[Ayreonaut]

I had a quick glance and didn't see a thread about this yet. I figure this tournament deserves to be separated from the NHL thread, but if a mod feels differently then I guess go ahead and do your thing.

Tournament starts tomorrow.

Czech Republic vs. Sweden
Canada vs. Latvia
Russia vs. Austria
USA vs. Slovakia

On Tuesday I went to the CAN-FIN game. I'm not sure which countries are supposed to have fielded the best team, but Finland isn't anything to write home about, except for #9 (D). He's not outstanding or anything, but he's entertaining as hell because whenever he gets the puck he throws some mad head-fakes.

So I'll be wearing my new Team Canada jersey tomorrow for the puck drop on my favourite annual hockey tournament.

[Dalreg]

Yep welcome to Saskatoon and Saskatchewan. We will put on one hell of a tourney.

[Nicko999]

Can we rename this thread "International Hockey" or something like that? This way, we can also include the Olympic tournament without creating a new thread.
Just a suggestion...

[Nicko999]

5-0 canada after 20 min.:D

[kitchener-lrt]

8-0 so far!

[Yume-sama]

16 - 0 Final. I feel bad for the Latvian kids. Though, they have more patience than I do.

[Dalreg]

Can we rename this thread "International Hockey" or something like that? This way, we can also include the Olympic tournament without creating a new thread.
Just a suggestion...

No, keep it for what it is. The thread will run it's course and disappear in time. You want a thread for international hockey, start one up.

Right now this is the main focus for most hockey fans in Canada.

Go Canada!

[caltrane74]

disgrace.....

[Calgarian]

Poor Latvia, how are they even in this tournament? Lets hope the Swiss put up a better fight today.

[caltrane74]

the swiss should put up more of a fight... maybe just 7 nothing, or 8 to 1

[O-Town Hockey]

What's with all the empty seats on opening day?? I know Sask has a much smaller population than we had to draw from last year, but their arenas are smaller and I would still expect a sellout for any games involving Canada. Good showing by the boys nonetheless!

[Calgarian]

They said it was a sellout on TSN, just took everyone a while to actually get into the arena.

[Nathan]

What's with all the empty seats on opening day?? I know Sask has a much smaller population than we had to draw from last year, but their arenas are smaller and I would still expect a sellout for any games involving Canada. Good showing by the boys nonetheless!

The arena in Saskatoon isn't that much smaller. It's up around 15,000 seats.

Regina's is around 7,500 or so now, but no Canada games are there.

[caltrane74]

2 nil..... first intermission.

[caltrane74]

5 nil

[1ajs]

damn

[midnightrambler]

They said it was a sellout on TSN, just took everyone a while to actually get into the arena.

I think a lot of people bought tickets but don't bother going because the parking and traffic out at CUC is a sick joke.

I went to the Latvia vs Canada game, was late getting there, saw the first 11 goals though, then we took off before the 2nd period started to beat the traffic.

Trust me they screwed up big time putting the CUC on the outskirts of the City. I think it was because one of the city councillors owned the land... Cliff Wright I believe... just really dirty silly politics..

[Nathan]

I think a lot of people bought tickets but don't bother going because the parking and traffic out at CUC is a sick joke.

I went to the Latvia vs Canada game, was late getting there, saw the first 11 goals though, then we took off before the 2nd period started to beat the traffic.

Trust me they screwed up big time putting the CUC on the outskirts of the City. I think it was because one of the city councillors owned the land... Cliff Wright I believe... just really dirty silly politics..

It was probably part that and part when Sask Place was built the trend in North America was still to build the big arenas and stadiums on the outskirts of the cities.

[JayM]

The arena in Saskatoon isn't that much smaller. It's up around 15,000 seats.

Regina's is around 7,500 or so now, but no Canada games are there.

Didn't they recently renovate Credit Union Centre (Sask Place)? They added more seats?

[Nathan]

Didn't they recently renovate Credit Union Centre (Sask Place)? They added more seats?

