mechaphil wrote:
End The Curse wrote:
The kids aren't pro, Phil.
College age kids? 18 and 19 year old junior kids? They're groomed to be pros from the start of their chosen paths.
What about the European teams? Are their pro leagues any less pro than the NHL in the eyes of the IIHF or IOC? Kids turn pro in Europe as early as 15 (see Numminen, Teppo). Does that mean only 14 year old and some non-pro 15 and 16 year olds are the only players eligible?
What about AHL players? They don't play in the NHL, but are owned by member clubs, so does that make them pros or amateurs?
It's not as easily executed now as it once was, and even then it was American and Canadian college boys versus hard-fought teams from Europe who trained, lived, and played like "pros".
If the kid or player is not getting paid for playing hockey they are not pros, even if they are getting groomed to be pros.
That's really the only definition you could use for this, so College kids and Junior players would be the only ones eligible for the Olympics, and it would create a new team every four years.
It's fine with the way it is, but to say last night no one played with passion or determination is flat out wrong. Kesler's empty net goal was a thing of beauty and was completely beat to that puck, but he was determined to seal the deal. Drury blocking shots and not letting any lane to be open on the PK also. Rafalski taking charge and being a leader on the ice for Team USA with his dominant performance.
Miller stopping 42 shots and making crazy saves to not let that puck go by him. These guys are there to play, even Canada and every other team in this tourney plays with passion and a desire to win. I don't think the atmosphere now would change if only amateurs were allowed to play again.
Juniors is great to watch since every player is playing for that chance to go pro and absolutely playing for a love of the game. But playing for ones country is an honor that 23 players get to do once every four years, so why would you want to play lazy and half-hearted?
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CriminallyVu1gar wrote:
No need for violence, just tell her she's got a game misconduct and show her the door.
Rud wrote:
As I said in the GDT, the call on Rivet was horseshit. The Bruins player was holding onto Rivet's stick like it was the last fucking raft on the Titanic.
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