Canada too cocky?

anyone else think this years version seem a little too cocky out there, is it just me, im a proud canadian and want to see them do well but they look like there looking ahead a little too much, we were lucky to win against the czechs.

No matter how good, you can't win every game,

How is a 3-0 shutout victory lucky? And I don't think this years team Canada is too cocky, I think they lack confidence! .... on the ice anyways

Well, as I said in the GDT, at least team Sweden have silently complained about team Canada's bullying behaviour, off the ice and during pregame practice. While there may only be a handful players acting rude, immature or inappropriate, they still represent their team. There were also complaints about how the team performed their warmups in the hallway, unnecessarily disturbing the other team.

Not a fan of Canada but it sure looks to me that they have been able to back up their smack talk for quite a while now.

That makes me respect, admire and hate them all at he same time. And thats the way it should be in a ultra competitive hockry tournament.


I am curious to see though how they act in defeat now. I for one think that they will only be better.

19 wins in a row will make anyone cocky. Especially impressionable teens. How they respond is what really matters here. They've learned their lesson, I hope, and should be ready to give a concentrated effort next time out.

anyone else think this years version seem a little too cocky out there, is it just me, im a proud canadian and want to see them do well but they look like there looking ahead a little too much, we were lucky to win against the czechs.

No there at best average Defense is showing. There is nothing special with this D.

We are not now.

The last time that I remember Canada losing to Sweden in the opening round of an international competition, Canada went on to win Olympic Gold!

Lets hope for more of the same!

Well, as I said in the GDT, at least team Sweden have silently complained about team Canada's bullying behaviour, off the ice and during pregame practice. While there may only be a handful players acting rude, immature or inappropriate, they still represent their team. There were also complaints about how the team performed their warmups in the hallway, unnecessarily disturbing the other team.

Link?

What was obvious from the first shift is this team is not above and beyond any team. They have been close to on par with each opponent. They more than likely will have to go from the QF and for a team that will score so little that will not be easy.

Good on the Swedes for sticking to the task. Canada have to regroup quickly and hope to get some offensive confidence against the Danes.

Lets hope for more of the same!

Everyone is talking about the winning streak, but really none of the kids have played in all of the games so I don't think they are cocky.

I think that you have to separate the fans on these boards from the players. I don't think on average that Canadian players think they will just show up and the other team will fold. However, the fans here talk about how the team can beat NHL teams and how they could put 3 teams together and go gold, silver, and bronze (all of which is horse ****).

Just because there are a fair number of cocky fans on this board doesn't mean the players are cocky.

Link?
No link, a Swedish commentator (Niklas Wikegård) talked about it during the game. He had chatted with the Swedish players and staff. He had some own anecdotes about being pissed off about cocky Canadians pushing people around as well. ;)

with all due respect we can call it 19 games but thats with three entirely different teams, i guess its more there goal celebrations are a little over the top considering these are pre medal games, i dont know some of these guys are acting a little to cool for me i guess.

with all due respect we can call it 19 games but thats with three entirely different teams, i guess its more there goal celebrations are a little over the top considering these are pre medal games, i dont know some of these guys are acting a little to cool for me i guess.

The Swedish goal celebrations were the same, can I get your opinion on that? It's not like a fine poster like yourself holds a double standard, do you?

Anyone think maybe Marchand and Giroux were happy to score because they've SUCKED thus far? And maybe Tavares was happy to score because he made the team this year and is happy to be contributing? They're kids, some people need to lighten up. Some of the posters make them sound as evil as the taliban.

I thought only 2 players from last year's roster returned? If anything shouldn't this put more pressure on the new canadian team to measure up to their predecessors.

I know I'm generalizing, but most talented athletes are cocky to some extend, especially when they're teenagers. It generally comes with the confidence that they need to have. So I'm not surprised if the Canadian kids have been bullying the other teams. I know for a fact soccer players playing in Canada during summer for the U-20 world cup were perceived in a similar light.

Well, as I said in the GDT, at least team Sweden have silently complained about team Canada's bullying behaviour, off the ice and during pregame practice. While there may only be a handful players acting rude, immature or inappropriate, they still represent their team. There were also complaints about how the team performed their warmups in the hallway, unnecessarily disturbing the other team.

Oooh, the big, evil and scary Canadians were rude! :cry: Please grow a set of balls! This is sports, not some school for young children...

Anyone think maybe Marchand and Giroux were happy to score because they've SUCKED thus far? And maybe Tavares was happy to score because he made the team this year and is happy to be contributing? They're kids, some people need to lighten up. Some of the posters make them sound as evil as the taliban.

When it comes to the WJC people seem to have a bug up their ass about goal celebrations. You still see Team Canada homers bashing Kovalchuk over a first pump that happened what, 7 years ago?

No link, a Swedish commentator (Niklas Wikegård) talked about it during the game. He had chatted with the Swedish players and staff. He had some own anecdotes about being pissed off about cocky Canadians pushing people around as well. ;)

I have no reason to doubt this. I don't like the attitude but we are talking about a sport! I'm sure that the Swedes have never been accused by the Finns, etc. of being cocky :sarcasm:

The Swedish goal celebrations were the same, can I get your opinion on that? It's not like a fine poster like yourself holds a double standard, do you?

you dont have to be passive aggressive, have you seen the other games at all,casue they dont celebrate quite like that, and yeah if i were sweden and id see them do that in there face twice in a row i would the same once we scored and took the lead, if you we've seen other games you'd understand what i mean, im not bashing the boys i wnat to them to win as much as anyone i dont believe what buddy is saying about certain players, like i said a llittel too early to be over the top like that.

watch this complete 2005 canada WJHC highlights not one celebration looks like a stanley cup double overtime winning goal.
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=oCp3dzLrdBY

They were cocky, I hope that game brought them back to the ground.

I thought the Swedes deserved what they got. The best thing about this all is that we'll see what the CDN team is made of when they (probabbly) have to play to get into the final rounds rather than getting a bye. In the end we all win because we get to see more balanced hockey in the tournament. Anyone who loves the game cannot argue with this. I'm sure other CDNs like myself are happy to see it get interesting rather than seeing the team going unbeaten through the tournament.

By the way, I thought the Swedes were quicker and had better passing and puck control in tight. Their forecheck was amazing. Let's see how the CDN coaching staff can counter it for (hopefully) next game

Oooh, the big, evil and scary Canadians were rude! :cry: Please grow a set of balls! This is sports, not some school for young children...
Exactly, this is only sports, not life and death. It's an international tournament for junior players. I wonder who come off looking as children?
... The Canadians are known for doing everything to get their opponents out of rytm. Before the game against Sweden the psych outs began already at yesterday morning.

When the Swedish defensemen Victor Hedman and Jonathan Carlsson stood at the rink and watched the Canadians morning skate they were shot at with pucks towards the glass by the players.
- Then they skated by and yelled alot of things you can't write, says Hedman.
What were they really yell?
- Well, it was alot of **** really. "Keep your heads up ****ing *****" and similar.

And during the game the verbal attacks continued against the Swedes.
- They skated and were talking **** most of the time. But we had agreed not to fall into their trash talk, just focus on our game, says Hedman...

http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/hockey/article1542443.ab

While these scare and psych out tactics might have worked in the 70's, it doesn't anymore, it only adds fuel to the fire. The Canadians still performing this during international competition, especially off the ice, only come off as rude, childish and dishonourable, not as intimidating. Is it sort of a tradition or something? I guess they're honing their NHL game, but still... we're talking about international competition here. You represent your country on and off the ice. Period.

I'm I getting through here? Or do I have to grow a set of balls? This sort of bullying antics is unnecessary and this is why Canadian teams have such bad international reputation everywhere. Since when wasn't winning good enough? That Canada is dominating the sport only makes it look worse. If you're better than the other teams, you might think it would be more appropriate to show a little bit more class.

Exactly, this is only sports, not life and death. It's an international tournament for junior players. I wonder who come off looking as children?


http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/hockey/article1542443.ab

While these scare and psych out tactics might have worked in the 70's, it doesn't anymore, it only adds fuel to the fire. The Canadians still performing this during international competition, especially off the ice, only come off as rude, childish and dishonourable, not as intimidating. Is it sort of a tradition or something? I guess they're honing their NHL game, but still... we're talking about international competition here. You represent your country on and off the ice. Period.

I'm I getting through here? Or do I have to grow a set of balls? This sort of bullying antics is unnecessary and this is why Canadian teams have such bad international reputation everywhere. Since when wasn't winning good enough? That Canada is dominating the sport only makes it look worse. If you're better than the other teams, you might think it would be more appropriate to show a little bit more class.
Ya because we all know, the truth only comes from one side of a story, and the Canadian's are big bad bullies...

Gimme a break, in NA we'd talk trash during Hockey starting at freakin Atom(10-11), if these players have made it this far and there career and can't handle the trash talk maybe they should go take up Chess or something.

I can just see it now.The swedes calling home crying they called me bad names.

Canada has been cocky and hopefully this will bring them down to earth a little. They don't have a God-given right to win this tournament but they've sure been acting like it. What's up with them pointing to the crest of their jerseys everytime they score now? I hated it when the Russians started doing that a couple of years ago and I hate it even more now that some Canadians are following suit.

Full marks to the Swedes yesterday. They played great and fully deserved the win. Hopefully this will smarten Canada up and make them realize their effort so far simply hasn't been good enough.

I can just see it now.The swedes calling home crying they called me bad names.

Yeah...

or..

Some journalist asked the swedish players about the canadians mind-games (calling Hedman a p*ssy :biglaugh::biglaugh:) and they just answered the questions.

Canada has been cocky and hopefully this will bring them down to earth a little. They don't have a God-given right to win this tournament but they've sure been acting like it. What's up with them pointing to the crest of their jerseys everytime they score now? I hated it when the Russians started doing that a couple of years ago and I hate it even more now that some Canadians are following suit.

Again?

FFS. You people just need to find something to be pissed off about, no matter how stupid a reason it is, don't you?

So brutal. BRUTAL.

During the warm-ups the canadians apparantly went over to Swedens side of the rink and talked ****, aswell as shooting pucks at the swedes.

Hope they´re more respectful next time they face Sweden.


I can just see it now.The swedes calling home crying they called me bad names.

Dunno how it is in Canada, but here in Sweden we teach our kids to show respect and carry themselves with class. That **** is only immature, or a poor upbringing at best.

