Japan needs to be brought into the NHL

I know that I'm not the only person that wants to see some serious development of the sport of hockey in Asia.

As I have familiarized myself with Japanese culture, I think that it is safe to say that the sport of Ice Hockey better suits the Japanese culture than the sport of baseball or football, and I believe that with further exposure and marketing of the sport in Asia, a vast and zealous fan following could be developed.

Also, having prominently worn my Red Wings jersey around town (81, yaaaay Hossa!) I have run into many people who immediately recognized the symbol, some even admitting to a love of the sport.

What sport better suits a culture whose iconic elite class once wore elaborate leather armor, prided itself on its systemic code of honor, and carried curved blades?

Tangent aside, I think that neither the KHL nor the NHL can afford to overlook the chance of expansion into Asia!

The NHL can't expand into Japan because it's just not workable, but the NHL did play games there a ways back. They should probably open offices there or something like the other sports did.

I know that I'm not the only person that wants to see some serious development of the sport of hockey in Asia.

As I have familiarized myself with Japanese culture, I think that it is safe to say that the sport of Ice Hockey better suits the Japanese culture than the sport of baseball or football, and I believe that with further exposure and marketing of the sport in Asia, a vast and zealous fan following could be developed.

Also, having prominently worn my Red Wings jersey around town (81, yaaaay Hossa!) I have run into many people who immediately recognized the symbol, some even admitting to a love of the sport.

What sport better suits a culture whose iconic elite class once wore elaborate leather armor, prided itself on its systemic code of honor, and carried curved blades?

Tangent aside, I think that neither the KHL nor the NHL can afford to overlook the chance of expansion into Asia!

Would the NHL really help that much? After decades, Japan still only has 4 hockey teams in it's biggest league. Figure Skating is big in Japan, why is hockey not so popular? You just need to get hockey into the highschool system.

If Japan (and Asia) can improve in hockey like they did with baseball, it would be great for the sport internationally and perhaps eventually with players actually being drafted in the NHL.

Japan did adapt to baseball fairly well without initially having a strong HS infrastructure.

Across the pond - NHL.com (http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=379867)

What sport better suits a culture whose iconic elite class once wore elaborate leather armor, prided itself on its systemic code of honor, and carried curved blades?


I must've missed the part where Samurai skated around on ice to attack their opponents. Baseball suits the Japanese just fine, in case you haven't noticed they're actually quite good at it. Hockey isn't very big in countries such as Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Poland. Focusing on improving the standing in those countries would probably be first on my list, and then if a move to Asia was warranted I'd go straight for China.

What Asians need is that one player that is from that area, and we'll be all over it. Hell, I think SBS (Seoul Broadcast Station, one of Korea's network TV stations) showed Minnesota Wild's SC Playoffs games, because Richard Park was on the team. It caused quite a buzz there, but it died out. But if this guy can cause this much buzz, think if that one player was say, on a level of Sidney Crosby. Thats gonna give a heavy boost to popularity of sports in the area. Especially since Korean kids can easily go out and skate on ponds during winter. A really cold, winter. Maybe same can work for Japan. I dunno, but I am hoping for a Korean superstar in the NHL.

What Asians need is that one player that is from that area, and we'll be all over it. Hell, I think SBS (Seoul Broadcast Station, one of Korea's network TV stations) showed Minnesota Wild's SC Playoffs games, because Richard Park was on the team. It caused quite a buzz there, but it died out. But if this guy can cause this much buzz, think if that one player was say, on a level of Sidney Crosby. Thats gonna give a heavy boost to popularity of sports in the area. Especially since Korean kids can easily go out and skate on ponds during winter. A really cold, winter. Maybe same can work for Japan. I dunno, but I am hoping for a Korean superstar in the NHL.

The NHL should really be making a hard push (along with equipment manufacturers) to spread the game to basically anywhere where it can be easily played. There's a lot of places in Asia that get ice, they should really be pushing for people to play or at least try hockey.

It would definitely help though to get someone from that region, or of that decent on TV.

The NHL should really be making a hard push (along with equipment manufacturers) to spread the game to basically anywhere where it can be easily played. There's a lot of places in Asia that get ice, they should really be pushing for people to play or at least try hockey.

It would definitely help though to get someone from that region, or of that decent on TV.
I think hockey is actually gaining some popularity in Korea. We even have our own NHL fan site.
http://nhlkorea.kr/

Of course some of them are Koreans living in US/Canada.

I must've missed the part where Samurai skated around on ice to attack their opponents.

No, you've missed the point entirely; however, since you've mentioned it, something tells me slashing would be the most frequent penalty.:sarcasm:

I think China would obviously be a major focus in developing the game of Hockey in Eastern Asia, primarily because of location and population size, and much like Korea or Japan there is already a minimum hockey presence/interest that can be built upon.

