Thank you Canada for your love for WJC's

I guess I should have posted it on Monday evening but for Russia the most important game is over so here you go:

I just want to say that Canada as a country deserves big props for the love for this tournament. If it wasn't for Canada I am sure there would be less fans in the world who would get up early to watch these amazing games. Canadians truely understand this game and they spread out their passion with other hockey fans in the world. It's kind of pain in the neck that Canada is awfully tough to beat at this tournament but it also gives other countries some sort of a mark to aim for.

Thanks Canada for a great tourney with some unforgettable games.

I guess I should have posted it on Monday evening but for Russia the most important game is over so here you go:

I just want to say that Canada as a country deserves big props for the love for this tournament. If it wasn't for Canada I am sure there would be less fans in the world who would get up early to watch these amazing games. Canadians truely understand this game and they spread out their passion with other hockey fans in the world. It's kind of pain in the neck that Canada is awfully tough to beat at this tournament but it also gives other countries some sort of a mark to aim for.

Thanks Canada for a great tourney with some unforgettable games.

Very classy.

Thanks to the Russians for giving us a run for our money and providing some great entertainment. Hopefully you guys don't throw away the bronze game and provide some more entertainment against Janus and the Slovaks.

I guess I should have posted it on Monday evening but for Russia the most important game is over so here you go:

I just want to say that Canada as a country deserves big props for the love for this tournament. If it wasn't for Canada I am sure there would be less fans in the world who would get up early to watch these amazing games. Canadians truely understand this game and they spread out their passion with other hockey fans in the world. It's kind of pain in the neck that Canada is awfully tough to beat at this tournament but it also gives other countries some sort of a mark to aim for.

Thanks Canada for a great tourney with some unforgettable games.

thanks :) a great game with intensity not seen in a long time really is great for hockey

Thanks. I've always loved the Canada - Russia rivalry and fans such as yourself make me that much more appreciative of it.

I'm forever a Canada fan, but I love Russian players because of their style. I have a lot of respect for them, especially tonight where they played their hearts out.

All hockey fans have a passion similar to ours .As hard as it is to believe i have American and European friends whose passion for the game matches mine easily .The Spenglar Cup crowds are amazing , every time i watch it i think man would it be fun to go to that tournament !!! American hockey fans , not as many in number as the rest of the hockey playing nations but every bit the zest for the game we all have .Its an easy game to love .

I guess I should have posted it on Monday evening but for Russia the most important game is over so here you go:

I just want to say that Canada as a country deserves big props for the love for this tournament. If it wasn't for Canada I am sure there would be less fans in the world who would get up early to watch these amazing games. Canadians truely understand this game and they spread out their passion with other hockey fans in the world. It's kind of pain in the neck that Canada is awfully tough to beat at this tournament but it also gives other countries some sort of a mark to aim for.

Thanks Canada for a great tourney with some unforgettable games.

Appreciated. It was a close game, the Russians showed tremendous speed and athleticism.
Filatov is a great prospect.

Man, was that a beauty of a game tonight! This is what hockey is all about

This has been a pretty stellar tournament overall.

Much of that is due to the competitiveness of multiple teams.

Well said. I agree totally.

IMO, every WJC should be held in Canada.

And I just want to thank Canada and the USSR's entries at the 87 WJC, Canada's subsequent victory at the 1988 WJC, TSN's coverage of the WJC starting in 1990-91 in Saskatoon, the epic Canada-USSR game in Saskatoon, and the NHL lockout of 1994-95 for creating and building such passion and interest in this tournament. Hard to believe that in 87, when the Punch Up at Piestany occurred, CBC was covering the tournament, there was one CP reporter at the tournament, and I don't think the game was televised live.

In all seriousness, though, thanks for the kind words, Siberian.

Thanks!

Thanks to you guys for giving such a good game

What a game tonight. Wow

And I just want to thank Canada and the USSR's entries at the 87 WJC, Canada's subsequent victory at the 1988 WJC, TSN's coverage of the WJC starting in 1990-91 in Saskatoon, the epic Canada-USSR game in Saskatoon, and the NHL lockout of 1994-95 for creating and building such passion and interest in this tournament. Hard to believe that in 87, when the Punch Up at Piestany occurred, CBC was covering the tournament, there was one CP reporter at the tournament, and I don't think the game was televised live.