Ya because we all know, the truth only comes from one side of a story, and the Canadian's are big bad bullies...

Gimme a break, in NA we'd talk trash during Hockey starting at freakin Atom(10-11), if these players have made it this far and there career and can't handle the trash talk maybe they should go take up Chess or something.
The traditional argument doesn't work. Just because one thing has been performed since the age of time, it doesn't make it right or better. Just because you like to insult each other on the ice in NA, it doesn't make it automatically right to insult people in another enviroment. It's called showing respect.

As for "only one side of the story", why would these two Swedish players make up that the Canadians shot pucks at them against the glass and yelled "Keep your heads up ****ing p*ssies!" and other similar things to them?

It's one thing to trashtalk and intimidate during the game if that gets you going in some way (which frankly also is quite unclassy), a totally other to insult players from another team and country off the ice, the day before the game in an international tournament. That's showing disrespect, is undeserved and uncalled for.

As for the general discussion: Canadian teams have a bad international reputation for a reason. End of story. It's not me bashing Canadian international teams, I'm just telling how they are considered by others. That's reality, deal with it. If you get upset about it, ask for your international teams to better their behaviour, bashing me won't change anything. If you don't care about that weakass Europeans don't think trashtalking, intimidation, psych outs and occasional cheap shots (for the sake of winning) are that much part of hockey, especially in international hockey, fine, but don't flame them for having that opinion, or simply stating that Canadian teams get a bad rep from doing it, on and especially off the ice.

There are also Canadian players who are sort of spokesmen for that these antiques don't belong in hockey. Brendan Shanahan is one of those who has openly said that he doesn't like this kind of stuff.

Don't believe for a second any of that was happening, at least not the way its been described. Hartsburg would put a stop to it and the Canadian media would likely be all over the team for acting that way.

Its just heresay right now.

Don't believe for a second any of that was happening, at least not the way its been described. Hartsburg would put a stop to it and the Canadian media would likely be all over the team for acting that way.

Its just heresay right now.

Exactly. When Bobby Mac talks about it, then I'll believe it.

i pray Canada plays Sweden again in the medal round

cocky schmoky.

They just got beat by a team that outplayed them yesterday, it had to happen sometime for God's sake. It was a heartbreaker but it was a good game to watch. Sweden has a real good team this year and played a nice agressive game yesterday and deserved to win. I want to play these guys again as it will be a hell of a game.

Swedish teams at this thing for quite a few years now tended to fold after you got up on them with a couple of goals but this team does'nt look to be having any of that.They kept battling and to their credit skated Canada down in the 3rd period. That's the sign of a good team.

Canada will just have to get better.

Good game but Don't get too plucky yet Euro fans, it ain't over yet,

The traditional argument doesn't work. Just because one thing has been performed since the age of time, it doesn't make it right or better. Just because you like to insult each other on the ice in NA, it doesn't make it automatically right to insult people in another enviroment. It's called showing respect.

As for "only one side of the story", why would these two Swedish players make up that the Canadians shot pucks at them against the glass and yelled "Keep your heads up ****ing p*ssies!" and other similar things to them?

It's one thing to trashtalk and intimidate during the game if that gets you going in some way (which frankly also is quite unclassy), a totally other to insult players from another team and country off the ice, the day before the game in an international tournament. That's showing disrespect, is undeserved and uncalled for.

As for the general discussion: Canadian teams have a bad international reputation for a reason. End of story. It's not me bashing Canadian international teams, I'm just telling how they are considered by others. That's reality, deal with it. If you get upset about it, ask for your international teams to better their behaviour, bashing me won't change anything. If you don't care about that weakass Europeans don't think trashtalking, intimidation, psych outs and occasional cheap shots (for the sake of winning) are that much part of hockey, especially in international hockey, fine, but don't flame them for having that opinion, or simply stating that Canadian teams get a bad rep from doing it, on and especially off the ice.

There are also Canadian players who are sort of spokesmen for that these antiques don't belong in hockey. Brendan Shanahan is one of those who has openly said that he doesn't like this kind of stuff.



I like it when we have a bad reputation with European hockey fans.

Want to know why? It usually means we are winning.........................a lot.

Dunno how it is in Canada, but here in Sweden we teach our kids to show respect and carry themselves with class. That **** is only immature, or a poor upbringing at best.

I think some name calling is slightly better than cutting open someone's tongue resulting in 50 stitches
http://www.1972summitseries.com/sweden.html
Nobody is perfect my friend....

The traditional argument doesn't work. Just because one thing has been performed since the age of time, it doesn't make it right or better. Just because you like to insult each other on the ice in NA, it doesn't make it automatically right to insult people in another enviroment. It's called showing respect.

As for "only one side of the story", why would these two Swedish players make up that the Canadians shot pucks at them against the glass and yelled "Keep your heads up ****ing p*ssies!" and other similar things to them?

It's one thing to trashtalk and intimidate during the game if that gets you going in some way (which frankly also is quite unclassy), a totally other to insult players from another team and country off the ice, the day before the game in an international tournament. That's showing disrespect, is undeserved and uncalled for.

As for the general discussion: Canadian teams have a bad international reputation for a reason. End of story. It's not me bashing Canadian international teams, I'm just telling how they are considered by others. That's reality, deal with it. If you get upset about it, ask for your international teams to better their behaviour, bashing me won't change anything. If you don't care about that weakass Europeans don't think trashtalking, intimidation, psych outs and occasional cheap shots (for the sake of winning) are that much part of hockey, especially in international hockey, fine, but don't flame them for having that opinion, or simply stating that Canadian teams get a bad rep from doing it, on and especially off the ice.

There are also Canadian players who are sort of spokesmen for that these antiques don't belong in hockey. Brendan Shanahan is one of those who has openly said that he doesn't like this kind of stuff.
So what are we supposed to do next time?

Invite the Swedes over for tea and cupcakes and wish them good luck, while Hedman goes and reports it to the Swedish media?

And funny bilros, you should single out there Canadian guys for poor upbringing and not showing respect to there opponents, do you think fellow Swede Mats Sundin showed his own fans respect when he flinged a broken stick into the crowd(and I'm a Leafs fan saying this) or how about Ulf Samuelsson he really made a career of showing people respect now didn't he..

Oooh, the big, evil and scary Canadians were rude! :cry: Please grow a set of balls! This is sports, not some school for young children... Well, did it work for you then?

Point is, when your guys think they make themselves big, evil and scary and the opponents laugh at them, don't you lose at your own game? Mind games is a part of the game but please have something to back it up with or it may appear rather pathetic.

Well, did it work for you then?

Point is, when your guys think they make themselves big, evil and scary and the opponents laugh at them, don't you lose at your own game? Mind games is a part of the game but please have something to back it up with or it may appear rather pathetic.
Back it up with? There the 3 time defending champs, and were just on a 20 game win streak. :biglaugh:

Well, did it work for you then?

Point is, when your guys think they make themselves big, evil and scary and the opponents laugh at them, don't you lose at your own game? Mind games is a part of the game but please have something to back it up with or it may appear rather pathetic.

Something to back it up with? We had a 20 game win streak to back it up with, granted we lost, but to say that we had nothing to back it up with is ridiculous. Sweden played a better smarter game, but there is such a thing as being a good winner. The Canadian team, and Canadian fans were respectful after our loss, maybe you should be the same after your win.

Well, did it work for you then?

Point is, when your guys think they make themselves big, evil and scary and the opponents laugh at them, don't you lose at your own game? Mind games is a part of the game but please have something to back it up with or it may appear rather pathetic.

I'd say we have backed it up quite a bit at this thing would'nt you?

What's that, your first win against us in something like 7 attempts? And they have'nt been wins of the just slipped by variety for the most part either.

Our job is not to be liked by Sweden or any of the other European teams fans, our job is to put your team through the meat grinder and win. Being your pal is not our concern.

yesterday we failed to do that but you can be sure there will be another day.


So we have a bad rep with you guys, you should know we don't think much of you guys either. And i would'nt have it any other way.

Exactly, this is only sports, not life and death. It's an international tournament for junior players. I wonder who come off looking as children?


http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/hockey/article1542443.ab

While these scare and psych out tactics might have worked in the 70's, it doesn't anymore, it only adds fuel to the fire. The Canadians still performing this during international competition, especially off the ice, only come off as rude, childish and dishonourable, not as intimidating. Is it sort of a tradition or something? I guess they're honing their NHL game, but still... we're talking about international competition here. You represent your country on and off the ice. Period.

I'm I getting through here? Or do I have to grow a set of balls? This sort of bullying antics is unnecessary and this is why Canadian teams have such bad international reputation everywhere. Since when wasn't winning good enough? That Canada is dominating the sport only makes it look worse. If you're better than the other teams, you might think it would be more appropriate to show a little bit more class.

i thought those antics only came from americans:sarcasm:

The traditional argument doesn't work. Just because one thing has been performed since the age of time, it doesn't make it right or better. Just because you like to insult each other on the ice in NA, it doesn't make it automatically right to insult people in another enviroment. It's called showing respect.

As for "only one side of the story", why would these two Swedish players make up that the Canadians shot pucks at them against the glass and yelled "Keep your heads up ****ing p*ssies!" and other similar things to them?

It's one thing to trashtalk and intimidate during the game if that gets you going in some way (which frankly also is quite unclassy), a totally other to insult players from another team and country off the ice, the day before the game in an international tournament. That's showing disrespect, is undeserved and uncalled for.

As for the general discussion: Canadian teams have a bad international reputation for a reason. End of story. It's not me bashing Canadian international teams, I'm just telling how they are considered by others. That's reality, deal with it. If you get upset about it, ask for your international teams to better their behaviour, bashing me won't change anything. If you don't care about that weakass Europeans don't think trashtalking, intimidation, psych outs and occasional cheap shots (for the sake of winning) are that much part of hockey, especially in international hockey, fine, but don't flame them for having that opinion, or simply stating that Canadian teams get a bad rep from doing it, on and especially off the ice.

There are also Canadian players who are sort of spokesmen for that these antiques don't belong in hockey. Brendan Shanahan is one of those who has openly said that he doesn't like this kind of stuff.
Where are you comming up with this stuff? Since when does Canada have a bad international repuation and for what reasons.

Again?

FFS. You people just need to find something to be pissed off about, no matter how stupid a reason it is, don't you?

