B21 Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 Is anyone else more excited to watch the (almost) inevitable USA/Canada Women's Gold Medal game? Apparently the Canadian women are a bunch of cheap shot artists? Could we have a brawl in Sochi, too? Hope the whip cream and jello is ready. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammer2 Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 @B21 It is kind of a joke how Canada and the US are the only teams that shine each Olympic year, you'd figure one of those countries would at least strengthen their progams enough to be competitive with the Big 2?? Judging from early results, it will be a 2 women race, as always. Fun for us, but bad for the sport as a whole. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B21 Posted February 10, 2014 Author Share Posted February 10, 2014 @B21 It is kind of a joke how Canada and the US are the only teams that shine each Olympic year, you'd figure one of those countries would at least strengthen their progams enough to be competitive with the Big 2?? Judging from early results, it will be a 2 women race, as always. Fun for us, but bad for the sport as a whole. I think that's true for a lot of women's team sports. The gap between the best teams and the "rest" is huge. I don't follow women's college basketball but it seems like UConn and maybe a handful of other teams are the top teams year after year. Not unusual in and of itself but they regularly beat teams in the top 20 by 30 and 40 points. I'm sure USA 9 Switzerland 0 this morning was closer than the score indicates. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyercanuck Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 @B21 We were talking about it last night after ballhockey over a beer. How much longer do they give gold and silver to Canada and the US every single year before they get rid of womens hockey? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commander Clueless Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 @B21 We were talking about it last night after ballhockey over a beer. How much longer do they give gold and silver to Canada and the US every single year before they get rid of womens hockey? Let's be honest, they can't get rid of women's Olympic hockey. It would be considered descrimination, and rightfully so. If men's hockey is a legitimate Olympic sport, then so is women's. It has nothing to do with one or two countries dominating a sport or not that make it a legitimate sport. Jamaica and the States tend to dominate sprinting events, but that doesn't make it any less of an Olympic sport. The better question is when do they get rid of the penalty for bodychecking? Or, conversely, get rid of bodychecking in men's Olympic hockey? Make the rules the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammer2 Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 @Commander Clueless Plus, there is always the thrill of wondering which weak sister gets the right to hold up the bronze!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hf101 Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 They made a change in the seeding after the last Olympics to minimize the number of blowout games. They are now grouped according to world ranking. The format was introduced at the 2012 world championships. Group A Canada, United States, Finland and SwitzerlandRussia, Sweden, Germany and Japan are in Group B.After the preliminary round robin, the bottom two Group A teams will play the top two from Group B in the quarter-finals.The winners move on to the semis to play the top two teams in Group A. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B21 Posted February 10, 2014 Author Share Posted February 10, 2014 Let's be honest, they can't get rid of women's Olympic hockey. It would be considered descrimination, and rightfully so. If men's hockey is a legitimate Olympic sport, then so is women's. It has nothing to do with one or two countries dominating a sport or not that make it a legitimate sport. Jamaica and the States tend to dominate sprinting events, but that doesn't make it any less of an Olympic sport. The better question is when do they get rid of the penalty for bodychecking? Or, conversely, get rid of bodychecking in men's Olympic hockey? Make the rules the same. Not necessarily. In the 100 Metre Dash, the last 7 Silver Medalists have been from Jamaica, Trinidad, Portugal, Trinidad again, Namibia, Namibia again and Great Britain. The last two Golds have been Usain Bolt and, before that, USA, USA, Canada and Great Britain. Sure, the US and Jamaica are traditional powers in the sport but that's hardly the same domination we see in women's hockey every Winter Olympics. With the exception of Bolt, no one is blowing away the competition the way the US and Canada regularly score 9-0 wins over the Switzerlands of the world. With the exception of 2006, it's been USA/Canada winning Gold/Silver every year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commander Clueless Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 (edited) Not necessarily. In the 100 Metre Dash, the last 7 Silver Medalists have been from Jamaica, Trinidad, Portugal, Trinidad again, Namibia, Namibia again and Great Britain. The last two Golds have been Usain Bolt and, before that, USA, USA, Canada and Great Britain. Sure, the US and Jamaica are traditional powers in the sport but that's hardly the same domination we see in women's hockey every Winter Olympics. With the exception of Bolt, no one is blowing away the competition the way the US and Canada regularly score 9-0 wins over the