In all seriousness, though, thanks for the kind words, Siberian.

and I'd like to thank God and Jesus...

It's been an amazing time seeing all these guys up close and personal. Amazing.

Getting to be in Ottawa for this is a great experience. I love being able to go to a Sweden - Latvia blowout in a packed house and have Latvia fans playing drums right until the end, no matter how bad things got. Thanks for the kind words Siberian, but it's a passion we all share for this beautiful game. These world juniors have been incredible and I really hope it results in alot more publicity outside of Canada (I don't know how much bigger it could get here) for an amazing tournament.

Anyone else notice how we've gone from hating the Russians to LOVING there style!? It's amazing to see (in this game espically) how the 2 countries have become hybrid's of the way the countries used to play, and that's what made for such an amazing game. I don't have one friend who doesn't love the way the Russians play. It's amazing how much times have changed.

Well said. I agree totally.

IMO, every WJC should be held in Canada.

I agree, but only until the day comes where another place can bring similar emotion to the tournament.

As hockey fans, I think we can all agree that if a day ever comes where we see other countries embrace this tournament the way Canada does, we'll all be winners.

One day maybe places like Leksand, Turku, Omsk, Riga, Salzburg, Москва or Bratislava will host tournaments as good as the Canadian venues.

It may take five, 30 or 50 years but that can only benefit us all.

Hockey rules.

Well said. I agree totally.

IMO, every WJC should be held in Canada.
pretty close to it right now lol

I guess I should have posted it on Monday evening but for Russia the most important game is over so here you go:

I just want to say that Canada as a country deserves big props for the love for this tournament. If it wasn't for Canada I am sure there would be less fans in the world who would get up early to watch these amazing games. Canadians truely understand this game and they spread out their passion with other hockey fans in the world. It's kind of pain in the neck that Canada is awfully tough to beat at this tournament but it also gives other countries some sort of a mark to aim for.

Thanks Canada for a great tourney with some unforgettable games.

Quoted for truth!

With out Canada, this would be just another kids tourney that no one pays attention to. :handclap:

I hope Russia gets a junior league because of this. That will only spread hockey and make more games like tonight possible.

it should be held in Canada every year. It makes 10 times more money having it in Canada, then somewhere in Europe. I think the IIHF is aware of this thats why its being held in Canada so often.

btw, im not being sarcastic with the 10 times thing. the 06 games generated 10 million dollars in revenue.

Its in Canada 2 out of 3 years. That is enough. It needs to be other places to get exposure there.

I have always been a huge fan of the juniors...but having it here...and getting to go see games at the arena I wouldnt normally watch on TV has made this tournament just absolutely insane for me.

Keeping fans in other countries from having that would be a big mistake.

I guess I should have posted it on Monday evening but for Russia the most important game is over so here you go:

I just want to say that Canada as a country deserves big props for the love for this tournament. If it wasn't for Canada I am sure there would be less fans in the world who would get up early to watch these amazing games. Canadians truely understand this game and they spread out their passion with other hockey fans in the world. It's kind of pain in the neck that Canada is awfully tough to beat at this tournament but it also gives other countries some sort of a mark to aim for.

Thanks Canada for a great tourney with some unforgettable games.

thank you for classy words, comrade.

Its in Canada 2 out of 3 years. That is enough. It needs to be other places to get exposure there.

I have always been a huge fan of the juniors...but having it here...and getting to go see games at the arena I wouldnt normally watch on TV has made this tournament just absolutely insane for me.

Keeping fans in other countries from having that would be a big mistake.

this is true, not to mention the fact that having this tourney only once every 3 or 4 years just makes it that much more special for these kids... we need to get Europe on board with us...

Yes, I commend the fans for supporting their country, A classy tourney!

Canada Vs Sweden = EPIC!

Its in Canada 2 out of 3 years. That is enough. It needs to be other places to get exposure there.