So brutal. BRUTAL.

its not about finding things to ***** about, as a canadian its more about getting the job done first, showing poise, control and hard work which i dont think there giving right know, its more about the show, i think some of these guys see all the kids jumping to the NHL right away and are thinking a little ahead

with all due respect we can call it 19 games but thats with three entirely different teams, i guess its more there goal celebrations are a little over the top considering these are pre medal games, i dont know some of these guys are acting a little to cool for me i guess.

Yep. The grabbing of the jersey emblem was a little much.

Exactly, this is only sports, not life and death. It's an international tournament for junior players. I wonder who come off looking as children?


http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/hockey/article1542443.ab

While these scare and psych out tactics might have worked in the 70's, it doesn't anymore, it only adds fuel to the fire. The Canadians still performing this during international competition, especially off the ice, only come off as rude, childish and dishonourable, not as intimidating. Is it sort of a tradition or something? I guess they're honing their NHL game, but still... we're talking about international competition here. You represent your country on and off the ice. Period.

I'm I getting through here? Or do I have to grow a set of balls? This sort of bullying antics is unnecessary and this is why Canadian teams have such bad international reputation everywhere. Since when wasn't winning good enough? That Canada is dominating the sport only makes it look worse. If you're better than the other teams, you might think it would be more appropriate to show a little bit more class.

It's called trash talk, and it's meant to put an opponent off his game - nothing more. Strategy. Greats in every sport do it, and if you think Europeans don't engage in this sort of thing, you might want to read up on Tikkanen's "Tiki-talk" or watch Jarkko Ruutu play.

The Swedes made the Canadians eat their words. Good on them. But don't act as though it's an exclusively Canadian phenomenon.

Canadian teams have a bad international reputation for a reason. End of story. It's not me bashing Canadian international teams, I'm just telling how they are considered by others.

Can you please substantiate your claim that we have a bad international reputation that spans several teams?

Can you please tell me who the "others" are that consider us in disrepute?

I feel like it's not "end of story", because I'd probably be inclined to believe you if there was proper evidence, but Hartsburg and Brent Sutter don't seem like the type to encourage those actions.

Something to back it up with? We had a 20 game win streak to back it up with, granted we lost, but to say that we had nothing to back it up with is ridiculous. Sweden played a better smarter game, but there is such a thing as being a good winner. The Canadian team, and Canadian fans were respectful after our loss, maybe you should be the same after your win. Maybe your team is respectful after a loss but they are certainly not respectful before a game. Far from it.

Face it, your team talked big and choked and now the trash talk blow up i their face. Why should everyone else be so gracious about it? You done your part before the game already.


I know everythig about canadas success i WJC tornaments over the years and I know it is well deserved but if your team is about to use all this intimidation tactics they better back it up on the ice as well. The truth is it scares no one.

Maybe your team is respectful after a loss but they are certainly not respectful before a game. Far from it.

Face it, your team talked big and choked and now the trash talk blow up i their face. Why should everyone else be so gracious about it? You done your part before the game already.


I know everythig about canadas success i WJC tornaments over the years and I know it is well deserved but if your team is about to use all this intimidation tactics they better back it up on the ice as well. The truth is it scares no one.
I don't think a Swedish hockey fan has any right to be talking about choking at an International event.

Maybe your team is respectful after a loss but they are certainly not respectful before a game. Far from it.
According to one source

Face it, your team talked big and choked and now the trash talk blow up i their face. Why should everyone else be so gracious about it? You done your part before the game already.


Because some posters on this board are telling me that in Sweden, the kind of behaviour you are talking about is not accepted. If this is true, why would I expect any Swedish people to be sore winners?

Maybe your team is respectful after a loss but they are certainly not respectful before a game. Far from it.

Face it, your team talked big and choked and now the trash talk blow up i their face. Why should everyone else be so gracious about it? You done your part before the game already.


I know everythig about canadas success i WJC tornaments over the years and I know it is well deserved but if your team is about to use all this intimidation tactics they better back it up on the ice as well. The truth is it scares no one.
Don't believe everything you hear on TV. These allegations from one Swedish commentator of Canada being disrespectful I find hard to beleive as I can't see Canada's coaches allowing them to get away with such BS as firing pucks at Swedish players and all the trashtalk and if they were i'm sure the coaching staff would put an end to it quite quickly. I'll beleive that they may have been over confident and cocky but I wouldn't be surprised if there was also some overaggerations from the media as well, maybe for motivation purposes and if so kudos to them cause it worked.

What's up with them pointing to the crest of their jerseys everytime they score now? I hated it when the Russians started doing that a couple of years ago and I hate it even more now that some Canadians are following suit.

Agreed. This is the only thing that's frustrated me about some of the guys on our squad this year. I don't mind the excited celebrations for goals, but grabbing the crest the way some of them are is a little much.

I won't blame the entire team for that though, from what I've seen it's not everyone.

So what are we supposed to do next time?

Invite the Swedes over for tea and cupcakes and wish them good luck, while Hedman goes and reports it to the Swedish media?

And funny bilros, you should single out there Canadian guys for poor upbringing and not showing respect to there opponents, do you think fellow Swede Mats Sundin showed his own fans respect when he flinged a broken stick into the crowd(and I'm a Leafs fan saying this) or how about Ulf Samuelsson he really made a career of showing people respect now didn't he..
Exactly, or how about Alfredsson's deliberate slapshot at Scott Niedmeyer at the end of the period against the Ducks. Look we can take indivdual mishaps and make Swedish players look unclassy too, not hard you could do it with any country and their players. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgpDN_NFh1w

anyone else think this years version seem a little too cocky out there, is it just me, im a proud canadian and want to see them do well but they look like there looking ahead a little too much, we were lucky to win against the czechs.
Yes, I think this year's team is too cocky and unclassy compared to previous teams. We used to bash Ovechkin for grabbing his shirt when he scored and here we have a Canadian doing the same. I never saw us do that until now. I see this lost as something positive to wake them up.

More Canadian Whine to go with that sir?

It's ok to trashtalk and disrespect on and off the ice, and not ok to score goals against an opponent in a spectacular fashion. Yay Canada (I'm not saying US players aren't trashtalking, only that there's a funny double standard in effect).

More Canadian Whine to go with that sir?

Now you are just trying to aggravate people :shakehead

Now you are just trying to aggravate people :shakehead
Nah not really, posted a bit too fast, its edited ;) and besides, I'm allowed to trash talk, been doing it since peewee leagues, why stop now?

So what are we supposed to do next time?

Invite the Swedes over for tea and cupcakes and wish them good luck, while Hedman goes and reports it to the Swedish media?...
Leaving them alone and focused on their own practice would have done the trick.
Where are you comming up with this stuff? Since when does Canada have a bad international repuation and for what reasons.
It's not like this is the first time ugly things have circled around the Canadian national teams. One example, the particulary crazy Canadian team in 1997, especially in the game against the Czech Republic. And on another occasion, ask Chris Pronger what he did on the bench, yelling things that can't be written, on a Swedish practice(!), with another Canadian. When the Swedish physician Hovelius asked them to leave, he just yelled "**** off!" In the game vs. Sweden in the same tournament, Keith Primeau tried to practically castrate Marcus Thuresson. Wayne Cashman was coaching. In 2004, Rob Niedermayer to tried to put Forsberg in a wheelchair with a horrible boarding in the gold medal game. This is just from quick memory.

I'm not the right person to answer this kind of question though, that's an answer open for someone involved in international hockey, who has experienced things themselves. As a Swedish hockey fan, you hear quite often, practically every international tournament, how there's turbulence because of something the Canadian team or someone or some representing the team has done, either on or off the ice, usually both. "Winning at any cost" is the motto.

And I don't know about other hockey federations, but at least the Swedish federation feels pushed around by the Canadians, just for the sake of it. "Can we apply for having 7 of the staff on the bench?" - No, you can't, was the answer from the Canadian representatives after some short whisper to eachother. "Why? Can we at least try to apply for it?" - No, out of the question. Not until Canada themselves thought about doing it. Then it could all of a sudden be applied.
... It's called trash talk, and it's meant to put an opponent off his game - nothing more. Strategy. Greats in every sport do it, and if you think Europeans don't engage in this sort of thing, you might want to read up on Tikkanen's "Tiki-talk" or watch Jarkko Ruutu play.

The Swedes made the Canadians eat their words. Good on them. But don't act as though it's an exclusively Canadian phenomenon.
I know what it's called. It doesn't make it prettier because it has a name. It's not an exclusive Canadian phenomenon, but there's a difference between doing the antics in a NA league where NA has set the rules for what's ok and in international competition, representing your country. And Canadian players can for some very odd reason do things internationally, that would get them both fined and suspended in NHL. You think Pronger would get away with coming to a Red Wings practice, insulting the Red Wings players from their bench and tell the Red Wings physician to **** off?

with all due respect we can call it 19 games but thats with three entirely different teams, i guess its more there goal celebrations are a little over the top considering these are pre medal games, i dont know some of these guys are acting a little to cool for me i guess.
Yeah, I really didn't like the goal celebrations. It's not like these guys won three years in a row, they have done squat yet. Give the opponents respect and others will respect you. I hated the Russians celebrations and I can't tolerate that we're copying them. No matter if Canada wins this year or not, I have lost a bit of my desire to cheer for the team.

It's not like this is the first time ugly things have circled around the Canadian national teams. One example, the crazy Canadian team in 1997, especially in the game against the Czech Republic. And on another occasion, ask Chris Pronger what he did on the bench, yelling things that can't be written, on a Swedish practice(!), with another Canadian. When the Swedish physician Hovelius asked them to leave, he just yelled "**** off!" In the game vs. Sweden in the same tournament, Keith Primeau tried to practically castrate Marcus Thuresson. Wayne Cashman was coaching.

I'm not the right person to answer this kind of question though, that's an answer open for someone involved in international hockey, who has experienced things themselves. As a Swedish hockey fan, you hear quite often, practically every international tournament, how there's turbulence because of something the Canadian team or someone or some representing the team has done, either on or off the ice, usually both. "Winning at any cost" is the motto.

And I don't know about other hockey federations, but at least the Swedish federation feels pushed around by the Canadians, just for the sake of it. "Can we apply for having 7 of the staff on the bench?" - No, you can't, was the answer from the Canadian representatives after some short whisper to eachother. "Why? Can we at least try to apply for it?" - No, out of the question. Not until Canada themselves thought about doing it. Then it could all of a sudden be applied.


