Olympic Ice Hockey?

dceire · 13-02-2010 9:22pm #1

Anyone know when the Ice Hockey starts in the Winter Olympics and for how long its on for? Its been an age since I've seen any decent hockey.

Pisco Sour · 14-02-2010 12:46am

dceire wrote: »

Anyone know when the Ice Hockey starts in the Winter Olympics and for how long its on for? Its been an age since I've seen any decent hockey.

The men's hockey starts on Monday. I'd recommend Eurosport as in 2006 BBC only showed the final live (unless you had the red button).

ESPN America has the Stanley Cup by the way in case you want to see some world class hockey!

red_ice · 17-02-2010 12:53am

is there any way of watching the hockey? anything will do.

Some of the guys on my team are candian, the 1 is america, looking for a session on saturday night. Even if its over a laptop screen!

Id like to watch the canada game on thursday aswell if i can

StevoTG · 17-02-2010 12:58am

BBC have been showing the women so far (well, I switched on during Canada-Switzerland yesteray), so I'd assume they'll show the men.
This website usually does the trick though http://www.myp2p.eu/competition.php?competitionid=&part=sports&discipline=olympicwintergames

Quick question. Which is more prestigious in International hockey, the Olympics or the World Championships?

EDIT: just wanted to note my jealousy of you, red ice, for playing

. I'm planning on buying a pair of roller blades to learn to skate, the pessimism/mockery when ever you say "I''d like to play ice hockey" is annoying!

red_ice · 17-02-2010 3:08am

you will pick up a cheap pair of hockey skates for 60 quid that will get you skating on ice. I got a pair for the gf a few months ago and they are grand for it.

lace em up and hit the learn to skate programs, give it 2/3 months and youl have the basics down to play in an ice hockey team. They even have gear you can use if your shy on it!

ps, thanks for the links!

Rented Mule · 17-02-2010 9:44pm

StevoTG wrote: »

Quick question. Which is more prestigious in International hockey, the Olympics or the World Championships?

The Olympics would be considered the 'most prestigious'. This is the one time every four years that the NHL players are aloowed to compete as a whole.

The World Championships are held during the middle of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs (which run from April - June) each year. Most of the top countries are missing their top players during this run.

There is a hockey 'World Cup' that has only taken place twice in the past 14 years. This is played on the smaller NHL ice surface and is geared more towards the North American game.

Supposedly, this will be the last Olympics in which the NHL players will be allowed to compete. Although, several prominent Russian players (Ovechkin, Malkin, Semin) have come forward saying that they will compete for their homeside in the 2014 games in Russia.

red_ice · 18-02-2010 12:22pm

Rented Mule wrote: »

Supposedly, this will be the last Olympics in which the NHL players will be allowed to compete. Although, several prominent Russian players (Ovechkin, Malkin, Semin) have come forward saying that they will compete for their homeside in the 2014 games in Russia.

Surely thats impossible. Those guys have as much right as anyone else to be playing for their country

StevoTG · 19-02-2010 1:37am

Cheers for the advice and info lads.

I'd hope the players have the final say in whether or not they get to play, having the likes of Ovechkin speaking up is a plus. A big name like that should hold some weight.

dceire · 22-02-2010 1:20am

Its all on BBC but only on the red button. So far I've seen Canada -v- Norway, Canada -v- Switzerland and Russia -v- Czech Rep. The big Canada -v- USA game is on BBC in about 10mins and I cant wait. Russia have impressed me the most so far.

I don't have ESPN and probably wont have anytime soon but I am heading to Canada for a year in the summer so I'm hoping to get well into it over there and hopefully catch a few live games too.

Where can you do these learn to skate courses?

Imposter · 22-02-2010 1:44am

Highlights of pretty much everything can be found here:
http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/

Xavi6 · 22-02-2010 7:11am

The Canada/USA game was quality. Canada set up a grandstand finish through Crosby but the Americans scored a late goal to seal it 5-3.

dceire · 23-02-2010 1:19am

Good game last night, Canada are going to have it tough now having to beat Germany, Russia and probably Sweden just to make the final.

cerebus · 25-02-2010 3:57am

7-3 for Canada versus the Russians - not too shabby!