I have always been a huge fan of the juniors...but having it here...and getting to go see games at the arena I wouldnt normally watch on TV has made this tournament just absolutely insane for me.

Keeping fans in other countries from having that would be a big mistake.

1 out of 3 years until 2012, we get 2010 cause the original host backed out.

Its in Canada 2 out of 3 years. That is enough. It needs to be other places to get exposure there.

I have always been a huge fan of the juniors...but having it here...and getting to go see games at the arena I wouldnt normally watch on TV has made this tournament just absolutely insane for me.

Keeping fans in other countries from having that would be a big mistake.

Another Country I forget was to host it this year and backed out. Not Canada's fault. Canada had a deal in place can't remember the length of the term to get the tourney at certain times. But you do have a valid point its nice to see other nations host and see that culture get behind. I wish Latvia was better at this level they have some amazing hockey fans.

Classy post, the Russian fans have been very classy through the entire game tonight despite some Canadian fans.

You're team was very overlooked this tournament, and at the end of the day you were just as good as Canada, and a shootout away from the Gold Medal, hopefully this Spring at the WHC, we see another classic between these two great Hockey nations as both will be competing for their 25th gold.

Good luck in the Bronze game, comrades.

When the WJC was in Vancouver a few years ago I bought package tickets which gave me access to all the games, (I wasn't able to go to the gold medal game because of school stuff but I saw quite a few others) and that tournament doesn't even compare to this one, for me at least, in quality of games, but the excitement level of the fans was right up there.

I saw a documentary the other day (for the second time) about a kid from Vancouver playing at the north shore club who was about 14, trying to make it into major juniors and it was funny to see the recognizable faces. Kane was on his (i guess midget?) team and Teubert got drafted first overall in the entry draft when the "main character" got drafted 10th or 12th. Has anyone else seen this? Maybe someone remembers what this program was called. I saw it on the knowledge network in Vancouver.


Anyways... This year was much better than in years past and the Canada vs USA match was a clincher for me, that was one of the best hockey games I've seen since the 2002 olympics, including international and NHL games; it was just fantastic. The game against Russia just kept the excitement coming. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the Gold Medal game more so than any other year, I'm extremely excited to see sweden play as i've never witnessed the much-talked-about MSP or Hedman.

I hope the finals are as exciting as the last 2 Canadian games. That would be outstanding regardless of who wins.

**** YOU MOTHA ****A!!! JUST CAUSE YOU LOST YOU COME HERE TO...

I mean...:sarcasm:

In all seriousness, very classy and kind words. It is really such a great tournament, it is hard not to love what all these kids put out there for the 2 weeks.

I saw a documentary the other day (for the second time) about a kid from Vancouver playing at the north shore club who was about 14, trying to make it into major juniors and it was funny to see the recognizable faces. Kane was on his (i guess midget?) team and Teubert got drafted first overall in the entry draft when the "main character" got drafted 10th or 12th. Has anyone else seen this? Maybe someone remembers what this program was called. I saw it on the knowledge network in Vancouver.


Lottery on Ice.

I haven't seen it, but it sounds interesting, so I just looked it up.

http://www.cbc.ca/thelens/program_280306.html

Quoted for truth!

With out Canada, this would be just another kids tourney that no one pays attention to. :handclap:

I hope Russia gets a junior league because of this. That will only spread hockey and make more games like tonight possible.

I really hope so as well.

I saw a documentary the other day (for the second time) about a kid from Vancouver playing at the north shore club who was about 14, trying to make it into major juniors and it was funny to see the recognizable faces. Kane was on his (i guess midget?) team and Teubert got drafted first overall in the entry draft when the "main character" got drafted 10th or 12th. Has anyone else seen this? Maybe someone remembers what this program was called. I saw it on the knowledge network in Vancouver.

Just to let you know that the boy in the documentary's name is Thomas Frazee, who is in his fourth season of WHL play. Although, until this season, he did not particularly standout among prospects, he has done really well this year with the Moose Jaw Warriors. Frazee is in his second year of NHL draft eligibility.