When I say Asia, I think of these countries before others; don't get me wrong, I'd love to se the sport expand to all of the Eurasian continent if not beyond, I just can't picture an UAE or Egyptian or such team yet. Though, something about the idea of a team called the UAE Oilers... wait...:scared:

I think that aside from the problem of distance that teams would have to travel, the biggest problem is developing a significant understanding and interest for the sport. I think that most Asians are alienated by the hitting and more physical aspects of the game, not to mention that there has been very little exposure to Hockey East or South of Russia, much less certain nations in Europe.

I dunno, but I am hoping for a Korean superstar in the NHL.

Three forwards, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and they could play on the same line; A dream, I know :(, but it would do a hell of a lot to build a friendship and community between the three empires.:D

Three forwards, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and they could play on the same line; A dream, I know :(, but it would do a hell of a lot to build a friendship and community between the three empires.:D

I'm not quite sure Korea and China would be willing to forgive and forget because two hockey players played with a Japanese man. That first line sounds like the opening to a joke more than anything. ;)

south korea played in the world championships div 1 last year. lost to austria 8-0 or something like that. When watching the game online they were obviously way worse. but they got that experience. Not sure how it was covered in the country by the media but it seems they are making progress.

North Korea won the Div III world championships pretty easily last year also.

Japan had Fukufuji play for the Kings a few years back with a bit of luck and that gained some needed exposure in his country.. not enough but they are still a pretty talented bunch...

China's mens team from what i gather really isnt making any progress... more is invested in the womens team by their federation..

look for the middle east to have some decent teams in Div III in a few years if/ when they become IIHF members(UAE,Algeria)

malaysia, singapore, macau, mongolia, chinese taipei, thailand and hong kong also have national teams as well but only compete in the asian games so far..

the only way i see the development increasing in these places is if rinks are built(biggest problem).. equipment is donated. and coaching is brought in to instruct the people on the game.. im sure that if technology keeps making things cheaper(hah) that eventually we will start seeing oddball coutries work their way up the international ranks. but until then.. keep dreaming

if anyone is interested in hockey in non-hockey countries check out forums.internationalhockey.net

Hockey needs to expand to where the equipment is made: China.

I imagine at one point either the NHL or KHL will buy the ALIH if it sticks around for long enough. But incase people here didn't already know Charles Wang (owner of the NY Islanders) started investing in Chinese hockey years ago by building both indoor and outdoor rinks all over Heilongjiang province in Northern China. That province alone has a population larger than Canada's. Coaching has also been a major part of the effort, as well as opportunities for Chinese youth teams to compete in an NYI sponsored tournament on Long Island every season. Their plan is to find the students with the best combination of English speaking ability and hockey skills to bring over to American highschools/college in the hopes some will be good enough to be drafted one day (and at the very least to get an education).

China formerly had two teams in the league in the past two years but they've been merged into two with added international players and a sponsorship arrangement with the San Jose Sharks. Aparantly they already have 3-4 players which could compete (skill-wise) in the ECHL/AHL if not for their lack of experience with tactics and other aspects of north american/european hockey that are ingrained in players from their youth.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia_League_Ice_Hockey
http://nyiprojecthope.com/

As for Japanese and Korean players they're probably closer to a level where they might be drafted but probably not without some extra help from the IIHF and or NHL. Currently there is one Japanese player in the QMJHL (played in the Memorial Cup) but he's remained undrafted so far. The success of a player like Fukufuji might have inspired some kid(s) in Japan that if they work hard and come to North America early enough they might be able to progress to a level where the NHL is a real possibility.

My thought is that if Fukufuji returns to Japan, the knowledge he's absorbed through various goalie coaches and the experience of his ECHL career will result in us seeing a Japanese goalie make it into the NHL at some point (i.e. for longer than Fukufuji was able to last).

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=96322

NHL needs to provide financial support or just create a league in Japan/Korea and grow the league. Financially support the league and grow the sports there.

The game is definitely marketable in Japan as there are quite a few players of Japanese descent currently in the NHL. There are also a few prospects in the pipeline and recently retired players as well. It is all based on affinity - can a fan relate to a NHL player?

Paul Kariya (1/2 Japanese)
Devon Setoguchi (1st round pick and a top 50 prospect in the NHL, 1/2 Japanese)
David Tanabe (retired, 1/2 Japanese)
Jamie Storr (retired, 1/2 Japanese)
Raymond Sawada (2nd round pick recently by Dallas, 1/2 Japanese)
Steve & Martin Kariya (Paul's younger brothers)

How about that Jim Paek, he won a Cup didn't he?

Not sure how you can mention Japan and NHL without bringing up this:

http://www.j-fan.com/drama/drama.cgi?action=viewrev&season=Winter_2004&show=PRIDE

How about that Jim Paek, he won a Cup didn't he?