StevoTG · 25-02-2010 1:25pm

Canada were immense! Best performance of the tournament so far. Could be a cracking final -v- USA if they both come through their semi's.
I was delighted to see Luongo in goal, he deserves it.

dceire · 25-02-2010 1:51pm

Great game alright definitely the best from the Canadians so far but Russia were disappointing. Roll on a US - Canada re-match in the final, although Finland could be tricky enough for the US.

StevoTG · 25-02-2010 3:32pm

Maybe I was a bit hasty in saying it was the best performance of the tournament so far. I've only seen clips, but by all acounts it seems as though Slovakia's 4-3 win over Sweden was a fantastic perfomance in a great game.

Rented Mule · 26-02-2010 2:06am

red_ice wrote: »

Surely thats impossible. Those guys have as much right as anyone else to be playing for their country

NHL players have only been involved in the Olympics since the Nagano games. They are under contract to their respective teams and are in season during the Olympics. The NHL has had to re-arrange the entire leagues schedule in order to accomodate these athletes. The change in schedules has created some unfavourable situations (back-to-back games, travel nightmares) for many teams (expecially Western Conference teams where the travel distances are considerably higher than the Eastern Conference).

Spaceman Spiff · 26-02-2010 7:30pm

red_ice wrote: »

Surely thats impossible. Those guys have as much right as anyone else to be playing for their country

The problem is that the NHL might not release their players (or at least not schedule the season with an Olympic break). This means any players who want to go will either give up their money for that time, or be in breach of contract. I'm not all that familiar with how the NHL/IIHF agreement works, but it could even be that any players who aren't cleared to play, wouldn't be eligible.

With players like Ovechkin, they at least would have some leeway if the league didn't release players because he's good and influential enough to work out a deal with the Capitals (but even this is a gray area regarding insurance and the player's association etc.)

It would be a huge mistake not to go, especially when so many of the players would want to take part. If the NHL really wants to grow the game, there are few better stages than the Olympics. They can schedule European games all they want, but I can tell you that the amount of attention hockey is getting in Slovakia and Finland right now because of games in Vancouver outweighs any NHL game that is played in Bratislava or Helsinki.

Rented Mule · 27-02-2010 7:23am

USA v Canada on Canadian home ice for the Gold Medal on Sunday.

cena · 27-02-2010 2:45pm

Rented Mule wrote: »

USA v Canada on Canadian home ice for the Gold Medal on Sunday.

is the bronze match on bbc and what time.

also what time is the final on

Rented Mule · 27-02-2010 10:28pm

It looks like a 3:00am GMT start for the Bronze Medal game.

No idea who is going to carry the game in Ireland.

StevoTG · 28-02-2010 3:28am

Only Eurosport will be showing it I think. Though there should be no problems finding a stream of the action on myp2p. I'm pretty sure I'm going to fall asleep after the first period.. but I'll be sure to get some caffeine in to me for the final tomorrow

dceire wrote: »

Where can you do these learn to skate courses?

Smithfield in Dublin run the learn to skate programs from November to January, I think. Dundalk is the only year-round rink that I know of. Dublin could really do with a permanent facility, as could Cork. If there were a permanent rink in Dublin with hockey programmes, the pool of players to choose from for the Irish national team would probably double within 15 years!

cena · 28-02-2010 4:08am

ya this country could do with more permanent rinks. thers loads of demand a christmas time. would love to play ice hockey

Rented Mule · 28-02-2010 2:53pm

cena wrote: »

ya this country could do with more permanent rinks. thers loads of demand a christmas time. would love to play ice hockey

Ice time is very expensive, not to mention the costs for equipment. There would need to be a much bigger interest in order for these rinks to break even.

Mr Moon · 28-02-2010 3:48pm

BBC and Eurosport will be showing the final tonight, at least it's on at a reasonable time 20:15!

liah · 01-03-2010 12:08am

CANADA WINS!

RichTea · 01-03-2010 12:22am

That was hugely exciting throughout. Have to feel for USA after a great comeback.