There is some amazing hockey being played at this tourny and it seems to get better every year. More countries are becoming competitive and giving the histricaly top teams a run for their money. Kudos to all the teams.

Very good post OP.

I've loved this tourney so far, and seeing the enthusiasm from the canadian fans is so friggin awesome. I especially love the clip from SVT(Swe television) where they ask Canadian fans which team Sweden will beat in the final. :D

I'm honestly thinking about moving to Canada, or well atleast visit, just to feel the the atmosphere in a real hockey loving country.

Good Luck tomorrow and I predict Magnus Pääjärvi-Svensson will be the best player of the game and finally capitalize on all the chances he creates for himself and others. He deserves it the way he's been playing.

Lets go SVERIGE!

Great post.

This has been a great tournament to follow indeed. Slovakia put up a great game against us, and Canada-Russia was a great game as well. Hoping for an epic final.

I'm honestly thinking about moving to Canada, or well atleast visit, just to feel the the atmosphere in a real hockey loving country.

Seconded.

i enjoy having it hosted here but i do think there's extra pressure on the team when it's at home.

Well said. I agree totally.

IMO, every WJC should be held in Canada.

Agree. Untill theres more interest from other nations, the WJC should stay put.
Props to Canada for a great tourney. Very professional and huge.

Agree. Untill theres more interest from other nations, the WJC should stay put.
Props to Canada for a great tourney. Very professional and huge.


Thats a double edged sword. If the tourney isnt held in other countries, how will the extra intrest be created?

If its always played in Canada will the average fan in other countries really care there is a tournament?

I love having the games on in prime-time but I cant say I want it to always be in Canada. I love seeing the games from Europe and seeing the pockets of traveling fans.

Brad Marchand jumping up on top of the short glass to celebrate with the Canadian fans in Pardubice was as memorable as any moment ive ever seen in this tourney.

Well said. I agree totally.

IMO, every WJC should be held in Canada.
I disagree with that statement.At least have it in the states but close to the Canadien border like it will be in Buffalo.When it was in my home state of North Dakota that being Grand Forks the crowds were fantastic.I have no problem with it being in Canada for 2 years and then when in the US.The hell with the rest of the world.:D

I also think kudos need to go out to the organizers of this tournament. They've done an amazing job of keeping it running smoothly.
It's not widely known outside of Ottawa but at the same time the WJC was taking place Ottawa was hosting the Bell Capital Cup which is the largest minor hockey tournament in the world.

http://www.oihf.net/index2.aro
Hundreds of players from around the world playing at 20 different rinks in the area and it went off without a hitch as well. This city, and the whole area, has been just overtaken by hockey and it's great!

Thanks man for the kind words, but honestly. How cant you enjoy such tournement? There are crazy things happening every games. This year is even crazier, if you any kind of like hockey you'll love watching WJC's. This is better then NHL playoffs minus when the montreal canadiens are in. I dont care who plays whether it's top teams or 2nd tier teams the games are always good. Those are the best hockey games in the year, hands down.

IMO, every WJC should be held in Canada.

No thanks. I really enjoy watching Canada play on big ice. Also, the pressure of playing at home is immense for any team, but especially for Canada. And who needs to create another opportunity for some fans to discount another Canadian win because of where the games are played? We hear enough of that during the Canada/World Cups.

I have to admit I respect the Russians mental toughness when they play in hostile environments in Canada. Lots of teams at all levels seem to wilt under the hyper intense glare and extra inspired talented and tough Canadian teams. Yet more often than not Russia brings their A game and intensity in these games. I was in Winnipeg and had my heart broken in 99, watched it in Halifax in 03, and again last Spring in Quebec City. I knew Russia would be ready, and they were. Thanks for a great game!

Im looking forward to more games like this with Russia having an incredible group of 92s. Kabanov, Kuznetsov, Galiev, Barbashev, Gogolev and now Nemestikov and so many more, I cant wait.

This article (http://www.iihf.com/channels0809/wm20/news/news-singleview-club-continental-cup/article/new-attendance-record-looms.html?tx_ttnews[backPid]=2362&cHash=1f3ef728a4) at IIHF.com says quite a lot.

it was announced that a new tournament attendance record of 377,834 has been established.

