As most of you are probably aware , Canada is divided in 5 teams at the U 17 tournament. They are Pacific, West , Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic.
Instead of playing the Subway Series or the games vs Russia, I was thinking that a tournament could be played between these 5 teams but at the U 20 level.
The tournament could have the Memorial Cup format. A round robin + a semifinal and a final.
Positive sides for this idea
- This could get more interest than a regular team Canada summer evaluation camp
- It would give some "international experience" to some 16 and 17 years old players who might have no shot at the actual world juniors for that year. I am sure that playing a game vs Team Ontario would be a bigger challenge than playing vs Belarus or Latvia.
- I do not expect any of the games to be a blowout.
-It could be a good opportunity to evaluate possible coaching candidates while they compete directly against each other.
- It could also be a good CHL preview. Fans would be more aware of which players to follow during the season.
I am sure that TSN are looking for something to broadcast during the summer. This could be marketed as a preview to the World Juniors. It could be hosted by cities that have no chance to host the actual tournament or that recently lost a bid to host the Memorial Cup.
Negative sides of this idea
- It would be one more event in an already busy calendar.
-Would it really get as much attention from casual fans as I think it would do ?
- More players invited would mean less time to evaluate players individually.
I hope that I was clear enough. To sum up- Rather than the usual Team Canada summer camp or the Subway Series, a Memorial Cup style tournament where Canada is divided in 5.
I could not sleep last night , I thought about this around 3 am. It might not be as brilliant idea as I think it is...
Tell me what you think
