season like hockey during it.

If he is coming here I am joining Vegas too
- VANTEL

We have Carol now

Also the MLS example only works if the MLS is by far and away the best league in the world comprising essentially all of the top athletes in the world. The MLS is very far from the NHL of soccer.
- RonPielep

I was using it as an example, take the EPL (English Premier League) then, it still works.

I'd be less upset if they brought the Canada Cup back or at least tried to tie it to the history of that tournament. Calling it a "World Cup" when it's only the 6 best teams in the world plus two leftover all-star teams to me just makes my blood boil.

I guess what bothers me is that I love watching Olympic hockey and the World Championships where every nation has a shot to win (is it realistic that someone other than Canada, USA, Sweden, Finland, Russia or the Czech Republic will win, probably not, but it is a possibility). This is nowhere near that sort of thing and while I agree that the competitive nature of the players will make them game, I just don't see it being that compelling to watch or deserving of the hype it's getting when it's an NHL tournament using NHL arenas/ice/officials and mostly NHL players. Why not do this instead of the ASG at the time of the All-Star Break? Then you'd have much better hockey, and players would probably be a lot more willing to play mid-season like hockey during it.
- DariusKnight

I don't think the Czechs will stand a chance in hell, so excluding Slovakia and probably Switzerland for a one-time only thing is not that big of a deal to me.

Personally I love team NA but I understand why more traditional people would not.

In terms of competitiveness, I don't think if you had Canada vs. Russia in the final or Sweden vs. Finland that they are just going to all forget their nationalities because two bottom dwellers were excluded.

I hope going forward they relegate the last place country and use the most recent WHC standings (or something like that) to decide who will have that seed.

So when some guy consistently brings up illegal drugs instead of hockey talk you're ok with that... I'd rather stick to hockey...

You and your ilk should find somewhere else to discuss drugs...
- kaptaan

You can insult me but never, ever say a bad word about my ilk again. I'll have you know that they are some of the finest ilk that ever drew a breath. You are not fit to breath the same air as these great and noble ilk.

Good day to you sir.

I heart Women's Beach Volleyball.

I'm not sure why.... can't put my finger on it.... But I like it.

I don't think the Czechs will stand a chance in hell, so excluding Slovakia and probably Switzerland for a one-time only thing is not that big of a deal to me.

Personally I love team NA but I understand why more traditional people would not.

In terms of competitiveness, I don't think if you had Canada vs. Russia in the final or Sweden vs. Finland that they are just going to all forget their nationalities because two bottom dwellers were excluded.

I hope going forward they relegate the last place country and use the most recent WHC standings (or something like that) to decide who will have that seed.
- RonPielep

Oh no doubt, the finals will be worth watching because both teams will probably actually be trying about 90 percent to win. I don't hate Team NA/Europe, I just look at the Men's Basketball in the Olympics and how the USA is just that much better/deeper and how dominant they are and how pointless it makes the tournament when you have a super team full of superstars against teams with maybe one or two pros who are at best second to third tier stars or even bench warmers. You know that Team USA is going to win the gold unless they really poop the bed and with how deep they are, that's not likely so it loses a lot of cache.

Not to mention Women's Hockey, where it's HIGHLY unlikely the finals of every major world championship/Olympics isn't going to be Canada/US when both teams are that much better than everyone else. It makes the entire tournament pointless to watch save for the finals which defeats the entire purpose of it.

Oh no doubt, the finals will be worth watching because both teams will probably actually be trying about 90 percent to win. I don't hate Team NA/Europe, I just look at the Men's Basketball in the Olympics and how the USA is just that much better/deeper and how dominant they are and how pointless it makes the tournament when you have a super team full of superstars against teams with maybe one or two pros who are at best second to third tier stars or even bench warmers. You know that Team USA is going to win the gold unless they really poop the bed and with how deep they are, that's not likely so it loses a lot of cache.

Not to mention Women's Hockey, where it's HIGHLY unlikely the finals of every major world championship/Olympics isn't going to be Canada/US when both teams are that much better than everyone else. It makes the entire tournament pointless to watch save for the finals which defeats the entire purpose of it.
- DariusKnight

You think Canada is to this tournament as the US mens bball is to the Olympics? If not I'm kinda confused as to what you were saying.

You think Canada is to this tournament as the US mens bball is to the Olympics? If not I'm kinda confused as to what you were saying.
- RonPielep

Well yeah, we have enough players to field 2 or 3 Team Canada who'd all be very competitive and likely be favorites. I always thought it would be interesting to have Team Canada have more than one team in the Olympics and see which Team Canada would prevail.

Well yeah, we have enough players to field 2 or 3 Team Canada who'd all be very competitive and likely be favorites. I always thought it would be interesting to have Team Canada have more than one team in the Olympics and see which Team Canada would prevail.
- DariusKnight

I think it would be interesting too but I don't think other countries would be happy about it.

I don't really see how they would be any bigger favorites in this tournament than in the regular Olympics. They are certainly the favorites but just like any Olympics I think there is a good possibility for them to get knocked off. Unless other teams don't take it very seriously and roll over easy.

I hope it's a CAN vs. NA final. Watching McD line up against Cros for a three game series would be interesting if it were serious.

I think it would be interesting too but I don't think other countries would be happy about it.

I don't really see how they would be any bigger favorites in this tournament than in the regular Olympics. They are certainly the favorites but just like any Olympics I think there is a good possibility for them to get knocked off. Unless other teams don't take it very seriously and roll over easy.

I hope it's a CAN vs. NA final. Watching McD line up against Cros for a three game series would be interesting if it were serious.
- RonPielep

Yeah, that might get me to actually watch, because it would at least be somewhat compelling.

I think it would be interesting too but I don't think other countries would be happy about it.

I don't really see how they would be any bigger favorites in this tournament than in the regular Olympics. They are certainly the favorites but just like any Olympics I think there is a good possibility for them to get knocked off. Unless other teams don't take it very seriously and roll over easy.

I hope it's a CAN vs. NA final. Watching McD line up against Cros for a three game series would be interesting if it were serious.
- RonPielep

how many countries know about the World Cup of hockey put on by the NHL/PA?