And that is not even counting the final big games.

The fact that even quite pointless (at least to outsiders) qualifying games between two obscure (still at least to outsider) countries still pull 6, 7 or even 8.000 in audience is a tribute the pure love of hockey that the Canadians are showing.

So despite important game being played at 1:30 am, Canada deserves to host the WJC every year.

Thats a double edged sword. If the tourney isnt held in other countries, how will the extra intrest be created?

If its always played in Canada will the average fan in other countries really care there is a tournament?

Untill last year the WJC wasn't even aired on swedish TV. Televising the tourney last year prooved to be a success in Sweden and this tourney theres been a lot more interest from swedish viewers.
You can only make the interest grow by putting more resources to the Junior national teams and Sweden has done just that in the last few years to make a winning team. Exellent coaches, staff and a well managed organization makes a huge difference for how the team will perform and that in turn creates interest by the public.
That's not enough, however. You need a well managed tourney without incidents that could make people loose interest. The tourney is in safe hands with the Canadians.

I really love having the tournament in Canada, but I must admit there's something really appealing about waking up at 6 AM to watch a hockey game before heading in to work. Skipping out of work to watch a game that starts at 11 AM is fun too.

I guess I should have posted it on Monday evening but for Russia the most important game is over so here you go:

I just want to say that Canada as a country deserves big props for the love for this tournament. If it wasn't for Canada I am sure there would be less fans in the world who would get up early to watch these amazing games. Canadians truely understand this game and they spread out their passion with other hockey fans in the world. It's kind of pain in the neck that Canada is awfully tough to beat at this tournament but it also gives other countries some sort of a mark to aim for.

Thanks Canada for a great tourney with some unforgettable games.

Wow, this is very classy Siberian, you guys deserved to win and we got lucky on this one.

Anyone else notice how we've gone from hating the Russians to LOVING there style!? It's amazing to see (in this game espically) how the 2 countries have become hybrid's of the way the countries used to play, and that's what made for such an amazing game. I don't have one friend who doesn't love the way the Russians play. It's amazing how much times have changed.

They will be an absolute force in Vancouver in 10

I don't see how we "got lucky". We had the lead 4 times and the Russian 5th goal was as flukey as us getting some bounces on the tying goal.Both teams made some plays and have some they want back.Makes for good drama.

Last night was easily the best hockey game I've ever attended, and I don't think it will ever be surpassed. The atmosphere was incredible, and it gave me goosebumps everytime Canada scored.

I was lucky enough to be sitting next to one of the few fans from Russian in attendance. He was from Moscow and had detailed knowledge of each Russian player that was great to hear and he was a true fan of hockey, not just Russia.

What impressed me the most was the respect shown to him by other fans in attendance. I've been around for enough Sens/Leaf matchups to realize that there are far too many losers/idiots/morons that attend these games. But whenever Russia scored and he jumped up, cheered and waved his Russian flag at the section behind us, he never was yelled at, abused or jeered. When the game ended and everyone celebrated, many fans came up to him (he was almost in tears), shook his hand, patted him on the back, commented on how incredible the game was and wished him all the best for the rest of his stay. It was pure class and a pleasure to see.

Thats a double edged sword. If the tourney isnt held in other countries, how will the extra intrest be created?

If its always played in Canada will the average fan in other countries really care there is a tournament?

That's kind of what I was thinking reading this thread. I love the WJC's and junior hockey in general, but doesn't it seem as if the scope of the tourney is shrinking rather than expanding?

That's kind of what I was thinking reading this thread. I love the WJC's and junior hockey in general, but doesn't it seem as if the scope of the tourney is shrinking rather than expanding?

Not over here at least.

It's getting bigger for every year.

That's kind of what I was thinking reading this thread. I love the WJC's and junior hockey in general, but doesn't it seem as if the scope of the tourney is shrinking rather than expanding?

Shrinking? More teams want to enter it.

Tell that to the new record attendance of 377 thousand plus fans here in Canada. Yes it may not do as well anywhere in the world, but some say, who cares.