Kudos to the Canadian crowd, gave great respect to the Americans at the end.

Pisco Sour · 01-03-2010 1:39am

Just back from the Woolshed Bar in Dublin. Absolutely incredible atmosphere there. About 400-500 Canadians there, place jam-packed, noise levels defening beyong belief! They really do bring a whole new meaning to the world fanaticism!I really dont think anybody here could possibly begin to understand it until they have witnessed it! The place absolutely erupted when Crosby got the winner, and the place didnt quieten down one bit for 10 minutes or so! It was a continuous roar! I thought the building was going to fall down!!!

Absolutely delighted for Canada! They have given us this great game and for that reason alone I am delighted they got the chance to win on home ice!!

Feel sorry for Ryan Miller, he put in an incredible performance to keep the USA in it!!

kmart6 · 01-03-2010 1:41am

cena wrote: »

ya this country could do with more permanent rinks. thers loads of demand a christmas time. would love to play ice hockey

Why?! When the one's we have are struggling to stay open due to lack of business?!

Rented Mule · 01-03-2010 2:23am

04072511 wrote: »

Feel sorry for Ryan Miller, he put in an incredible performance to keep the USA in it!!

Two best players in the tournament:

1) Ryan Miller for the USA
2) Jonathon Toews for Canada

Rented Mule · 01-03-2010 2:33am

RichTea wrote: »

Kudos to the Canadian crowd, gave great respect to the Americans at the end.

Kudos to the fans of Vancouver.

If this was in Edmonton, you would have heard 'boos' for the USA National Anthem.

I am absolutely over the moon seeing Canada play the USA in the Final. I thought the O-ficiating was sub-standard at best in the game. The 1st USA goal was clearly offside. Obstruction/holding penalties were overlooked (clearly favouring Canada). McCleary was much quicker blowing the whistle for Luongo blowing the whistle freezing the puck (even when the puck was in sight - slow to blow in when it was frozen by Miller).

I said it earlier in a post (that without question) Ryan Miller (USA) and Jonathon Toews (Canada) were the two best players in the tournament.

Sidney Crosby may be the face of this current team, but Jonathon Toews is the future of Canadian Hockey.

StevoTG · 01-03-2010 3:52am

kmart6 wrote: »

Why?! When the one's we have are struggling to stay open due to lack of business?!

Well, I can only speak for myself when I say that if there were a rink in Dublin I'd be using it on a weekly basis. Seeing as I don't drive, the trek to Dundalk on a regular basis is a bit much. You'd have to think that there'd be enough interest in a city the size of Dublin to maintain an ice rink. Dundalk has a population of 35000, Louth has a population of 110,000 - it's just not comparable to Dublin.

As for the final. Both teams were fantastic. Having been so average by his standards throughout the tournament, I suppose we shouldn't be surprised that Crosby got the winner. Toews certainly did deliver on the big stage himself, and the future is bright for Canada! (Same goes for the Hawks if they hang onto him and Kane, who looked very dangerous today). Miller was fantastic throughout the tournament, and it's a shame he had to be on the loosing side.

Both sides deserve huge credit for their performances. Congratulations to Canada!

RichTea · 01-03-2010 3:00pm

Rented Mule wrote: »

Kudos to the fans of Vancouver.

If this was in Edmonton, you would have heard 'boos' for the USA National Anthem.

I am absolutely over the moon seeing Canada play the USA in the Final. I thought the O-ficiating was sub-standard at best in the game. The 1st USA goal was clearly offside. Obstruction/holding penalties were overlooked (clearly favouring Canada). McCleary was much quicker blowing the whistle for Luongo blowing the whistle freezing the puck (even when the puck was in sight - slow to blow in when it was frozen by Miller).

I said it earlier in a post (that without question) Ryan Miller (USA) and Jonathon Toews (Canada) were the two best players in the tournament.

Sidney Crosby may be the face of this current team, but Jonathon Toews is the future of Canadian Hockey.