Yes... and that is why capacity is now around 15,000. There used to be a whole end of the ice that didn't have seating on the second level, but I think they filled that in for their latest renovations.

[JayM]

I want to note I am not in favour of the mercy rule. As every goal counts. Like I really want to see a game end because the score is slightly lopsided I paid to see a full game and I will see a full 3x20minute game.

[Yume-sama]

Yeah, you can't have a mercy rule when all of the goals DO count. This tournament can be pretty much decided on goal differential, which is why they have to never let up. If there were to be a tie in the standings with the better teams like Russia, USA, etc., they would look at who scored the most goals. All the teams get a chance at Latvia :P As for the crowd, I heard them mention on TV that there is only 2 ways in and out of the arena... so people couldn't even get IN!

They should probably have thought of that before giving them the tournament... or, the city should have fixed it. It's pretty much the only thing that will ever happen in Saskatoon ;)

[JayM]

WOW! what the hell! lol

[Reggae Boyz Ja]

This is so stupid..Every year Canada wins, and nobody in the world gives a rats azz. U think Brazil, Nigeria or Australia cares about this dumb tourney??

When canada makes it to the World Cup and wins a game then it's something to be proud of!!

[bulliver]

Why the hell is Team Canada playing matinee games while other teams (USA, Russia) get the prime time? Lots of Canadians missed the game today because of work.

They must be trying to keep everything balanced, looks like the next two of the round-robin (vs Slovakia and USA) are prime time...

[dsim249]

Yeah, you can't have a mercy rule when all of the goals DO count. This tournament can be pretty much decided on goal differential, which is why they have to never let up. If there were to be a tie in the standings with the better teams like Russia, USA, etc., they would look at who scored the most goals. All the teams get a chance at Latvia :P As for the crowd, I heard them mention on TV that there is only 2 ways in and out of the arena... so people couldn't even get IN!

They should probably have thought of that before giving them the tournament... or, the city should have fixed it. It's pretty much the only thing that will ever happen in Saskatoon ;)

Ya... Obviously no one thought of doing any upgrades to CUC before hosting this major event. :) Darn Prairie simpletons!
A considerable amount of money and effort was put into making sure this event would run as smoothly as possible- without building an entirely new arena. We made do with what we have.

I'm not sure what the issue is (in regards to people supposedly not being able to enter the building), but two new entrances were recently added to the southwest end of the arena. Bringing the total to six. That's according to the 'World Junior Championship Fan Guide'.

[capitalist]

Some buddies and i tried to get tickets for the game but all we could get are single tickets. We couldnt even get two seats together, so either the seats are sold and some people are not coming or ticketmaster is being a pain in the rear.

[Yume-sama]

Why the hell is Team Canada playing matinee games while other teams (USA, Russia) get the prime time? Lots of Canadians missed the game today because of work.

They must be trying to keep everything balanced, looks like the next two of the round-robin (vs Slovakia and USA) are prime time...

Probably because USA vs. Russia is actually worth watching. And, maybe it'll be on some obscure American channel, and they always try and cater to that :P

[JayM]

Probably because USA vs. Russia is actually worth watching. And, maybe it'll be on some obscure American channel, and they always try and cater to that :P

I thought that was pretty weird to I missed all the games to date. Think I watch one 3rd period that's it!

[Nathan]

Ya... Obviously no one thought of doing any upgrades to CUC before hosting this major event. :) Darn Prairie simpletons!
A considerable amount of money and effort was put into making sure this event would run a smoothly as possible- without building an entirely new arena. We made do with what we have.

I'm not sure what the issue is (in regards to people supposedly not being able to enter the building), but two new entrances were recently added to the southwest end of the arena. Bringing the total to six. That's according to the 'World Junior Championship Fan Guide'.

Also, Saskatoon does host numerous sold out concerts every year, with attendances pretty much on par with that of the Juniors so it's not like they've never had that mass of people trying to get into the building before...

[caltrane74]

that was close.......

happy new year......