Nah. S.Korea didn't pay much attention to US sports back then. Things changed though.

The game is definitely marketable in Japan as there are quite a few players of Japanese descent currently in the NHL. There are also a few prospects in the pipeline and recently retired players as well. It is all based on affinity - can a fan relate to a NHL player?

Paul Kariya (1/2 Japanese)
Devon Setoguchi (1st round pick and a top 50 prospect in the NHL, 1/2 Japanese)
David Tanabe (retired, 1/2 Japanese)
Jamie Storr (retired, 1/2 Japanese)
Raymond Sawada (2nd round pick recently by Dallas, 1/2 Japanese)
Steve & Martin Kariya (Paul's younger brothers)

They have to be really talanted like Heins Ward.

They have to be really talanted like Heins Ward.

Paul Kariya is a potential Hall of Famer. Does that count?

Paul Kariya is a potential Hall of Famer. Does that count?

Well, I guess Japan is a whole different beast from Korea. In Korea, if a player is having success, media covers it, people pay attention.

i want a south korea hockey jersey!

Charles Wang is doing a lot (read: everything) to expand hockey in asia. He is building rinks and brings junior teams over every year for a junior (the little junior, not the 17+ junior) hockey tournament. I think he recently got the NHL to help but I'm not sure about that. Most of the efforts right now are centered in 2 small towns right now, though (Harbin and Qi Qi Har)

Is Michal Neuvirth part asian?
He does look it a little.
http://www.plymouthwhalers.com/breakingtheicewith40.html

Charles Wang is doing a lot (read: everything) to expand hockey in asia. He is building rinks and brings junior teams over every year for a junior (the little junior, not the 17+ junior) hockey tournament. I think he recently got the NHL to help but I'm not sure about that. Most of the efforts right now are centered in 2 small towns right now, though (Harbin and Qi Qi Har)

If Charles Wang was a famous billionaire, it would help. But he isn't. He's rich, and successful, but there are plenty of them in China.

Richard Park was on the team. It caused quite a buzz there, but it died out. But if this guy can cause this much buzz...

Richard Park IS a star IMO, many years ago while playing NHL 2004 a buddy of mine used to get lit up by him in every game, culminating in a hat-trick that ended his playoff run, prompting him to remove the disc and snap it in half.

If Charles Wang was a famous billionaire, it would help. But he isn't. He's rich, and successful, but there are plenty of them in China.

Wait, are you trying to say that all these rinks Wang's building will be left unused because he isn't famous enough in China?

If he builds it, people will come. But that doesn't mean they will know the owner's name.

Well, I guess Japan is a whole different beast from Korea. In Korea, if a player is having success, media covers it, people pay attention.

This statement makes no sense.
Clearly you haven't seen or read about the throngs of media that follow every major Japanese player in MLB.

Also, why would people in Japan pay attention to Paul Kariya? He's Canadian and has a Japanese-Canadian father. If Paul Kariya was born in Japan, I'm sure there would be much more of a following. Richard Park on the other hand was born in Seoul, so that may have something to do with why native Koreans were abuzz when he was on the Wild.

This statement makes no sense.
Clearly you haven't seen or read about the throngs of media that follow every major Japanese player in MLB.

Also, why would people in Japan pay attention to Paul Kariya? He's Canadian and has a Japanese-Canadian father. If Paul Kariya was born in Japan, I'm sure there would be much more of a following. Richard Park on the other hand was born in Seoul, so that may have something to do with why native Koreans were abuzz when he was on the Wild.

Yea, but Richard Park was raised in Canada. And he never served in the Korean Army (mandatory for all Korean citizens, male). He doesn't even count as a full Korean. Japanese MLB players were raised in Japan, learned to play in Japan, and in all sense, are Japanese. Makes sense?

Not sure how you can mention Japan and NHL without bringing up this:

http://www.j-fan.com/drama/drama.cgi?action=viewrev&season=Winter_2004&show=PRIDE

I so want to see that series :)

Baseball is number 1 in Japan, followed by soccer(football) and whatever comes next. Also, it's only really "popular" in the northern island of Hokkaido.

Not sure how you can mention Japan and NHL without bringing up this:

http://www.j-fan.com/drama/drama.cgi?action=viewrev&season=Winter_2004&show=PRIDE

From that page:

the puck falls and he rips into action which cues the opening theme brought to us by the undying American band, Queen.

If they think Queen is an American band then I'm scared to see what they did to the hockey scenes...

If they think Queen is an American band then I'm scared to see what they did to the hockey scenes...
They think everything is American. Don't worry about it.

If they think Queen is an American band then I'm scared to see what they did to the hockey scenes...

Yep, the hockey scenes are pretty silly but then again it was never meant to be a series on the sport. At least it gave hockey some great exposure since it was pretty popular.