I would like to make this a two-part thread: (1) Who will be in the lineup for Russia in this tournament (I have not seen a roster announced), and (2) are those Canadians who say that the IH tournament is a legitimate best-on-best tournament correct (in other words, do all nations have an equal opportunity to have their best players present to represent them)?
I don't really know the rules for the Ivan Hlinka tournament, but I think you are right that the maximum age is 94 born.
same as the next year's U18 WJC. Doubt, they will even televise it. Grigorenko, Kvartalnov, Kamaev, Slepyshev, Timirev, Malen'kih, Vasilevskiy Khatsei and etc...
Thanks for the info on the lineups. Somehow, I managed to miss that thread. Based on the discussion in the thread, several of the rosters, including Canada's are not final or official. Since the tournament starts in two weeks, most of the selections should have been made by now.
Players born 1994 and younger are allowed to play this year. Russia always came with young guns, so I guess some 1995 born russian players like Nichuskin could take spot on roster. F.e. Mikhail Grigorenko played last two years, this will be his third participation.
94 and 95 born Russian players are believed to have depth and talent. Does anyone have any thoughts on what the Russians' prospects are for beating the favorites - the United States and Canada?
94 and 95 born Russian players are believed to have depth and talent. Does anyone have any thoughts on what the Russians' prospects are for beating the favorites - the United States and Canada?
Of course anything can happen I wouldn't call the US favourites alot of high school players and unproven USHL players mixed with a couple junior players. They are just thrown together and unlike the NTDP team don't have the luxery of chemistry playing together for seasons. Mostly players who where cut from the NTDP team but, their D is quite good and their goalie Gillies can steal games. As for Canada, they have lots of depth at all positions but not the key gamebreaker seen in previous years like RNH or Seguin, Hall, Stamkos, Tavares so they will have to play well as a team and rely on depth. Their Defence might be is one of the best D Canada has ever had at that level, plenty of players ranked for the first round in 2012. Goaltending has good prospects but are unproven. So, I expect Russia should be able to beat a team like US if they perform up to expectations but will be in tough against Canada, and probably Sweden too.
94 and 95 born Russian players are believed to have depth and talent. Does anyone have any thoughts on what the Russians' prospects are for beating the favorites - the United States and Canada?
95 is a plethora of rising stars: CSKA, Dynamo are star-studded. 94 is much weaker, just one super-star Grigorenko. You should read this blog - the guy is great.
95 is a plethora of rising stars: CSKA, Dynamo are star-studded. 94 is much weaker, just one super-star Grigorenko. You should read this blog - the guy is great.
I think you inadvertently left off the link to the blog that you refer to.
