Obviously there will be certain individuals or a small group of individuals that go against the norm but stereotypes are based off some truth...
*** Canadians are all around players. Who can skate with the skilled, bang with the big guys and play well because they know the game very well. Its in their blood on a general basis. Yet you will also see changes among the different Canadian areas. Quebec and French Canadians seem to be more fluent and rely more on skating and skill. Ontario and Western hockey players rely more on size and strength, simplicity. Notice how the Canadians still play a lot of dump and chase and cycle in the corners.
*** Americans who are neighbors of the great north have taken much of their knowledge of the game from Canada. Its the North American way. But because the game is not as rich in the US, American teams or players are not as depth in skill.
** Russians have taken their game from the Soviet roots and off of Tarasenov's ideology of the game. Its not only about individual speed but also increasing puck moving speed. They were the first to create the cycle, the weave, the switching of positions and trying to play a 5 unit offensive and defensive game. Not just a LW, RW, C and 2 D. Its about speed, skating and skill.
The Soviets were the most dominating hockey team from the 60's until the 90's. Europeans took notice quickly on their style of the game especially since they were very close to Russia and many of them were adopted into its system (Czech, Slovakia etc).
So you will see the roots go back to North American style and European Style.
But it does go further...
Look at the stats within each European league. Is it just coincidence that Russian goalies have an avg of higher GAA and Swedish have lower. I think it has to do with the ideology that Russians believe in more confusing team play and a lot of shots and more offense and puck control. Swedes, Finnish and that Nordic style believe in more defensive positioning and organization and then Counter Attack.
** Russians have taken their game from the Soviet roots and off of Tarasenov's ideology of the game. Its not only about individual speed but also increasing puck moving speed. They were the first to create the cycle, the weave, the switching of positions and trying to play a 5 unit offensive and defensive game. Not just a LW, RW, C and 2 D. Its about speed, skating and skill.
The Soviets were the most dominating hockey team from the 60's until the 90's. Europeans took notice quickly on their style of the game especially since they were very close to Russia and many of them were adopted into its system (Czech, Slovakia etc).
So you will see the roots go back to North American style and European Style.
But it does go further...
Look at the stats within each European league. Is it just coincidence that Russian goalies have an avg of higher GAA and Swedish have lower. I think it has to do with the ideology that Russians believe in more confusing team play and a lot of shots and more offense and puck control. Swedes, Finnish and that Nordic style believe in more defensive positioning and organization and then Counter Attack.
Well, to be fair, the soviets first stole their hockey from the czechs that mainly had learned it through canadian Mike Buckna. I believe the czechs allready had the finesse that europeans even today are known for, probably becouse of low knowledge of the game in the early 20th century, like some kind of plaything. Although the soviets probably put some of their "Bandy" in there as well of course.
The reason that GAA is low in sweden is partly becouse they dont know how to attack, and when finally in the zone cant put the puck in the net.
Last edited by Darth Yoda: 12-04-2012 at 11:29 AM.
Some stereotypes have some truth to them like the stereotype that Quebec produces great goalies. That isn't to say that other places don't, just that Quebec has been doing so for a long time and continues to do so.
Well, to be fair, the soviets first stole their hockey from the czechs that mainly had learned it through canadian Mike Buckna. I believe the czechs allready had the finesse that europeans even today are known for, probably becouse of low knowledge of the game in the early 20th century, like some kind of plaything. Although the soviets probably put some of their "Bandy" in there as well of course.
The reason that GAA is low in sweden is partly becouse they dont know how to attack, and when finally in the zone cant put the puck in the net.
I never knew that but Idk how true that is. Im sure Soviets took parts of their game from all their sister countries or satellite nations but the sport of hockey came from their love of bandy.
Before WWII, Soviets and Russians were all about Bandy. They were top in the world and known for the focus on speed and skill.
Then Antoli Tarasov was asked to revamp their Soviet Hockey team. Soviets saw a chance to be the best in Europe in a more globally popular sport and they demanded perfection. Tarasov gave them just that. I forgot where I read this but I think he fell in love with the game watching an NHL game when he was overseas and then he just studied it. Focusing on team like game and fitness. And Soviets took off...
Gotta love how every country develops stereotypes that suit them. In North America, Canadians are dependable, hard-working, complete players, across the pond they see Canadians as Todd Bertuzzi.
The Prairies and Western Canada are one and the same. lol
Quote:
Originally Posted by LSnow
Canadians are skilled goons who start a hissy fit everytime they are being outplayed and then try to injure the opposition.
Russians are incredibly skilled but selfish and lazy.
Swedish are emotionless robots who only win because of lady fortuna.
Finns are unskilled chokers who try hard.
Slovakians are trap masters who just try to counter-attack.
USA players are unskilled goons, but play fair.
And those are the common stereotypes you hear in Finland.
If it wasn't for the reality that they are so seldom outplayed this would be even funnier then it is already. Jealousy?
Canada - all competitive, do anything to win, will cheat if necessary
US - fast, skilled, poor losers
Russia - individually skilled, teams of them are a gong show
Czech Republic - the opposite of Russia, they play a system no matter who is on the ice
Finland - all heart, little skill
Slovakia - some skill, some heart, not enough of either
Sweden - lots of skill, content to medal, no matter what the colour
In reality, it's a lot more muddled.
Ultimately, my favorite players usually end up as the Swedes.
You give a Swedish player 4-6 years in the NHL and they blend the competitiveness and the physicality with their homegrown talent to emerge as superb two-way talents with a certain degree of class and leadership potential.
Fins are pesky bunch that don't back down from anyone, with a tight system that make them no fun to play against. Their goalies are also mistaken for brick walls
But they always seem to be lacking a little bit in terms of quality depth.
That's been my stereotype of the Fins since I can remember
