Hockey Canada never picks the team you think they will. Almost everyone has the same projected top 9 right now, but 3 undrafted players and 5 from the Q? That will never happen. I'd love to see Drouin make it, but he's not experienced enough in international play, and hasn't dominated along the boards (albeit one exhibition game) like he does in junior.
I'd love to be wrong, but I don't get my hopes up for two 17yo's making TC... It's just the way they pick the team, and it won't change... Drouin looks like the odd man out.
I think you're putting too much weight in a single game that had, at most, a single practice before it.
Keep in mind on for the final roster, the team will have the training camp and a handful of exhibition games and practices before they start the World Junior competition.
I'm not dismissing that MacKinnon and Drouin have chemistry and work well together, I'm just saying that part of what makes MacKinnon (and Drouin, and Huberdeau and pretty much any of the players that will end up playing a top six role on the final WJC roster) so talented is their ability to play with anyone.
Hockey Canada never picks the team you think they will. Almost everyone has the same projected top 9 right now, but 3 undrafted players and 5 from the Q? That will never happen. I'd love to see Drouin make it, but he's not experienced enough in international play, and hasn't dominated along the boards (albeit one exhibition game) like he does in junior.
I'd love to be wrong, but I don't get my hopes up for two 17yo's making TC... It's just the way they pick the team, and it won't change... Drouin looks like the odd man out.
I can see that happening and to an extent I agree with it if the lockout is still going, just too much depth; however if the lockout ends and they don't take Drouin it will be a huge mistake.
I can see that happening and to an extent I agree with it if the lockout is still going, just too much depth; however if the lockout ends and they don't take Drouin it will be a huge mistake.
successful TC junior teams in the past have been built around alot more than scoring forwards.
successful TC junior teams in the past have been built around alot more than scoring forwards.
True...but you want to tell me about the success we have been having the last 3 years when a lot our better skilled 18 and 19 year old players are in the NHL and not playing? And what's HC's philosophy? Lets replace skill with 19 year old grinders. When asked why this is so, HC's only response is to say it's a tournament for 19 year olds. To which I respond, that's a load of BS. Replace skill with skill. If an 18 or 19 year old is not released by his NHL team to play, then replace him with a 17 year old with the same skill set. Go with your best.. and let the chips fall where they may. I don't mind losing a tournament... hey **** happens...but I hate losing when there are better players left behind and HC excuse is well, he's not 19.
Things are changing and hockey Canada needs to adjust to the times...
There's a dam good reason we haven't won gold in awhile !
everyone is right....medals in 14 months straight is something to be really ashamed of!! they have done a real sh$tty job at picking teams!! Do you feel a 17yr old skill player could have avoided Jake Allen's meltdown?
everyone is right....medals in 14 months straight is something to be really ashamed of!! they have done a real sh$tty job at picking teams!! Do you feel a 17yr old skill player could have avoided Jake Allen's meltdown?
No one gives a crap about winning bronze or silver when it comes to Canada. If we don't even challenge for gold then it's considered a failure. This is pretty obvious. So not winning gold for 3 years is a pretty big deal whether you like to think it is or not.
The way that they have picked it has been greatly based off of age rather than skill set. If you are a 19 year old energy player, you'll make it over a 17 year old who has boatloads of skill (Nuge, Skinner, etc.). Since these players could have positively impacted the team offensively, shouldn't HC start to rethink how they do things?
And I think you mean Mark Visentin's meltdown wouldn't have been avoided with a 17 year old skill player, but it takes skill to beat skill. Maybe RNH could have been a guy to keep the Russians on their toes for most of the 3rd period and not have Canada back on their heels in their own zone. Who knows, but isn't it worth a shot?
No one gives a crap about winning bronze or silver when it comes to Canada. If we don't even challenge for gold then it's considered a failure. This is pretty obvious. So not winning gold for 3 years is a pretty big deal whether you like to think it is or not.
The way that they have picked it has been greatly based off of age rather than skill set. If you are a 19 year old energy player, you'll make it over a 17 year old who has boatloads of skill (Nuge, Skinner, etc.). Since these players could have positively impacted the team offensively, shouldn't HC start to rethink how they do things?
And I think you mean Mark Visentin's meltdown wouldn't have been avoided with a 17 year old skill player, but it takes skill to beat skill. Maybe RNH could have been a guy to keep the Russians on their toes for most of the 3rd period and not have Canada back on their heels in their own zone. Who knows, but isn't it worth a shot?
here here! Eventually Hockey Canada will get the message!
I am stoked that this game is on sportsnet so i can watch it on television. Can't wait for the Herd to get back home seems like forever since they've played a game in Halifax.
I am stoked that this game is on sportsnet so i can watch it on television. Can't wait for the Herd to get back home seems like forever since they've played a game in Halifax.