OK, I don't recall or heard of these instances but i'll take your word for it... I guess. But the examples myself and Rusty Shakleford have provided with Mats Sundin throwing his broken stick into a crowd of fans and Alfredsson intentionally slapping a puck at S. Niedameyer and then going on to sucker punch Travis Moen shows Swedes can be unclassy too, you can make any country and their players look unclassy by throwing out random mishaps, it's not hard. I'm sure I can find more examples too but i'm not going to waste my time.

First off, I don't like the trash talk. I wish that those Canadian kids would have more class. But all this "in Sweden, we teach our children..." crap has got to stop. Sweden is well known for their arrogance as well - why do the Finns, Danes and Norwegians cheer for each other in any sport when they play Sweden. It's the same story so please stop.

First off, I don't like the trash talk. I wish that those Canadian kids would have more class. But all this "in Sweden, we teach our children..." crap has got to stop. Sweden is well known for their arrogance as well - why do the Finns, Danes and Norwegians cheer for each other in any sport when they play Sweden. It's the same story so please stop.
I remember the Forsberg father and son were arrogant ****** themselves yapping how they'll crush Canada at the juniors. Yeah sure. I don't always like what Canadians do on and off the ice, but please, the notion that Swedes are angels make me :biglaugh:.

OK, I don't recall or heard of these instances but i'll take your word for it... I guess. But the examples myself and Rusty Shakleford have provided with Mats Sundin throwing his broken stick into a crowd of fans and Alfredsson intentionally slapping a puck at S. Niedameyer and then going on to sucker punch Travis Moen shows Swedes can be unclassy too, you can make any country and their players look unclassy by throwing out random mishaps, it's not hard. I'm sure I can find more examples too but i'm not going to waste my time.
Of course it has never been reported. Why would Pronger for example tell such a thing to the Canadian press? And alright, I can somewhat buy the dirty stuff on the ice, at least the trash talk in international competition. But it's the stuff off the ice that I particulary don't buy. It's just unnecessary and shows lack of respect.

First off, I don't like the trash talk. I wish that those Canadian kids would have more class. But all this "in Sweden, we teach our children..." crap has got to stop. Sweden is well known for their arrogance as well - why do the Finns, Danes and Norwegians cheer for each other in any sport when they play Sweden. It's the same story so please stop.

If you'd studied some history then you MIGHT know why.

too cocky : not now -

put turris and tavares together and double shift em

If you'd studied some history then you MIGHT know why.

Point taken. I realize that there is a lot of history at play outside of the sporting realm. And I wasn't pointing fingers in that way.

But my main point remains the same; Swedish hockey players are arrogant on and off the ice as well. Sport is filled with cocky players from everywhere.

And thanks for the name-calling, you have strengthened my point.

you can make any country and their players look unclassy by throwing out random mishaps, it's not hard. I'm sure I can find more examples too but i'm not going to waste my time.

The trick is to search for quotations that turn Canadians into humans. As you say it is not hard to do the opposite.

I no longer hate the Canadians. One has to give place for their vermin style; they obviously like it, and they make every victory for someone else a victory for humanity.

To me the question is, where do you end hockey; like for example if I were Bush I would just nuke all off Canada to win, and if someone complained I would just say that, that is hockey. This might sound like madness to some, but at the moment this is exactly what the Canadians are doing, thinking they can define toughness. The thing is simply that many nations are far superior to Canada, but that they don't want to stoop to the level of the vermin. Russians for example, would easily win if they played like the orcs.

It's not like this is the first time ugly things have circled around the Canadian national teams. One example, the particulary crazy Canadian team in 1997, especially in the game against the Czech Republic.

Oh yes, the infamous CAN-CZE game at the 97 world's. That is the most glaring example of when team Canada has gone overboard. They usually play with an edge and that time it boiled over. That game was very dirty. You had 2-3 Canadians going after one Czech when a huge fight broke out amongst other things.

They won the gold that year but it was a bit contoversial. Canda's motto was basically "Let's kick some European butt". And they sure did.

But still, it's not team Canada's fault, that's how you win hockey games and frankly it's all that matters. Nobody asks how you do it as long as you win. I admire their win by any means neccessary style and I also love Canadian hockey and everything it stands for. They aren't there to apologize for being tough or playing on the edge of the rule book. They absolutely hate loosing, they can almost win games by shear force of will, they have great determination and they usually play their best when it matters the most.

Europeans have a lot to learn from North Americans, most notably mental toughness.

Canada sucks....That's what all the European fans want, right?

Ok, we suck.We have no sportsmanship and are just bunch of idiots......

We Suck!!! We get it.....

I still don't understand how another person has come up and said the emblem grabbing is cocky is or showing off.

Explain to me how it is anything more than being proud to have the Maple Leaf on the front of the jersey?

I don't see anyone calling out Sweden for celebrating their winning goal like they won the tournament/World Cup/Stanley Cup/World Championships all in one goal.

Typical nationalism, like your team/country too much and you get labelled cocky as if it's such a bad thing. If you aren't being cocky you pretty much don't care. And there's enough not caring about Canada by Canadians to fill a country, namely Canada.

Canada sucks....That's what all the European fans want, right?

Ok, we suck.We have no sportsmanship and are just bunch of idiots......

We Suck!!! We get it..... Enough already. Nobody say you suck. Everybody knows that canada is one dominant force in the game of hockey and especially at the J20 level. This has been rubbed in our faces on so many occasions. You guys have a mutch better schooling system for young hockeyplayers and a much tougher competition at younger years than most of the other countries and it is to your gain. Other countries tend to catch up at senior levels but not to the fullest extent IMO.

I for one admire the canadian style of hockey and I belive the rest of the people here does as well. The speed, the grit, the never say die attitude. Now the swedish commentator refering to the pre game trash talk and intimidation going on is one passionated character, and one huge fan of canadian hockey. Accually after one intermission his co-commentator asked him why he is watching Probert fights during the brake, -oh just getting into the mood with Big Bob!

But you know when those pre game intimidation things don't work out as planned people have something to gloat about. Cananda don't need to play those games anyway, they are quite capable of doing a full good job without such antics.

It's not that canadian players and leaders are cocky by nature. Canadians are probably one of the most humble and down-to-earth people in the world. That is at least my experience. Canada as a whole is not a great sports nation. They haven't got any superstars outside of the hockey world, or any cocky mediocre sports personalities for that matter either. But the hockey Canada is different. It's all about winning and they do just about anything to win. And I really respect that mentality. It's like when they ask the officials to measure opposing players equipment during crucial moments in important games, or when certain players gets special verbal, or physical treatments from certain players assigned to that task. That's very Canadian and we are still learning those tricks. Ulfle, Tikkanen and Ruutu learned


Remember Gretzky's whiney speech about how the world hates Canada? It had nothing to do about his view of the rest of the world. It was all about finding ways to rally his troops. We've heard this speech many times from other Canadian coaches during other international tournaments. They really know how to work the zebras. And they do it with a cocky "we invented this game mentality" which seems to be the most effective approach. It's not genuine arrogans; it's just a part of the Canadian hockey mentality. If anything, shame on the officals for falling for it.

Same thing with the foul-mouthed Canadian youngsters. They just worked the system.

It's not that canadian players and leaders are cocky by nature. Canadians are probably one of the most humble and down-to-earth people in the world. That is at least my experience. Canada as a whole is not a great sports nation. They haven't got any superstars outside of the hockey world

Steve Nash would like to have a word with you...

Who is Steve Nash?

Who is Steve Nash?
2 time NBA MVP. We suck at Bball but somehow one of our very few players in the NBA wins the MVP two years in a row, who woulda thunk it, haha.

Who is Steve Nash?

He is a basketball superstar.

Who is Steve Nash?

Famed basketweaver. Comes from a very long line of basketweavers.

It's not that canadian players and leaders are cocky by nature. Canadians are probably one of the most humble and down-to-earth people in the world. That is at least my experience. Canada as a whole is not a great sports nation. They haven't got any superstars outside of the hockey world, or any cocky mediocre sports personalities for that matter either. But the hockey Canada is different. It's all about winning and they do just about anything to win. And I really respect that mentality. It's like when they ask the officials to measure opposing players equipment during crucial moments in important games, or when certain players gets special verbal, or physical treatments from certain players assigned to that task. That's very Canadian and we are still learning those tricks. Ulfle, Tikkanen and Ruutu learned


Remember Gretzky's whiney speech about how the world hates Canada? It had nothing to do about his view of the rest of the world. It was all about finding ways to rally his troops. We've heard this speech many times from other Canadian coaches during other international tournaments. They really know how to work the zebras. And they do it with a cocky "we invented this game mentality" which seems to be the most effective approach. It's not genuine arrogans; it's just a part of the Canadian hockey mentality. If anything, shame on the officals for falling for it.

Same thing with the foul-mouthed Canadian youngsters. They just worked the system.

In the past few years Canadians have won MVP of the NHL, NBA, and MLB. They must only be good at hockey? Pick up a paper and read, it will save you from looking stupid.

Canada is unique in that it is the only country that takes this tournament really seriously. Other countries view it as a development exercise for young men. The NHL itself could not give two hoots about Canada's success at the tourney and if they did they would allow 19 year NHL players to go and play.
This year is totally unique, the Canadian team is pretty generic, the tourney is being played far away and no one is very excited about how well or poorly Canada is doing.The August tournament was totally boring beyond words hockey. This is the first world junior tournament where Canadians have actually tuned out interest. A few years back the WJC was almost bigger than the Stanley Cup

Canada is unique in that it is the only country that takes this tournament really seriously. Other countries view it as a development exercise for young men. The NHL itself could not give two hoots about Canada's success at the tourney and if they did they would allow 19 year NHL players to go and play.
This year is totally unique, the Canadian team is pretty generic, the tourney is being played far away and no one is very excited about how well or poorly Canada is doing.The August tournament was totally boring beyond words hockey. This is the first world junior tournament where Canadians have actually tuned out interest. A few years back the WJC was almost bigger than the Stanley Cup

I would disagree with that, but also a few years ago there was no stanley cup, remember the lockout? That kinda helped the WJHC a teeny tiny bit

Steve Nash would like to have a word with you...
As would Justin Morneau, Jason Bay and Erik Bedard.

LOL, I like how the canadian press and public responds to S.Avery of the NY.Rangers
They do not like it and scream to high heaven.Hypocrites...