[Calgarian]

What a game, the US completely outplayed Canada in the first 2 periods, I thought they had that one in the bag. Great comeback by the good guys and awesome shootout, I would enjoy that as a gold medal matchup.

[bulliver]

Was a fantastic game! Canada vs USA never disappoints.

[Urban_Genius]

Canada, Switzerland. I hope Canada doesn't overlook the Swiss, but I doubt they can bounce back less then 24 hours and make another miracle.

Sweden-USA will be good. The swedes are incredibly undisciplined. I guess it would be nice to get another chance at making Markstrom "the diver" cry again. What a princess.

[Denscity]

Canada USA final!!

[Nicko999]

That's going to be great...

[capitalist]

Tournament proves big financial success

Attendance ranks third all-time

By David Hutton, The StarPhoenixJanuary 5, 2010 8:18 AMBe the first to post a comment
The world junior hockey tournament is expected to pump more than $44 million into the provincial economy and has also become a boon for some Saskatoon businesses that would usually struggle after the Christmas rush, store owners and tournament officials say.

The tournament itself has generated more than $24.5 million in gross revenue, including ticket sales, the 50-50 draws, merchandise, sponsorship, grants and other sources. That money will be used to pay down expenses, then be split up among hockey and tourism organizations, officials say.

Ticket sales alone have accounted for $14.7 million when corporate boxes and pre-tournament sales are included, which comes close to matching the record $14.8 million generated through ticket sales in the much larger Ottawa market last year, said event general manager Rob Jones.

Tuesday night's gold medal game was close to sold out Monday afternoon, with tickets going for between $200 and $500, depending on location, on scalping websites.

The total ticket sales for all games in Saskatoon and Regina as of Monday morning -- at 333,000 total attendance or 10,750 average per game -- ranks third all-time behind larger venues in Ottawa, which exceeded 450,000, and Vancouver, which sold roughly 375,000 tickets.

Credit Union Centre has grossed $1.6 million from concession sales, ticket service charges and a facility fee, said CUC director Ken Wood.

"With concessions, our objective was to reach NHL levels and we're going to come right in around that area," Wood said.

The young and predominantly male crowd has pushed beer sales to high levels, with an estimated 144,000 sold during the tournament, Wood said, which equates to more than $1 million in beer sales.

"It's a beer-drinking crowd," he said. "On Boxing Day and New Year's, people were in a festive mood and you could see it in the beer sales."

The revenue will be plowed back into reducing borrowing from the $12.5 million in facility upgrades that have been undertaken at CUC recently.

"We'll only have a small increase in our debt," Wood said.

The main problems for spectators at the event have been cold temperatures at ice-level and cigarette smoke blowing back into the rink, Wood said.

The cold temperatures are a trade-off for good ice conditions, while the CUC board will consider adding additional smoking lobbies "to handle this size of crowd and to have a better buffer."

WorldFest, the party venue in the converted agricultural showroom near the arena, has generated around $650,000 in revenue, which included a packed New Year's Eve event.

"There's a lot of dollars that get left around the city," Jones said.

The tournament is expected to pour around $44 million into the provincial economy, the lion's share in Saskatoon, said Todd Brandt, president and CEO of Tourism Saskatoon.

The host committee won't know final numbers until spring, after it has processed information based on interviews with tourists and business owners across the province, Brandt said.

The number of people coming from across the country to the event has been lower than anticipated -- with some hotels not reaching capacity -- but in-province support has made up for the lag, he said.

"We're tracking to at least that ($44 million) number," Brandt said.

The food and beverage sector will net the highest amount, followed by retail and hotels, he said.

"The timing slotted in beautifully," Brandt said. "Having something right after the Christmas rush is good for Saskatoon."

dhutton@sp.canwest.com

BIG BOOST FOR BUSINESSES

The tournament has been a boost to Jersey City in the Midtown Plaza, one of the official retailers of Team Canada merchandise.

The store has had several of the European teams come through the store, buying up Canada merchandise to take home to relatives, said Jarrid Kipling, a sales associate.

