No NHLers at 2014 Olympics??

beedub wrote:

The Guy With The Mustache wrote:

beedub wrote:As the vast majority of Olympic athletes ARE amateurs, it makes sense to send Canada's best amateur hockey players, which would likely be a junior team. I disagree that the Europeans have an advantage, look at our juniors. They kicked Donkey at the Worlds not too long ago.

Because, if I understand correctly, players from the SEL, KHL, SM-Liga, DEL etc. are eligible, while all of Canada's best play in the NHL.

I agree that if pro players are eligible, then the NHL players should go, why not. But if they were to inforce an amateur rule, then Canada would still rule.

That having been said, I would be willing to pit our Juniors against KHL players, Swedish SuperLeague or any of the Euro pro leagues IMO. I imagine they would do very well

The Guy With The Mustache wrote:

beedub wrote:

The Guy With The Mustache wrote:

beedub wrote:As the vast majority of Olympic athletes ARE amateurs, it makes sense to send Canada's best amateur hockey players, which would likely be a junior team. I disagree that the Europeans have an advantage, look at our juniors. They kicked Donkey at the Worlds not too long ago.

Because, if I understand correctly, players from the SEL, KHL, SM-Liga, DEL etc. are eligible, while all of Canada's best play in the NHL.

I agree that if pro players are eligible, then the NHL players should go, why not. But if they were to inforce an amateur rule, then Canada would still rule.

That having been said, I would be willing to pit our Juniors against KHL players, Swedish SuperLeague or any of the Euro pro leagues IMO. I imagine they would do very well

I wouldn't, it would be boys against men.

beedub wrote:As the vast majority of Olympic athletes ARE amateurs, it makes sense to send Canada's best amateur hockey players, which would likely be a junior team. I disagree that the Europeans have an advantage, look at our juniors. They kicked Donkey at the Worlds not too long ago.

Mojo wrote:

beedub wrote:As the vast majority of Olympic athletes ARE amateurs, it makes sense to send Canada's best amateur hockey players, which would likely be a junior team. I disagree that the Europeans have an advantage, look at our juniors. They kicked Donkey at the Worlds not too long ago.

Most amateur athletes who participate in the Olympics are only "amateur" because their sports don't have professional leagues. If there were such a thing as a professional speed skating league, it would be filled with the same people who are currently called amateur.