Canada is unique in that it is the only country that takes this tournament really seriously. Other countries view it as a development exercise for young men. The NHL itself could not give two hoots about Canada's success at the tourney and if they did they would allow 19 year NHL players to go and play.
This year is totally unique, the Canadian team is pretty generic, the tourney is being played far away and no one is very excited about how well or poorly Canada is doing.The August tournament was totally boring beyond words hockey. This is the first world junior tournament where Canadians have actually tuned out interest. A few years back the WJC was almost bigger than the Stanley Cup

I don't think you'd find many Canadians that even consider the WJHC remotely close to the Stanley Cup. I myself don't think it is a real judge of talent for Canada because each year we have 5-6 players in the NHL that would be on the team. As you can see from the lockout year, no one is even remotely close to Canada when they send their best team to the WJHC.

honestly these allegations don't surprise me at all. Of the guys I've met that have played high level (WHL/OHL) hockey, a good portion of them were *******s. My room mate grew up in the same town and played hockey with Logan Pyett and according to him he's a nice guy, but I've heard from many other people rumors about NHL level prospects they knew who were jerks.
I think you basically have to possess that level of arrogance / nastyness to play high level sports, and thats in pretty much any sport. I know we hear all sorts of good news story about how great so and so is, or how player X put in his time for a local charity, but the truth of the matter is the NHL is bound to have a sizeable minority of ****** bags - just like the NFL or NBA does.

And yeah, I'm sure growing up in the hockey culture in small towns has spoiled some of these players - but then again I would be willing to bet that theres atleast a half dozen of them who will never stick in the NHL. This might be the "high point" of their lives, so I say let them have some fun playing hockey while they can :)

LOL, I like how the canadian press and public responds to S.Avery of the NY.Rangers
They do not like it and scream to high heaven.Hypocrites....

Ok, I said superstars on the world stage. Not on the NA stage.

Ok, I said superstars on the world stage. Not on the NA stage.

And what do you mean by this, elaborate please.

And what do you mean by this, elaborate please.

I think what he's trying to say is that Canadian athletes in general don't really have an international presence. As a Canadian, I can't say that I necessarily disagree with him. Aside from Steve Nash, are any of our athletes known worldwide? Can a casual sport fan in China, or Australia, or South Africa tell you one athlete that comes from Canada? You'd essentially have to be a superstar in soccer, tennis, F1, or a mega Olympic star to accomplish that. Most of our non-hockey superstars excel at MLB and the NBA, which are North American leagues. And even with that, we don't really have big numbers who excel at those sports (we have probably less than 10 players in the NBA, only Nash is a star. We have a few in the MLB, but the number of stars is quite small. We have Bay, Morneau, Gagne, Russell)

Most European countries have athletes that are known on the world stage, largely because they play in more global sports, like soccer, tennis or F1.

I think what he's trying to say is that Canadian athletes in general don't really have an international presence. As a Canadian, I can't say that I necessarily disagree with him. Aside from Steve Nash, are any of our athletes known worldwide? Can a casual sport fan in China, or Australia, or South Africa tell you one athlete that comes from Canada? You'd essentially have to be a superstar in soccer, tennis, F1, or a mega Olympic star to accomplish that. Most of our non-hockey superstars excel at MLB and the NBA, which are North American leagues.

Most European countries have athletes that are known on the world stage, largely because they play in more global sports, like soccer, tennis or F1.

Well, in that case, most of our famous international athletes are dead.

Ok, I said superstars on the world stage. Not on the NA stage.

Nevertheless we still proved your point wrong.

I think what he's trying to say is that Canadian athletes in general don't really have an international presence. As a Canadian, I can't say that I necessarily disagree with him. Aside from Steve Nash, are any of our athletes known worldwide? Can a casual sport fan in China, or Australia, or South Africa tell you one athlete that comes from Canada? You'd essentially have to be a superstar in soccer, tennis, F1, or a mega Olympic star to accomplish that. Most of our non-hockey superstars excel at MLB and the NBA, which are North American leagues. And even with that, we don't really have big numbers who excel at those sports (we have probably less than 10 players in the NBA, only Nash is a star. We have a few in the MLB, but the number of stars is quite small. We have Bay, Morneau, Gagne, Russell)

Most European countries have athletes that are known on the world stage, largely because they play in more global sports, like soccer, tennis or F1.

Then who does? No one except David Beckham.

In North American, Canada is dominating with Justin Morneau, Steve Nash etc..

Then who does? No one except David Beckham.

In North American, Canada is dominating with Justin Morneau, Steve Nash etc..

Most developed nations have sports stars that have presence internationally.

Athletes like Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Michael Schumacher, Andreiy Shevchenko, Maria Sharapova and Bjorn Berg... That's only the tip of the iceberg.

Most developed nations have sports stars that have presence internationally.

Athletes like Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Michael Schumacher, Andreiy Shevchenko, Maria Sharapova and Bjorn Berg... That's only the tip of the iceberg.

We did have that race car driver, is his son as famous as him? The name is on the tip of my tongue, I am sure you know who I am talking about.

We did have that race car driver, is his son as famous as him? The name is on the tip of my tongue, I am sure you know who I am talking about.

Gilles and Jacques Villeneuve

My point was not to bash Canada as a sports nation. In hindsight, I understand that some people might take offense at this. However, I wanted to emphasize the importance and stature of the game of hockey to the Canadian sense of self-worth.

Pete Nash might be a tremendous athlete but the world fame is just not there.

Peter Forsberg is a very famous hockey player but his unknown to the general world population.

I forgot Ben Johnson. He once was famous for his prowness as a sprinter. But that's another story.

Does Sweden have any famous athletes? Seriously, I can't name any.

I forgot Ben Johnson. He once was famous for his prowness as a sprinter. But that's another story.

Yeah, I didn't want to mention him, even though he was just doing what every other runner was doing.

Most developed nations have sports stars that have presence internationally.

Athletes like Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Michael Schumacher, Andreiy Shevchenko, Maria Sharapova and Bjorn Berg... That's only the tip of the iceberg.

Geographics
Demographics
Population

Steve Nash would like to have a word with you...

So would Justin Morneau... Major League Baseball MVP (06/07)..

so 2 mvp's in sports other than hockey is not good enough..:help:

EDIT: ok about 5 people beat me to it.. damn..

Does Sweden have any famous athletes? Seriously, I can't name any.

:eek:

Just off the top of my head: Bjorn Borg, Mats Wilander, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrik Larsson, Freddy Ljungberg, Stefan Edberg,
Annika Sorenstam
Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson

:eek:

Just off the top of my head: Bjorn Borg, Mats Wilander, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrik Larsson, Freddy Ljungberg, Stefan Edberg,
Annika Sorenstam
Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson

I must be dissociated from mainstream thought. I haven't heard of any of those people.

OT post, do you like the stone roses Zine?

So would Justin Morneau... Major League Baseball MVP (06/07)..

so 2 mvp's in sports other than hockey is not good enough..:help:

EDIT: ok about 5 people beat me to it.. damn..

HAHAHAHAH jeez, that's only two canadian athletes outside of hockey. relax killer!

HAHAHAHAH jeez, that's only two canadian athletes outside of hockey. relax killer!

Those are still two athletes HAHAHA lolz ""Killer""!!!

OT post, do you like the stone roses Zine?

Yeah, they're alright;)

Those are still two athletes HAHAHA lolz ""Killer""!!!

Hey KILLER! (you are now killer) :D

Hey KILLER! (you are now killer) :D

Don't make this about him... nothing you say will ever take away the fact that you said "relax killer!" to someone on an internet forum..

Don't make this about him... nothing you say will ever take away the fact that you said "relax killer!" to someone on an internet forum..

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:
:p: :p: :p: :p: :p: :p:

Yes. Canada is cocky.

Thank Goodness the benevolent Swedes put them in their place.

Yes what would the world do without the Super Hero Swedes.

Go watch Tennis or something.

I think he was being sarcastic.

This is rather silly...

Then who does? No one except David Beckham.

In North American, Canada is dominating with Justin Morneau, Steve Nash etc..Dominating what?

I must be dissociated from mainstream thought. I haven't heard of any of those people.

Carolina Kluft

Does Sweden have any famous athletes? Seriously, I can't name any.

How about Peter Forsberg, Nicklas Lidström, Mats Sundin, Daniel Afredsson, Henrik Lundqvist & Henrik Zetterberg

Ever heard of them?

Patrick Sjöberg, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Björn Borg, Ingemar Stenmark, Ingemar Johansson, Mikael & Fredrik Ljungberg, Anja Persson, Jan-Ove Waldner, Stefan Edberg, Annika Sörenstam, Magnus Samuelsson, Susanna Kallur, Gunnar Green, Tomas Nordahl, Nisse Liedholm, Christian Olsson, Therese Alshammar, Börje Salming, Kenny Bräck, Carolina Klúft...


All are or were stars/superstars in their respective genré.

I guess you aren´t very educated.

So,

Canada doesn't have any superstars in sports that Sweden finds important, shocker.

Why wouldn't we solely excel in North American sport, turns out we're in North America.

Also, Mike Weir (Masters winner), Owen Hargreaves (England Player of the Year), Daniel Nestor (10 Grand Slam titles), and Jacques Villeneuve (F1 Champion) are all important in world sport. Although admittedly, Hargreaves is a defector and plays for England.

Oh, and my favourite of all, one of Squash's all-time greats, Jonathon Power.

How about Peter Forsberg, Nicklas Lidström, Mats Sundin, Daniel Afredsson, Henrik Lundqvist & Henrik Zetterberg

Ever heard of them?

Patrick Sjöberg, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Björn Borg, Ingemar Stenmark, Ingemar Johansson, Mikael & Fredrik Ljungberg, Anja Persson, Jan-Ove Waldner, Stefan Edberg, Annika Sörenstam, Magnus Samuelsson, Susanna Kallur, Gunnar Green, Tomas Nordahl, Nisse Liedholm, Christian Olsson, Therese Alshammar, Börje Salming, Kenny Bräck, Carolina Klúft...


All are or were stars/superstars in their respective genré.

I guess you aren´t very educated.

Honestly, education has nothing to do with it. I'm familiar with only half the names on that list. There is a severe disconnect between the sports culture of Sweden versus Canada.

Honestly, education has nothing to do with it. I'm familiar with only half the names on that list. There is a severe disconnect between the sports culture of Sweden versus Canada.