Latvian team members even offered to trade their gear for products, he said.

January is usually a slow time in the retail sector, but the store has doubled its usual sales, Kipling said.

"There's some days we don't sell anything else except Team Canada merchandise," he said. "Anything green sells well."

Keegan McAvoy, manager of Tusq Restaurant and Staqatto Piano House downtown, said the tournament has helped bring traffic in during days that usually wouldn't be busy.

"On some of our off days it's been a little busier," he said.

The restaurant has two private rooms that were used by Hockey Canada officials, including executive director Steve Yzerman, in the lead-up to the Olympic roster announcement and has since played host to Mark Messier and others.

The lounge has also become the second home of TSN's broadcast crew, he said.

"(The piano bar has) been rocking every night and we're going to do it again Tuesday night when it's all over," McAvoy said.

© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix

[drto]

I agree that it is somewhat disappointing to see that not all the Canadian games were sell-outs and even more disappointing to hear all the negative comments about Saskatoon even being awarded the WJHC. I was back in Saskatoon over Christmas and went to 3 games which all had attendance over 12,000, one of them was Slovakia vs Switzerland. The things nobody talks about was the ticket prices and the temperatures. Game tickets for even the crappy games cost $45 face value for afternoon games and went up exponentially for Team Canada games. The weather was very cold all week with New Years Eve being retardedly cold at -36oC outside with a windchill of -48oC. Parking is, and always has been, an issue, ever since they built Sask Place way out in no man's land between two highways and mass transit has been hit and miss with success. I personally think it is great to get this event back to smaller cities where Junior Hockey is the only show in town. Saskatoon and Regina put on a great event whether TSN and various sports radio personalities think so or not!

[-Harlington-]

tied at 5 going into overtime, go canada
and thank god for jordan eberle

[Wooster]

Put Eberle on the olympic taxi squad just in case Canada is down with a couple of minutes left in the gold medal game.


Holy crap.

[dsim249]

:( Rats...

[digitboy]

That's it, the game is over.

We didnt win the silver medal : we lost the gold... 2 goals deficit in a tournament final is never good. Well deserved to the americans who never gave up and won in OT. Awesome hockey played tonight in Saskatoon.

[-Harlington-]

thats the thing about silver, its the only medal you have to lose to get,,
but all in all a great hockey game
they took it from us here but well have our revenge in buffalo :tup:

[Nicko999]

The US were the best team of the tournament. Well deserved!!!

[Yume-sama]

Whoever put together the defense failed miserably. How many 2 on 1's or 3 on 1's is too many? :P Overall this tournament was really lame, and the result didn't help ;). Not one interesting game for Canada, other than those against the USA. The others were complete blowouts, and not worth the time to watch. This went for almost everyone in the tournament. Hopefully next year has more entertainment value.

If not, maybe they should only allow Canada, USA, Russia, Sweden, Finland, and one wildcard to enter.

[Calgarian]

Wow, what a disappointing loss, I thought they would win after that comeback. Pietrangelo was just awful that game, he was dragging his ass all over the ice, and Allen was pretty soft too, he seemed to go down really early on those first 2 goals. Overall I'm pretty disappointed with the coaching, there seemed to be very little structure to the play for Canada the whole tournament, the team seemed to rely on skill alone.

That being said, kudos to the Americans, they played really well and deserved the win.

[theman23]

Canada's defencemen were just too slow, and the USA's speed exposed them. There was also an extended period of time where they did a stellar job blocking shots- by my count, there were at least 4 or 5 great Canadian chances to score in the third that were blocked.

Its tough to get on Pietrangelo's case about his speed since there isn't much a guy can do about that. But at the same time, he needs to be aware of his limitations and play smarter. On that last play, he should have known that there was only one man back and shouldn't have driven to the net after his shot.

Overall not a bad game from Canada (aside from the goaltending). Its easy to overstate the negatives after a loss, but in this case they were just outplayed.

[circle33]

The better Team won. In fact if the US had started Campbell in goal I would argue the stage would have never been set for Eberle's heroics. Still, not a bad way to send a Tuesday night.

