IIHF World ChampionshipDiscuss International Tournaments like the WJC, Olympics, and World Cup, as they take place, or discuss past tournaments. performances.
I'd be very surprised if Smid doesn't go. He wouldn't be playing for the Oilers right now if he had any health problems, what would be the point? He was very solid in the last 2 games against Vancouver and was even laughing after getting hip-checked and dumped to the ice.
I'd be very surprised if Smid doesn't go. He wouldn't be playing for the Oilers right now if he had any health problems, what would be the point? He was very solid in the last 2 games against Vancouver and was even laughing after getting hip-checked and dumped to the ice.
Thx. I think the question mark about him was if the Oilers will let him go or not. If that is no problem, then he is going to be invited.
Thx. I think the question mark about him was if the Oilers will let him go or not. If that is no problem, then he is going to be invited.
The only possible health issues I can think of is the surgery he had on his neck last off-season, which has taken him quite a long time to recover from fully (and maybe he still hasn't) but yeah, considering he played the entire season, it's not like he's at risk of hurting it, I wouldn't think.
The Oilers have always been supportive of their players participating in the world championship, so unless he has some other issue (which he could) I don't see why they would say no.
So I seem to remember Prucha declining an invite a couple years ago when he didn't have an NHL contract, and then he and another guy (I want to say Vrbata?) were left off the list of players who were possibilities for the Olympic team, presumably as "punishment". Have they kissed and made up or are there different people picking the team (I assume not, since you won last year) or am I just blowing all of this out of proportion?
So I seem to remember Prucha declining an invite a couple years ago when he didn't have an NHL contract, and then he and another guy (I want to say Vrbata?) were left off the list of players who were possibilities for the Olympic team, presumably as "punishment". Have they kissed and made up or are there different people picking the team (I assume not, since you won last year) or am I just blowing all of this out of proportion?
Yes, they are completely different now. Maybe they would come back even if those people were same, but who knows.
If Detroit get's eliminated in the first round, will Hudler and Kindl be invited to join the team? Just wondering because as far as I can remember, Hudler wasn't on the Olympic or WC team last year and Kindl hasn't played since his final year of junior.
If Detroit get's eliminated in the first round, will Hudler and Kindl be invited to join the team? Just wondering because as far as I can remember, Hudler wasn't on the Olympic or WC team last year and Kindl hasn't played since his final year of junior.
I doubt they get eliminated but yeah I think they would both be invited and both accept imo.
I doubt they get eliminated but yeah I think they would both be invited and both accept imo.
I don't believe Kindl would be invited if all those 5 NHL dmen I mentioned above (not Kuba) are available. Rachunek and Blatak of KHL are better than Kindl and Hadamczik won't do such experiment. Hudler is different story and I think he would be invited too.
If Detroit get's eliminated in the first round, will Hudler and Kindl be invited to join the team? Just wondering because as far as I can remember, Hudler wasn't on the Olympic or WC team last year and Kindl hasn't played since his final year of junior.
Kindl - no, I think we have a lot of better defense players in Europe, he's got not enough of experiences
Hudler - it depends on many factors... Last year he played a lot of games in EHC, but didn't make Olympic team, he was very disappointed and rejected World Championship. We have new coach now, so there shouldn't be a problem. I like Hudler and I would like to see him on the team but in this season he wasn't so good
I read it either in the CBJ beat writers' blog, or in the Columbus Dispatch (can't find it now on-line though) that Hejda was iffy about going since he doesn't have a contract for next season at this point.
Link - maybe someone else will have better luck...
The only declined players are Polak and Smid so far (they both do have some health problems).
100% accepted are Vokoun, Pavelec, Martinek, Voracek, Elias, Michalek M.
Likely to come are Zidlicky, Havlat, Dvorak, Hejda... there is still some 100% confirmation missing from these.
Plekanec also said he would come if Habs don't make it to the second round. That's all info that is currently known about NHL players.
That's a good group of guys. Any word on Hejduk, Hemsky, Sobotka or Repik? Hejduk and Hemsky would really help the top 6 while Sobotka would be a great 4th line/energy guy.
That's a good group of guys. Any word on Hejduk, Hemsky, Sobotka or Repik? Hejduk and Hemsky would really help the top 6 while Sobotka would be a great 4th line/energy guy.
Hemsky had labrum surgery, zero chance. We'll be happy if he's ready to play by October.
That's a good group of guys. Any word on Hejduk, Hemsky, Sobotka or Repik? Hejduk and Hemsky would really help the top 6 while Sobotka would be a great 4th line/energy guy.
Hemsky - out (injured)
Hejduk - probably out (knees problems)
Repik - not good enough yet
Sobotka - unfortunately, our coach doesn't want him
Hemsky - out (injured)
Hejduk - probably out (knees problems)
Repik - not good enough yet
Sobotka - unfortunately, our coach doesn't want him
Ahh, didn't realize Hemsky was injured. Now that I think about it I remember seeing the highlights.
Sucks that Sobotka isn't there. The guy is quickly becoming one of the best energy, bottom 6 players in the NHL. He should definately be on this team, especially if the Czech's are looking to repeat.