I´d probably recognize most canadian superstars when it came to sports.

And that´s not even the point. That fella couldn´t name a single famous athlete from Sweden, that claim is either uneducated or arrogant, take your pick.

For such a small nation, Sweden produces perhaps the most elite athletes in the entire world.

Per capita that is.

Bold the names you know, and I´ll tell you who the rest are:)

I´d probably recognize most canadian superstars when it came to sports.

And that´s not even the point. That fella couldn´t name a single famous athlete from Sweden, that claim is either uneducated or arrogant, take your pick.

For such a small nation, Sweden produces perhaps the most elite athletes in the entire world.

Per capita that is.

Bold the names you know, and I´ll tell you who the rest are:)

We don't truly care about our Olympic athletes, that's the thing. I already googled the people I didn't know and in most cases they were Olympic swimmers / track and field competitors.

Canada had 36 medals in the last 2 Olympic games, and I can assure you the accomplishments of Steve Nash in basketball, Justin Morneau/Russell Martin/Jason Bay in baseball or basically any Canadian hockey player trump these accomplishments.

It's definitely ignorant to write off the accomplishments of Sweden when it comes to sports, and they definitely crank out athletes given that the country has 1/3 the population of Canada.




Patrick Sjöberg, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Björn Borg, Ingemar Stenmark, Ingemar Johansson, Mikael & Fredrik Ljungberg, Anja Persson, Jan-Ove Waldner, Stefan Edberg, Annika Sörenstam, Magnus Samuelsson, Susanna Kallur, Gunnar Green, Tomas Nordahl, Nisse Liedholm, Christian Olsson, Therese Alshammar, Börje Salming, Kenny Bräck, Carolina Klúft...

I probably know more than most non-soccer fans, and I only know Magnus Samuelsson due to our love of late-night runs of old Strongman competitions in Canada.

I´d probably recognize most canadian superstars when it came to sports.

And that´s not even the point. That fella couldn´t name a single famous athlete from Sweden, that claim is either uneducated or arrogant, take your pick.

For such a small nation, Sweden produces perhaps the most elite athletes in the entire world.

Per capita that is.

Bold the names you know, and I´ll tell you who the rest are:)

For crying out loud buddy. Read the whole conversation, not just the bits and pieces that fit your purpose. We were talking athletes *beyond* hockey. The original premise from one poster was that Canada had very few athletes on the world stage outside hockey. Some responded that Sweden didn't have many either. Then you went and listed a bunch of Swedish hockey players. Well done :thumbu:.

Patrick Sjöberg, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Björn Borg, Ingemar Stenmark, Ingemar Johansson, Mikael & Fredrik Ljungberg, Anja Persson, Jan-Ove Waldner, Stefan Edberg, Annika Sörenstam, Magnus Samuelsson, Susanna Kallur, Gunnar Green, Tomas Nordahl, Nisse Liedholm, Christian Olsson, Therese Alshammar, Börje Salming, Kenny Bräck, Carolina Klúft...
I don't know why this started, but... don't forget Gunde Svan (skiing), Thomas Wassberg (skiing), Tony Rickardsson (speedway), Magnus Wislander, Staffan Olsson, Tomas Svensson & Mats Olsson (handball), Tomas Brolin (football), Glenn Hysén (football), Jan Boklöv (ski jump), Pernilla Wiberg (slalom), Hanna Ljungberg (football), the bandy & floorball teams and Kajsa Bergqvist & Stefan Holm (high jump), etc.

I'm not sure anymore what the point of this thread is ;) but Susanna Kallur is the daughter of former Islander and fourtime Stanley Cup winner Anders Kallur (the first Euro to win the Cup). :handclap:

I know what it's called. It doesn't make it prettier because it has a name. It's not an exclusive Canadian phenomenon, but there's a difference between doing the antics in a NA league where NA has set the rules for what's ok and in international competition, representing your country. And Canadian players can for some very odd reason do things internationally, that would get them both fined and suspended in NHL. You think Pronger would get away with coming to a Red Wings practice, insulting the Red Wings players from their bench and tell the Red Wings physician to **** off?

You don't like trash-talking - that's fine. I'm not a big fan of it myself. But the best remedy for it is to win, which Sweden did, not pretend that every other country is pure as the driven snow because they didn't break an imaginary international rule.

I must be dissociated from mainstream thought. I haven't heard of any of those people.

That's pretty normal. Alot of hockey fans are very Northern American centric.

Unless you follow soccer and olympic sports closely, you'll rarely branch out of North American leagues.

For crying out loud buddy. Read the whole conversation, not just the bits and pieces that fit your purpose. We were talking athletes *beyond* hockey. The original premise from one poster was that Canada had very few athletes on the world stage outside hockey. Some responded that Sweden didn't have many either. Then you went and listed a bunch of Swedish hockey players. Well done :thumbu:.


Did I only list hockeyplayers?


Really?

Could´ve sworn there were like 20 names of people outside hockey.

Well, it seems we are the underdogs again, we don't really need this thread anymore.

Canadians should be cocky. We are basically playing our "B" team against the best the rest of the world (with the exclusion of maybe Kane for USA) has to offer.

There wouldn't even need to be a tourney if Canada was able to use its 19 year old NHLers.

Canadians should be cocky. We are basically playing our "B" team against the best the rest of the world (with the exclusion of maybe Kane for USA) has to offer.

There wouldn't even need to be a tourney if Canada was able to use its 19 year old NHLers.Does this make you feel better about getting beat?

Canadians should be cocky. We are basically playing our "B" team against the best the rest of the world (with the exclusion of maybe Kane for USA) has to offer.

There wouldn't even need to be a tourney if Canada was able to use its 19 year old NHLers.

Canada's NHLers would make a huge difference, but this is far from a Canadian "B" team. In fact, only 6 true "B" players are on the roster (those who took the NHLers roster spots); everyone else is an "A" player.......16 to be exact.

"CANADA SUCKS AT HOCKEY!!!"
we now suck because our 20 game winning streak was snapped
happy everyone?

Canada's NHLers would make a huge difference, but this is far from a Canadian "B" team. In fact, only 6 true "B" players are on the roster (those who took the NHLers roster spots); everyone else is an "A" player.......16 to be exact.


A "B" team is not the best team a country can ice. Which is exactly what this Canadian team is.

Does this make you feel better about getting beat?


Probably makes me feel as good as Swedes feel about beating a "B" team.

This tourney is rather pointless.

Probably makes me feel as good as Swedes feel about beating a "B" team.

This tourney is rather pointless.

This tourney is not pointless. this tournament often showcases the most entertaining hockey every year.

A "B" team is not the best team a country can ice. Which is exactly what this Canadian team is.

If this is how you define "B" team, than almost every country is playing with their "B" team.:shakehead

Canada
USA
Czechs
Russians

Canadians should be cocky. We are basically playing our "B" team against the best the rest of the world (with the exclusion of maybe Kane for USA) has to offer.

There wouldn't even need to be a tourney if Canada was able to use its 19 year old NHLers.

agreed. both the states and canadas teams look weak, but better than they look. with sweden clinching a bye, canada has the right to be cocky.

Losing players to the NHL isn't usually a problem for Canada because of it's depth, but 88 birth date was one of the weaker Canadian crop in a while, so taking top guys away to the NHL has left this team with very few 88's to lead this team. As a result you got a young team out there, with young kids in key positions, where there should be depth in the 88's to take pressure off some of the young kids. Next year should be good, the depth in the 89's/90's is good enough to withstand 4 or 5 89's playin in the NHL and still be the odds on favorite to win the gold. Canada has the talent to win this year, it's just too young and unpredictable to figure out where this team will finish, could win the gold or could get knocked out in the QF.

K look. In Canada hockeys all we've really got over the world. We are the best. And we're proud of it.

Steve Nash would like to have a word with you...
Salming is right, as a whole, Canada is not a very strong sport nation. Once in a blue moon, we have a big star in sports other than hockey. However, we've been doing pretty well at the winter Olympics lately and nobody have noticed it. I think the Dutch speed skating fans should recognize some of our skaters.

LOL, I like how the canadian press and public responds to S.Avery of the NY.Rangers
They do not like it and scream to high heaven.Hypocrites...
I don't get it, we criticize Avery a lot and he's Canadian. What's your point exactly?

...

Did I say we were a strong sporting nation?

:eek:

Just off the top of my head: Bjorn Borg, Mats Wilander, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrik Larsson, Freddy Ljungberg, Stefan Edberg,
Annika Sorenstam
Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson
When I was interested in tennis way back, Stefan Edberg was my favourite player. I would cheer for him as I cheer the Canadian hockey team. I've heard of Bjorn Borg, a little bit of Mats Wilander and Annika Sorenstam even though I could care less about women's golf. The only reason I know Sven-Goran Eriksson is because he coaches the English soccer team and I always cheer for the team at the World Cups. Other than those Swedes I know no others. So most of your famous athletes play tennis, we Canadians are just not too much into tennis.

Did I say we were a strong sporting nation?
Why mention Steve Nash then? Was there a point to it? I don't think Salming said that we had a big fat zero star in non-hockey sports.

How about Peter Forsberg, Nicklas Lidström, Mats Sundin, Daniel Afredsson, Henrik Lundqvist & Henrik Zetterberg

Ever heard of them?

Patrick Sjöberg, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Björn Borg, Ingemar Stenmark, Ingemar Johansson, Mikael & Fredrik Ljungberg, Anja Persson, Jan-Ove Waldner, Stefan Edberg, Annika Sörenstam, Magnus Samuelsson, Susanna Kallur, Gunnar Green, Tomas Nordahl, Nisse Liedholm, Christian Olsson, Therese Alshammar, Börje Salming, Kenny Bräck, Carolina Klúft...


All are or were stars/superstars in their respective genré.

I guess you aren´t very educated.

I'm only in my second year of a Medical Degree. I guess I should be offended by a 15 year old kid with the ability to name obscure people. :sarcasm:

I'm only in my second year of a Medical Degree. I guess I should be offended by a 15 year old kid with the ability to name obscure people. :sarcasm:

Good thing you're in Med School because world sports knowledge doesn't seem to be your forté.;)

I don't think Salming said that we had a big fat zero star in non-hockey sports.

They haven't got any superstars outside of the hockey world, or any cocky mediocre sports personalities for that matter either.

