Posted by Håkan Ljung on 27th April 2004 at 16:09 GMT
Posted from 212.105.11.62 (md4690b3e.utfors.se)
In reply to Re: How do you think, who will be the winner of IIHF WC 2004? posted by Chris on 27th April 2004 at 14:49 GMT:
Hello Chris,
I think all nations have reason to be proud of their icehockey. Each European top nation have their unique style of play. Icehockey is regarded as a national culture legacy here too.
Just because Canada invented this game does not mean you have profound importance in all respects, for how this game have developed on a global level. Our situation is like comparing English soccer with Brazilian. Does not Brazil have the right to be proud of their football? What whole South America has done is taking football to complete new level and changed the game forever. This is excactly what Europeans have done in icehockey. So my question to you Chris is; are you in Canada enough humble to credit us for this?
Note, almost all training skills and technical applications for how you work with players skills and performance are born in Europe. What you use in Canada are just modified versions what Europeans invented, but also developed into perfection. After that you bring over this "ready made" concept and begin using it at home. One of the main contributors is the former Soviet Union. We have a lot to thank the Russians for. I can assure you, the original is far better than the copy. Do you really think power skating is a Canadian invention?
In the olympic games most players are from NHL and their are not used to play with each other. In WC Eurpean teams have a backbone Elite league players in the squads who really knows each other. Then it´s more easier for NHLers to return to their national styles. I think WC have a higher quality in many ways than the olympic games. You dont see any flat matches in the same way, as in the olympics.
What all this means in reality is; it´s more difficult for Canadians and Americans to win. Before last year, it was 5 years ago Canada won gold. In most WC tournaments, Canada seldom win silver nor bronze. Dont forget this next time...
Håkan