World Junior Hockey Championships

[rcrs007]

THE GREAT ONE -- Wayne Gretzky -- himself, enjoying a Bud Light

Gretzky enjoying a Bud Light? I think his family needs to organize a beer intervention.

Ryan

 

[jiveturkey]

Although scoring on your own net is a bad way to go out, I gotta give credit where it's due. The US didn't give up when the chips were down and for that I guess they deserved the win. Congratulations to a great team.

I feel really bad for those guys on the Canadian team for blowing a lead and losing like this. That sounds like the story of my entire minor hockey life. It's going to be a long way into the new year before those guys forget about this one.

And Fleury may have messed up but he's still a going to be a great NHL goalie. He just made a mistake. It could happen to anyone.

 

[bridgediver]

You know, I wanted to follow up on what I said earlier for all my Hockey bretherin up in the Great White North (Canada).
There really are great coaches and opportunities in Canadian Youth Hockey to develop the Worlds best players - and in some instances that happens. But it really isn't to the degree that it has been in the late past, nor to the degree that it should be. I'd appeal to all those with an interest or care to listen to a few key countrymen and professionals who could make Canada the dominant world power they once were. Mainly - read and listen to Wayne Gretzkey and Ken Dryden (and Waynes Dad for that matter). These 2 gents can offer alot to people who can make a difference and are in a position to support Canada and these young men and ladies who do give their life and pride to their sport and country. Hockey is the greatest game on earth, but the development of the future (the kids) is not in the right hands. And if you are a parent out there, please let your kids enjoy the game - it's not yours - it belongs to them!

DOH! Ok, you guys got us. That one hurt big time!

I will agree with your insight into how the players are developed as well. Up here as everyone knows we live and die for hockey and it becomes serious business at the age of 6 or 7! So many kids are playing and competing for spots on the best teams so that they can get their chance to show their skills it takes all the fun out of it. It is highly likely that there is or have been kids with the same or even greater potential than Gretz that couldn't or wouldn't make it through the guantlet of minor hockey today. Theres not enough oportunities for the kids to play their best while having fun - its basically over subscribed. Don't really know how to fix it. It is what it is.

Congradulations USA for a fine end to a another great junior tourny. Its about time you guys won one, you deserved it! Just remember... Our boys will be back next year!!! Hope we'll see you then....
good game

 

[jiveturkey]

Read this and though of you Jhelmuth: Canada is losing it's edge?

 

[jhelmuth]

Tambelli is certainly more respected than I... but I'm going to stick with my feelings. The reason I think Canada will remain on the decline has to do with what I observe (limited) and who I speak with in/on Canadian Hockey. I speak with folks from Barie, Kitchner, and Montreal. Additionally, I try to keep track of Canadian Hockey through the web ans several kids I've coached (from Canada). I admit it's not the most in-depth information, but I do trust the accuracy and there are some key Canadians who agree with me - mainly the Gretzkeys and Ken Dryden. So we'll see. I really hope I'm wrong as I think it's the national identity. And there is really a wealth of tallent in the coaching community in Canada. From the coaches themselves, they tell me that they feel emense preasure to win and play games all the time. Skills seem to be secondary and are only learned away from the rink. Ice time is apparently precious (at the rinks) and are primarily filled with games.

Hope I'm wrong...