I have to have at least 5 letters of non-quoted ness

Good thing you're in Med School because world sports knowledge doesn't seem to be your forté.;)

I should have gotten a BSc in Swedish Athletes That Only Swedes Know About ;)

i don't think it's cockyness, it's just overconfidence, and i think winning just came as a natural occurance for this year's WJC team, and they just stopped skating, and to do that against sweden in hockey isn't a very smart move, they just eased off and put their game on cruise control vs. slovakia, and then against sweden and paid for it, better it happen now than in the semi-finals, i think it was a huge wake up call, but hockey is canada, and the majority of the population take great pride in that, but when you win so many games in a row, they just eased up and got too comfortable.

Canadians should be cocky. We are basically playing our "B" team against the best the rest of the world (with the exclusion of maybe Kane for USA) has to offer.

There wouldn't even need to be a tourney if Canada was able to use its 19 year old NHLers.


thats no excuse, i really hate hearing that used as an excuse, canada is the top producing country for hockey in the world, we always have been and likely always will be, the fact th at these guys are exceling in the nhl is proof that these guys are too good for the tournament, i was suprised when tlusty wasn't released for the tournament, but then again that would give the czech team an excuse why they didn't win, and if USA gets upset Kane would be the excuse there, these guys may be under 20 but they are too good for this tournament.

How about Peter Forsberg, Nicklas Lidström, Mats Sundin, Daniel Afredsson, Henrik Lundqvist & Henrik Zetterberg

Ever heard of them?

Patrick Sjöberg, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Björn Borg, Ingemar Stenmark, Ingemar Johansson, Mikael & Fredrik Ljungberg, Anja Persson, Jan-Ove Waldner, Stefan Edberg, Annika Sörenstam, Magnus Samuelsson, Susanna Kallur, Gunnar Green, Tomas Nordahl, Nisse Liedholm, Christian Olsson, Therese Alshammar, Börje Salming, Kenny Bräck, Carolina Klúft...


All are or were stars/superstars in their respective genré.

I guess you aren´t very educated.
I don't even know why you even bothered with hockey players. Clearly, hockey stars are not something Canada is missing.

You may know lots of Swedish athletes and think they're very well known around the world, but the reality is that many of the names you listed are unknown to the rest of the of us except maybe the football players. When you start to include the World's Strongest Man, that's stretching it. Some I couldn't even find in Wikipedia. I thought that we're talking about big stars here, if it's just moderately known athletes, well we have them too.

I know you were only replying to that person who couldn't name one Swedish star, but still you have to stay on topic of the conversation at hand. If you're so educated, please list me famous Canadian athletes. I'm curious to see what you know about our athletes.

Canadians should be cocky. We are basically playing our "B" team against the best the rest of the world (with the exclusion of maybe Kane for USA) has to offer.

There wouldn't even need to be a tourney if Canada was able to use its 19 year old NHLers.
The team "B" concept is the most retarded and the lamest excuse a Canadian can come up with. I'm embarrassed every time we go into this topic.

I have to have at least 5 letters of non-quoted ness
You got me there. Sometime, I overestimate Swedish knowledge.

Canadians should be cocky. We are basically playing our "B" team against the best the rest of the world (with the exclusion of maybe Kane for USA) has to offer.

There wouldn't even need to be a tourney if Canada was able to use its 19 year old NHLers.

PLEASE STOP USING THAT EXCUSE!!!! it's getting really old.
And you forgot about E. Johnson and Mueller...not to mention there were PLENTY of players in the USA that should've made the team IMO. so quit using that as an excuse every time your team loses. thanks :nono:

PLEASE STOP USING THAT EXCUSE!!!! it's getting really old.
And you forgot about E. Johnson and Mueller...not to mention there were PLENTY of players in the USA that should've made the team IMO. so quit using that as an excuse every time your team loses. thanks :nono:
I know it's a dumb excuse by Canadian fans and I don't agree with it, but they got a point Canada would easily be in a tournament of there own if they got there guys back, ahead of the USA, Sweden, Russia, Czechs, everyone.

And it's not like we've been forcing this into your heads, we've only lost once.

Anyways, we'll see you in the semi's..

Sweden is well known for their arrogance as well - why do the Finns, Danes and Norwegians cheer for each other in any sport when they play Sweden.
Corrections:

First of all, Finns couldn't care a rat's ass about Danes or Norwegians either (they're the same as Swedes really, just a different shade of gay). The main rule is cheering for any team that plays against Sweden, yes, even if it were Russia (wars, anyone?) or USA (come on, everybody hates the Yanks).

Second, it's not the cockiness. It's all about hockey rivalry, tribal war and neighbourly "love". If, say, South Africa would be right next to Finland and beat us every time by some fluke, we would hate them all the same, cocky or not. Cockiness just adds some fuel to the fire, and boy, do the Swedes ever know how to do that.

Corrections:

First of all, Finns couldn't care a rat's ass about Danes or Norwegians either (they're the same as Swedes really, just a different shade of gay). The main rule is cheering for any team that plays against Sweden, yes, even if it were Russia (wars, anyone?) or USA (come on, everybody hates the Yanks).

Second, it's not the cockiness. It's all about hockey rivalry, tribal war and neighbourly "love". If, say, South Africa would be right next to Finland and beat us every time by some fluke, we would hate them all the same, cocky or not. Cockiness just adds some fuel to the fire, and boy, do the Swedes ever know how to do that.

Agreed.

The "hate" between Finland and Sweden only exists cause we are neighbours that face eachother in sports very often. And more often than not, we hand the Finns their *****;)

But if Canada were to face the Finns in the WJC, I´d cheer for the Finns.

Losing players to the NHL isn't usually a problem for Canada because of it's depth, but 88 birth date was one of the weaker Canadian crop in a while, so taking top guys away to the NHL has left this team with very few 88's to lead this team. As a result you got a young team out there, with young kids in key positions, where there should be depth in the 88's to take pressure off some of the young kids. Next year should be good, the depth in the 89's/90's is good enough to withstand 4 or 5 89's playin in the NHL and still be the odds on favorite to win the gold. Canada has the talent to win this year, it's just too young and unpredictable to figure out where this team will finish, could win the gold or could get knocked out in the QF.

Ok now I'm going to chime in. The 88 birth year was just fine. The problem is that the Ontario 88's were weak, thus the perception by many on this board that the 88's are a weak group. The players out west were the best in the world. Staal was the only Ontario 88 that had any real skill and most of that was developed playing against western competition.

Hartsburg went with a bunch of plumbers from Ontario (88's) and it is biting him in the butt. The skill and talent of the younger kids just isn't enough to overcome their lack of strength relative to some of the best 19 year olds in the world.

As for the Swede that listed a bunch of athletes that few on this side of the pond have ever heard of, you simply answered the question for us Canadians (and Americans).

And I'm sure if we asked an Aussie if he knew who these athletes were he'd also indicate that he doesn't have a clue. So, I'm guessing its not just us.

The team "B" concept is the most retarded and the lamest excuse a Canadian can come up with. I'm embarrassed every time we go into this topic.


Whether you are embarrassed or not, it is the truth. Canada does not have its best under-20 players playing in the tourney. When you do not field your best team, then automatically, you are fielding your "B" team.

Excuse or not, it just goes to show how dominating and deep Canadian hockey talent is.

PLEASE STOP USING THAT EXCUSE!!!! it's getting really old.
And you forgot about E. Johnson and Mueller...not to mention there were PLENTY of players in the USA that should've made the team IMO. so quit using that as an excuse every time your team loses. thanks :nono:


Yeah, I forgot about Johnson and Mueller.

I'm not using anything as an excuse of why we lost. Just stating facts. Don't like it? Too bad. Facts are facts.

If this is how you define "B" team, than almost every country is playing with their "B" team.:shakehead

Canada
USA
Czechs
Russians


Really?

What under 20 NHLers could the Czechs have had on their team? What under 20 NHLers could the Russians have had on their team?

Yeah, I forgot about Johnson and Mueller.

I'm not using anything as an excuse of why we lost. Just stating facts. Don't like it? Too bad. Facts are facts.

Yes, I agree, however, i'm just stating the facts that the americans still have players they can't use as well. facts are facts. And 2 of them (Johnson & Kane) were arguably the two best players in the tourney last year.

I unintentionally started this. I actually had the intention of defending the Canadian way. Canadians love their hockey and you gotta love them for it.

But this is so typical of internet interaction.

Statement: I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I sometimes rather drink Belgian beer instead of canadian beer. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada. I love Canada.

Reaction: So what's wrong with canadian beer!

Really?

What under 20 NHLers could the Czechs have had on their team? What under 20 NHLers could the Russians have had on their team?

The Czechs are missing several guys who would make their team a lot better, Jiri Tlusty being one of them (someone else probably knows the others).

Yes, Canada has the deepest pool of hockey talent. Every knowledgeable hockey fan realizes that. But there's no justification for cockiness. The results of this tournament, and others, prove that to all but the most stubborn. (The Canadian poster (http://hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=11840501&postcount=159) who "forgot" about Peter Mueller and Eric Johnson missing from the USA team unintentionally reveals a lot.)

The talent gap between Canada and USA, Russia, Sweden, Czech, and Finland, at the elite level, is tiny. Every year there at least 2 or 3 countries that seriously challenge for the title. On many occasions I felt it was the sheer determination of the Canadian team that provided victory, not superior talent.

Canada is revered by most hockey fans around the world as the birthplace and preeminent power of the sport. That's something to be proud of, not cocky about.

Yes, Canada has the deepest pool of hockey talent. Every knowledgeable hockey fan realizes that. But there's no justification for cockiness. The results of this tournament, and others, prove that to all but the most stubborn. (The Canadian poster (http://hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=11840501&postcount=159) who "forgot" about Peter Mueller and Eric Johnson missing from the USA team unintentionally reveals a lot.)

The talent gap between Canada and USA, Russia, Sweden, Czech, and Finland, at the elite level, is tiny. Every year there at least 2 or 3 countries that seriously challenge for the title. On many occasions I felt it was the sheer determination of the Canadian team that provided victory, not superior talent.

Canada is revered by most hockey fans around the world as the birthplace and preeminent power of the sport. That's something to be proud of, not cocky about.

very well put. i agree 100%:handclap:

I actually think this thread is showing it's fans from other places that have the cocky problem. First loss in 20 games in a come from behind win for the first canuck loss in ages and everyone is here to gloat and has pretty much written Canada off yet with a win against Finland they are in the semis and anything can happen from there.

