[Jabberwalker]

There is no way in hell that I can afford to take my kids to NHL games. We only go when a supplier gives us tickets. Junior and amateur games are far more accessible for families, these days. I would think that over the very long term, the NHL will suffer from separating themselves from "the common people". A lot of people are missing out because of the cost of everything to do with 21st Century hockey.

[martin14]

Sweden Finland up now.

Personally, I think the Finns are going to get blown out of the building.

[Hyack]

1-0 Finns @ 28 seconds.....

[Strutz]

Hyack wrote:

No such luck.....first time ever Canada has been shut out of a medal two years in a row, losing out in the Bronze medal round to the Russians last year and this. Very disappointing result, but still, the kids gave us some great entertainment. Thanks guys and better luck next year....

That's too bad.

Hopefully next year we can turn that around.

[Mowich]

As bad as our kids feel today....the Swedish kids must feel that much worse losing at home. Nice win for the Fins - Gold Medal Champs. Great game.

[Mowich]

Hyack wrote:

No such luck.....first time ever Canada has been shut out of a medal two years in a row, losing out in the Bronze medal round to the Russians last year and this. Very disappointing result, but still, the kids gave us some great entertainment. Thanks guys and better luck next year....

Well said, Hyack....agree completely.

[martin14]

That was actually a really good game.

Congrats to the Finns.

[Freakinoldguy]

Alta_redneck wrote:

Could it be that we are not sending our best players, but the best players who's parents can afford to send their kids to all the Hockey Canada BS like summer camps, The Program of Excellence. I think it costs about $400. just to try out for the Red Deer AAA Midget team, then have to go grab a $200. stick?

A lot of kids miss out just because of the cost.

That's a distinct possibility but it could also be because they pretty much exclusively recruit from Major Junior while leaving the Jr. A and University leagues out of the equation which is sad because alot of kids playing in those leagues have the talent to play Major Junior but chose that route because of a desire to get an education either supplied by an American University or at home.

Of course, it could also be because it's cyclical and we're in a downturn in talent, just like we were on an upswing when we won our 5 gold medals in a row.