Listen nobody outside the USA cares about the super bowl which is your greatest sporting event. So should it be ridiculed?

Shrinking? More teams want to enter it.

Tell that to the new record attendance of 377 thousand plus fans here in Canada. Yes it may not do as well anywhere in the world, but some say, who cares.

Listen nobody outside the USA cares about the super bowl which is your greatest sporting event. So should it be ridiculed?

Uh....mmmmkay. I'm probably on your side of the argument....but what an awful argument.

Listen nobody outside the USA cares about the super bowl which is your greatest sporting event. So should it be ridiculed?

Not a great comparison because the Super Bowl isn't an international competition.

The best thing for interest in the World Juniors in a particular country is to win. Plain and simple. Fact is, two countries (Canada & Russia - 25 golds between them) have had a stranglehold on gold for the most part.

No thanks. I really enjoy watching Canada play on big ice. Also, the pressure of playing at home is immense for any team, but especially for Canada. And who needs to create another opportunity for some fans to discount another Canadian win because of where the games are played? We hear enough of that during the Canada/World Cups.

Well it's much more enjoyable for fans and players to see the game in a huge rink filled to capacity compared to a small half empty rink .

I really love having the tournament in Canada, but I must admit there's something really appealing about waking up at 6 AM to watch a hockey game before heading in to work. Skipping out of work to watch a game that starts at 11 AM is fun too.

Have to agree here. There's something awesome about trying to watch the TSN feed during work without getting caught. Celebrations are a little hard though.

Not a great comparison because the Super Bowl isn't an international competition.
What about the World Series :D

Well said. I agree totally.

IMO, every WJC should be held in Canada.

Unfortunately that won't happen, but maybe they can fix it so Canada gets this tournament every other year atleast.

That's kind of what I was thinking reading this thread. I love the WJC's and junior hockey in general, but doesn't it seem as if the scope of the tourney is shrinking rather than expanding?

In Sweden atleast, this tournament has grown considerable in the last years, probably because Sweden has been more successful in it. The TV ratings are exceptional even though it's not aired on a big channel and shown very late at night. If Sweden takes the gold, interest will probably surpass regular WCs.

What about the World Series :D

Not until the Blue Jays find a way to poison some water in Boston & New York. :sarcasm:

Unfortunately that won't happen, but maybe they can fix it so Canada gets this tournament every other year atleast.

wasnt the general rule recently every 3 years until whatever reason its in Saskatchewan next year? i think every 3 is good.

wasnt the general rule recently every 3 years until whatever reason its in Saskatchewan next year? i think every 3 is good.

It has been every 3 years, and Canada was awarded the 2010 competition because Switzerland had to pull out.

I love this tournament regardless of where it is played. Obviously, the 100% Canadian atmosphere in the buildings here in Canada make the games more exciting. But this is a world tournament (regardless of what people think the scope is), and the fair thing is to play it around the world every year.

I also think that by playing the tournament in Canada every year would dilute it and would make it boring. By having it in Canada every 3rd year, you create an immense demand for tickets and novelty.

It has been every 3 years, and Canada was awarded the 2010 competition because Switzerland had to pull out.

I love this tournament regardless of where it is played. Obviously, the 100% Canadian atmosphere in the buildings here in Canada make the games more exciting. But this is a world tournament (regardless of what people think the scope is), and the fair thing is to play it around the world every year.

I also think that by playing the tournament in Canada every year would dilute it and would make it boring. By having it in Canada every 3rd year, you create an immense demand for tickets and novelty.

I disagree....You could have it every year in Canada and tickets would sell just as much. It's not like we are a small country....what effect on ticket sales would the Ottawa tournament have on a tournament the next year in Winnipeg and the following year in Quebec, and then Halifax and Then Vancouver?

Nice posts in here (haven't really read them all). I think the simple fact is that, differences in culture aside, we're all hockey fans, and it is nice to share that love with other people in other countries worldwide.

The games I saw were tremendous (U.S./Canada, Russia/Canada and Sweden/Canada). I give credit to all the athletes from all the countries, and to their fans for supporting them.

<3