And Canada has the cocky problem?

Interesting to say the least.


What do you think? anyone doubt the hate will ramp up to unprecedented levels should Canada manage to yet take this thing?

Then the angle will be............."Canada are gloaters"



but given this silliness and at what stage of the tournament it's begun from these fans you could hardly blame us if we engaged in a fair amount of it.

Should Canada lose though all these same fans and more will be here to really rub it in. And you can be sure plenty of TC fans will remember this and when Canada wins it again some other year (which these fans of other teams forget is inevitable).................we'll really give it to them( once again justifiably so) Then we'll be called gloaters and cocky again also. It all feeds on itself

We'll always be in a no win situation as long as we win a lot, winners in any sport always are.

it isn't that Canada is overly cocky, it's just natural for fans of other teams to hate the team that wins a lot. That's hardly surprising and that's all that is going on here.

Nature of the beast, but it's a scenario i would rather then dropping to the lower success levels of the other teams.

Yes, Canada has the deepest pool of hockey talent. Every knowledgeable hockey fan realizes that. But there's no justification for cockiness. The results of this tournament, and others, prove that to all but the most stubborn. (The Canadian poster (http://hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=11840501&postcount=159) who "forgot" about Peter Mueller and Eric Johnson missing from the USA team unintentionally reveals a lot.)

The talent gap between Canada and USA, Russia, Sweden, Czech, and Finland, at the elite level, is tiny. Every year there at least 2 or 3 countries that seriously challenge for the title. On many occasions I felt it was the sheer determination of the Canadian team that provided victory, not superior talent.

Canada is revered by most hockey fans around the world as the birthplace and preeminent power of the sport. That's something to be proud of, not cocky about.

-debatable about a 'tiny' talent gap. what isn't debatable is Canada's sheer depth of talent, unmatched in the world - at every position. Canada could easily field 2 excellent teams for the Olympics, no other country can say that...

I actually think this thread is showing it's fans from other places that have the cocky problem. First loss in 20 games in a come from behind win for the first canuck loss in ages and everyone is here to gloat and has pretty much written Canada off yet with a win against Finland they are in the semis and anything can happen from there.

And Canada has the cocky problem?

Interesting to say the least.


What do you think? anyone doubt the hate will ramp up to unprecedented levels should Canada manage to yet take this thing?

Then the angle will be............."Canada are gloaters"

but given this silliness and at what stage of the tournament it's begun from these fans you could hardly blame us if we engaged in a fair amount of it.

But we'll take all the heat again. We'll always be in a no win situation as long as we win a lot.

Nature of the beast, but it's a scenario i would rather then dropping to the lower success levels of the other teams.

this is true Canada is always in a damned if we win damned if we don't scenario. that being said, the run this team was on was remarkable. unbeaten in 4 years, 3 straight golds, no ES goals allowed in 6 games, 8 periods of Shut outs AND this year, this is Canada's youngest team in 25 years - with only two returning players.

this is true Canada is always in a damned if we win damned if we don't scenario. that being said, the run this team was on was remarkable. unbeaten in 4 years, 3 straight golds, no ES goals allowed in 6 games, 8 periods of Shut outs AND this year, this is Canada's youngest team in 25 years - with only two returning players.

Absolutely. That's all what it's about and nothing else.

I garuntee you that if Canada suddenly started putting up say, Norway results at this thing no-one would say a bad word about us,we'd really become a darling and everyone would talk about what a good showing we put up and what class etc,etc,etc.

But as long as we win a lot, the **** will fly.

As i've said before, it's actually a great thing when you see fans from the other teams here really have the hate on for us because it has nothing to do with us being or acting any worse then anyone else.........................it just means we have been kicking ass way more them them.

and that never goes down well with Passionate fans of the other units,just as it would'nt go down well with our fans if the shoe were on somebody elses foot.

end of story.

When you do not field your best team, then automatically, you are fielding your "B" team.

Excuse or not, it just goes to show how dominating and deep Canadian hockey talent is.

Actually a "B" team is a whole second team,not just your "A" team missing a few players. Canada does have the best depth in the world, to the point that it would actually be interesting to see a Canadian "A" and "B" team entered into a tournament. If every team had access to all their under-20 players, how do you think a Canadian "B" team would fair? I don't think they would medal, but a top 5 finish wouldn't be out of the question.

LOL, I like how the canadian press and public responds to S.Avery of the NY.Rangers
They do not like it and scream to high heaven.Hypocrites...

Well, to be fair, if we're going to bring Avery into this, we could spin this another way and say it's quite interesting that a Swedish hockey fan who is also a RANGERS FAN was the one to bring up the allegations of Canadian trash talking and complain about it.

I've never seen a Rangers fan fail to defend Sean Avery for almost everything he says and does on the ice. Why? Because he helps the team win. And if Canada wins the tournament, then I'd be curious as to why a Sweden fan, who defends Avery for the sake of winning when he has his Rangers hat on, would take the opposite stance here.

That said, these allegations haven't hit Canadian media yet, and if it did, I think we'd hear a lot of people speaking out against it. I personally don't like the idea at this level and hope that Hartsburg would put the kibosh on that ASAP.

Also, I've heard a lot of people saying that they're glad Sweden "put Canada in its place". Perhaps a bit early for that, because if Canada still wins this tournament, I don't know that anyone will care/remember that they lost to Sweden, except maybe the Swedes. Certainly this served as a wake-up call for the Team Canada players though and it was a well-deserved victory for Sweden.

Also, I've heard a lot of people saying that they're glad Sweden "put Canada in its place". Perhaps a bit early for that, because if Canada still wins this tournament, I don't know that anyone will care/remember that they lost to Sweden, except maybe the Swedes. Certainly this served as a wake-up call for the Team Canada players though and it was a well-deserved victory for Sweden.[/QUOTE]

What they really mean when they say they are glad Sweden has "put Canada in it's place" is not that they are glad Sweden has stopped Canada and it's fans from mouthing off but that they are glad someone, anyone...........................has finally been able to beat us.

because when a team has won the gold the last 3 times in a row without dropping a game, that eats the hell out of fans of the other team of course.

Saying it's about cockiness is just a smoke screen.It's not about cockiness of course......................it's the winning.

And they don't care who ends that as long as it ends.

The human nature of sports fans who have spent far too long on the losing end of one particular team.

I don't particularily like the way a few guys grabbed their shirt by the Canada logo after their goals but there have been worse and there will probably be worse again some time.

I might just be one of those boring old farts that thinks hockey could really live without the football type of end zone productions that really serve no purpose in the sense of sportsmanship.

What they really mean when they say they are glad Sweden has "put Canada in it's place" is not that they are glad Sweden has stopped Canada and it's fans from mouthing off but that they are glad someone, anyone...........................has finally been able to beat us.

because when a team has won the gold the last 3 times in a row without dropping a game, that eats the hell out of fans of the other team of course.

Saying it's about cockiness is just a smoke screen.It's not about cockiness of course......................it's the winning.

And they don't care who ends that as long as it ends.

The human nature of sports fans who have spent far too long on the losing end of one particular team.

It’s actually a little bit of both.

You’re correct that people are glad Canada has finally been beaten; however, you’re wrong to say people’s issue with Canada’s cockiness is just a smoke screen. Like it or not, success breeds cockiness…..especially when we’re dealing with 17-19 year old kids and immature hockey fans on internet sites. Canadians are no different than anybody else in this regard.

It was the same scenario with you guys and the Russians 5-10 years back. After being eliminated year after year by the Russians, I’m positive for many Canadians "putting the Russians in their place” meant putting an end to Russia's perceived cocky antics just as much as it was finally being able to beat them.

What you're doing cyclops, despite your junior team's success, is resorting to the "poor us, everybody hates us" routine which is actually a veiled attempt to pat yourself on the back even more.:teach:

-debatable about a 'tiny' talent gap. what isn't debatable is Canada's sheer depth of talent, unmatched in the world - at every position. Canada could easily field 2 excellent teams for the Olympics, no other country can say that...

Again, I agree about Canadian superiority of depth. Not even worth discussing.

2 Canadian olympic teams? Now that's interesting. Here's my speculation.

An elite "A" team, and a "B" team of the next best players ... The Canadian "B" team probably beats the likes of Germany, Switzerland, Latvia, but is an unlikely medalist. Close to zero chance of "A" wins gold, "B" wins silver.

2 Canadian teams comprised of equal talent ... Good chance neither team earns a medal.

Guys, you flatter yourselves thinking Canada is that much better at the elite level than the other leading hockey nations. Canada didn't medal in 2 of the last 3 Olympics. Get it? (Yes, Gretzky's player selection in 2006 was abyssmal, but that's a different discussion.)

If you believe otherwise, you're cocky, and deserve to be called on it.

I'm Canadian by the way, but I discarded my maple leaf tinted glasses a long time ago. Improves one's vision remarkably. Give it a try.

Yeah I think that Canadian team is too cocky. After they destroyed russia in the super series, they started blabbin' about whether they were as good as the 05' Canadian team. Just shut up and win the ****** gold.

After they destroyed russia in the super series, they started blabbin' about whether they were as good as the 05' Canadian team.

Um, source?

It’s actually a little bit of both.

You’re correct that people are glad Canada has finally been beaten; however, you’re wrong to say people’s issue with Canada’s cockiness is just a smoke screen. Like it or not, success breeds cockiness…..especially when we’re dealing with 17-19 year old kids and immature hockey fans on internet sites. Canadians are no different than anybody else in this regard.

It was the same scenario with you guys and the Russians 5-10 years back. After being eliminated year after year by the Russians, I’m positive for many Canadians "putting the Russians in their place” meant putting an end to Russia's perceived cocky antics just as much as it was finally being able to beat them.

What you're doing cyclops, despite your junior team's success, is resorting to the "poor us, everybody hates us" routine which is actually a veiled attempt to pat yourself on the back even more.:teach:


I don't think it's poor me,we've won 3 WJC golds in a row............i can hardly feel poor about anything.

They don't like us because we're winning this thing a lot,human nature.

But we rarely if ever agree so i'll leave it at that. It's not like anything i'm going to say is going to have you come on here and say that jealousy is the end root of what is going on here so i won't bother.

We're currently down 1-0 to Finland in a must win game, supposed cockiness is not my top concern at the moment.

Winning is.