[boden]

I don't know much about sports, but aren't a lot of the players on the US team from Canada? Just curious.

[Acajack]

I don't know much about sports, but aren't a lot of the players on the US team from Canada? Just curious.

Since these were national teams (as opposed to pro NHL teams) all of the players are Americans. In some cases national teams might have naturalized players born in other countries but the U.S. junior team that won last night was 100% American-born.

At least two players on the U.S. team are the children of Canadian NHLers who had careers in the States: Ryan Bourque is the son of Raymond Bourque and John Ramage is the son of Rob Ramage.

There are probably other members of the U.S. team that have some family ties to Canada which explains the family passion for hockey which remained even after settling in the U.S.

Jeremy Morin who is listed as being from Auburn, NY has a French-Canadian surname for example. There are likely a few others with at least some Canadian roots on there but it’s harder to tell with the non-French names since they don’t stand out as much.

[-Harlington-]

during the game they said that at least three of the players on the US were born in canada, but had to duel citizinship and had a choise to play for either team,,..................traiters:)

[SHOFEAR]

Better team won. USA played great. Played really physical and got to love the heart they had to consistantly get infront of all those shots.


At least it didn't come down to some pansy ass Eurotrash ref calling some penalty because some eurotrash soccer player got hurt when he was run over by a big WHL boy....which happens all to often in international hockey.


during the game they said that at least three of the players on the US were born in canada, but had to duel citizinship and had a choise to play for either team,,..................traiters:)

why? would those three players have been choosen if they played on Canada?

I'd totally play for foriegn country's national team if I was living there. I'm an average player on my mens league team here...but playing in switzerland and playing more than once a week...who knows... maybe I cold make a national team with a couple years of intense training.

[Acajack]

during the game they said that at least three of the players on the US were born in canada, but had to duel citizinship and had a choise to play for either team,,..................traiters:)

I misread the USA Hockey site (http://www.usahockey.com/) where you can see the list of players by clicking on "U.S. roster". It lists "hometowns" for players rather than places of birth.

Although all of the hometowns listed are in the States, it is entirely possible that some players were born in Canada but grew up in the U.S.

Still, it is not up to us to judge which country a person identifies with most.

And to be honest, there are usually a number of Canadians on the "national" hockey teams of other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, etc.

For many, it is often a chance to live a dream (often Olympic) that would otherwise be impossible because they aren't good enough to make Team Canada.

[Urban_Genius]

Canada's defencemen were just too slow, and the USA's speed exposed them. There was also an extended period of time where they did a stellar job blocking shots- by my count, there were at least 4 or 5 great Canadian chances to score in the third that were blocked.

Its tough to get on Pietrangelo's case about his speed since there isn't much a guy can do about that. But at the same time, he needs to be aware of his limitations and play smarter. On that last play, he should have known that there was only one man back and shouldn't have driven to the net after his shot.

Overall not a bad game from Canada (aside from the goaltending). Its easy to overstate the negatives after a loss, but in this case they were just outplayed.
This I agree with.
Canada's defence was brutal and it didn't help that they lost Hamonic. Ellis was by far the biggest disappointment for me. He was awful beyond belief. Factor in that they couldn't use Cowan because he's too slow and Teubert didn't really do much...

Having said that full value to the USA. They played very well, were disciplined, well coached, had depth, and unlike almost all American juniors they showed some heart and mental grit. Can't take anything away from them. I had a really bad feeling yesterday about them and sure enough they won.

It should be noted though, that Canada has had it's share of luck and eventually it would run out. 2007 with Jonathan Toews in the shootout, 2008 OT against Sweden, Eberle scoring with 5.4 seconds left last year...

And about that Eberle, what a clutch player. Can't wait to see him in the NHL next year.

[Yume-sama]

Certainly won't take much for him to be the best player on the Oilers :P

[-Harlington-]

all i know is that i want him on my team when theres 5 seconds left, and he will be the oilers top player.