Switzerlands of the world. With the exception of 2006, it's been USA/Canada winning Gold/Silver every year. Well true, but I don't think that has really any bearing on my point. The sprinting is just an example of domination, albeit a weak one when compared to women's hockey. I'm trying to say that one or two countries dominating a sport doesn't make it any less of a legit Olympic sport. If, hypothetically, Jamaica and the US held all the medals in sprinting going back a decade, would there be talk of removing that sport? No. If a sport is considered an Olympic sport than it should be part of the Olympics, regardless of who wins. Taking away women's hockey just because it's dominated by two countries is a silly notion. If men have Olympic hockey, then women have the right to compete too. You can't take away one without taking away the other and not be accused of descrimination. It's not Canada or the States' fault that other countries don't have the interest or the program to compete at the Olympic level. Edited February 10, 2014 by Commander Clueless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B21 Posted February 10, 2014 Author Share Posted February 10, 2014 Well true, but I don't think that has really any bearing on my point. The sprinting is just an example of domination, albeit a weak one when compared to women's hockey. I'm trying to say that one or two countries dominating a sport doesn't make it any less of a legit Olympic sport. If, hypothetically, Jamaica and the US held all the medals in sprinting going back a decade, would there be talk of removing that sport? No. If a sport is considered an Olympic sport than it should be part of the Olympics, regardless of who wins. Taking away women's hockey just because it's dominated by two countries is a silly notion. If men have Olympic hockey, then women have the right to compete too. You can't take away one without taking away the other and not be accused of descrimination. It's not Canada or the States' fault that other countries don't have the interest or the program to compete at the Olympic level. Agree. Just trying to point out that there are different levels of domination. Track & Field has been around forever and the current "power" has evolved over time especially as more countries starting participating in the Olympic Games. That's true for almost all Olympic sports. Women's Ice Hockey is still relatively new and I'd willing to give it a few more changes before pulling the plug. But the other countries need to catch up fast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicago Hawkie Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 Well true, but I don't think that has really any bearing on my point. The sprinting is just an example of domination, albeit a weak one when compared to women's hockey. I'm trying to say that one or two countries dominating a sport doesn't make it any less of a legit Olympic sport. If, hypothetically, Jamaica and the US held all the medals in sprinting going back a decade, would there be talk of removing that sport? No. If a sport is considered an Olympic sport than it should be part of the Olympics, regardless of who wins. Taking away women's hockey just because it's dominated by two countries is a silly notion. If men have Olympic hockey, then women have the right to compete too. You can't take away one without taking away the other and not be accused of descrimination. It's not Canada or the States' fault that other countries don't have the interest or the program to compete at the Olympic level.I agree, and I hope some of the other countries can be more competitive. Finland was able to keep the US under five goals. Also, Russia came back to win 4-1 ... although they were playing Germany. The Russian fans in attendance were really into it and cheered their team on quite loudly, which was good to see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammer2 Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 I didn't see the whole game, but Finland looked *very* respectable in losing to Canada 3-0...some nice tight checking, excellent defensive zone coverage. They did not look out of place at all, at times, they had Canada back on their heels. Without seeing any of the other teams, Finland has to be considered a fav for Bronze....if they are not, the gap has closed considerably, based on that game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicago Hawkie Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 Russia just beat Japan 2-1 It was tied until the third period. The Japanese also played Sweden, I think it was, pretty tough earlier this week ... they played some good games against tough opponents. Russia will advance to the semifinals with the win. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammer2 Posted February 12, 2014 Share Posted February 12, 2014 @Chicago Hawkie I thought they were still in the early stages of the tournament? I don't think they are at the quarter finals/semi's etc... Just watching the first period of USA vs Canada .....very nice pace to the game so far, these women have some wicked wheels!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammer2 Posted February 12, 2014 Share Posted February 12, 2014 @Chicago Hawkie Hmmm, they just said USA already in Semi's...I was wrong....and confused....LOL! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanflyer Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Not necessarily. In the 100 Metre Dash, the last 7 Silver Medalists have been from Jamaica, Trinidad, Portugal, Trinidad again, Namibia, Namibia again and Great Britain. The last two Golds have been Usain Bolt and, before that, USA, USA, Canada and Great Britain. Sure, the US and Jamaica are traditional powers in the sport but that's hardly the same domination we see in women's hockey every Winter Olympics. With the exception of Bolt, no one is blowing away the competition the way the US and Canada regularly score 9-0 wins over the Switzerlands of the world. With the exception of 2006, it's been USA/Canada winning Gold/Silver every year. Truthfully, there are two aspects of this to be considered (beyond the aforementioned): 1) Population 2) How much pesos available 3) Culture On point 1, both USA and Canada have a much deeper well of talent to pull from because of the overall population. Whereas a country like Switzerland does not. On point 2, each country only has so much denero to spend on its olympic programs. Both USA and Canada have University (and underlying programs) for womens hockey. Many other smaller countries do not have that type of infrastructure. On point 3, even in the US and Canada, men always prevail in popularity. Fortunately the womens side has grown allot- in large part to the USA-Canada rivalry. The challenge is how do these smaller countries field a team that can pull out a "miracle" (ala USA Womens Soccer) that will elevate the sport in their respective country. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicago Hawkie Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 (edited) @Vanflyer I agree on all points, especially 2 and 3. Growing up even as recently as the 1980s, it seemed to me like women weren't expected to even watch much sports, let alone watch hockey. I didn't grow up watching sports either, in fact, but began following hockey along with the other sports in the mid 1990s when I was in college. So ... I guess I can tell my dad I was raised right, after all. Edited February 15, 2014 by Chicago Hawkie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJgoal Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 I have heard that the IOC is considering dropping women's hockey next Olympics. As far as the US being in the semi-finals, don't the top seeds get byes? Though I don't know how that would've happened if they shared the same group as Canada. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanflyer Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 I have heard that the IOC is considering dropping women's hockey next Olympics. As far as the US being in the semi-finals, don't the top seeds get byes? Though I don't know how that would've happened if they shared the same group as Canada. I can understand why, but it is a big step backward. The travesty for me in all this is that Womens hockey (by and large) are still amateurs. It all comes down to cost / reward, and that is a shame (ie. smaller countries can not compete with powerhouse countries that have womens hockey infrastructure already in place). The saddest part is, why can not the IOC and the olympic world see the intense rivalry and competitiveness of Canada / USA and embrace it to help promote it in other regions / countries of the world?? There are one overwhelming point I would like to make to the IOC: 1) There have been 22 Winter Olympiads since Ice Hockey was introduced (1920). In that span, there are some compelling things: a) Canada has won 8 gold medals (the 2002 was after a 50 year drought, and the last of course coming on home soil- no rhetoric there). b) United State has won 8 silver medals (many of those going against the Canucks). c) Russia has won 6 gold medals (and perhaps the most dominant fashion because it was within a 28 year span. d) Overall, since the 1920 Winter Olympiad, here are the totals for mens ice hockey: - Canada> 14 Medals- USA> 10 Medals (never a bronze)- Russia> 9 Medals It is very illuminating to see that and very disappointing if the IOC continues towards abolishing womens hockey from the Olympiad. Had the forefathers felt the way the current "Fathers" feel, there would be no Mens ice hockey in the Olympics. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyercanuck Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 @Vanflyer Valid point VF. Never looked at it that way. I guess being around for the womens first few Olympics puts them more in the limelight when it comes to their domination. And the fact that there's 4 or 5 mens teams that could win gold, compared to the usual one or the other in womens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammer2 Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 The tv rating are in. Apparently, more Canadians watched their Women's team play than Americans watched the USA men's team compete....wow....great support for our Women....very proud of that! Sure the NHL does not like that one bit! Betteman can use these ratings to lead the charge to not attending the next games! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyercanuck Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 The tv rating are in. Apparently, more Canadians watched their Women's team play than Americans watched the USA men's team compete....wow....great support for our Women....very proud of that! Sure the NHL does not like that one bit! Betteman can use these ratings to lead the charge to not attending the next games! Maybe they should have the hockey team arrive in monster trucks? (ducks for cover) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammer2 Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 @flyercanuck A NASCAR escort?? (double ducks!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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