Interesting. Wouldn't have thought I'd have seen that in Canada. Luongo was exceptional I thought. USA could have had a few more goals if it wasn't for him. It was the first full match I've watched, won't be the last.

Hello? · 01-03-2010 5:33pm

Rented Mule wrote: »

Kudos to the fans of Vancouver.

If this was in Edmonton, you would have heard 'boos' for the USA National Anthem.

I am absolutely over the moon seeing Canada play the USA in the Final. I thought the O-ficiating was sub-standard at best in the game. The 1st USA goal was clearly offside. Obstruction/holding penalties were overlooked (clearly favouring Canada). McCleary was much quicker blowing the whistle for Luongo blowing the whistle freezing the puck (even when the puck was in sight - slow to blow in when it was frozen by Miller).

Bill McCreary has been a ref in the NHL for about 20 years. He refereed the Salt Lake City Gold Medal game. He's experienced, tough and sometimes despised, but he isn't biased.

Yesterday's game was the best hockey we've seen in ages. It was fast, gritty, passionate and either team could have won. One of the reasons it was such a great game is because the refs let them play and only called the really obvious penalties. As for penalties not being called in Canada’s favour, I don't recall that at all. It seemed quite even for both teams. There were a few plays behind the puck which the US should have been called for but were not (crosschecking Dany Heatly into the US bench). Same for Canada. The difference in this game is that, for once, Canada played a disciplined game and didn't take stupid penalties. All in all, both teams were treated fairly. Referees are chosen long before the Gold Medal teams are decided. It was reported that both the US and Canada were happy to have Bill McCreary as the ref. The final could have been US vs Russia.

Edmonton fans would not boo the US national anthem. Last year, Montreal fans booed the US national anthem before a game against the Boston Bruins. This classless act was apparently in retaliation to Detroit fans for booing the Canadian anthem the previous week. Edmonton fans boo deserters (Chris Pronger) and whiners and all Calgary Flames players. There’s a huge rivalry between Edmonton and Calgary often referred to as the Battle of Alberta. Also, it wasn’t just Vancouver fans cheering the US team. That arena was packed with Canadians from all over the country including friends of mine from Toronto, Halifax and Edmonton. Not to mention people and Olympians from all over the world. It’s silly to think that only Vancouverites would attend the Olympic games. Hundreds of Calgarians took holidays in order to volunteer at the games. So comments like the ones about Edmonton and Vancouver are very misleading.

It was heartbreaking to watch the US receive their silver medals. They were the top team throughout the entire tournament with their consistent play. Ryan Miller did everything but stand on his head to keep his team in the game and to keep us to two goals for two periods. That’s why he was selected as the tournament MVP (Most Valuable Player).

And now, like most everyone, I am suffering Olympic withdrawal.

Spaceman Spiff · 02-03-2010 7:30pm

Crosby will never score a bigger goal in his life. He'd probably trade two Stanley Cups to be the guy to score the game winning goal against the US, in OT, in Canada.

Over 25 Million Canadians watching live, and a replay which will be shown for decades, defining a sporting generation. People who don't watch hockey, some who don't even watch sports will remember that goal and where they were.

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cullend2 · 03-03-2010 1:20am

StevoTG wrote: »

Well, I can only speak for myself when I say that if there were a rink in Dublin I'd be using it on a weekly basis. Seeing as I don't drive, the trek to Dundalk on a regular basis is a bit much.

you can get the 16/A bus to the airport, then the aircoach right to the door of the rink for €11 return if thats any use to ya... personally, once the summer comes and i have free weekdays im gonna hit the learn to play sessions up there as often as i can

and that USA - Canada game was amazing! glad the hosts won in the end though

Rented Mule · 05-03-2010 11:16pm

Hello? wrote: »

Edmonton fans would not boo the US national anthem. Last year, Montreal fans booed the US national anthem before a game against the Boston Bruins. This classless act was apparently in retaliation to Detroit fans for booing the Canadian anthem the previous week. Edmonton fans boo deserters (Chris Pronger) and whiners and all Calgary Flames players. There’s a huge rivalry between Edmonton and Calgary often referred to as the Battle of Alberta. Also, it wasn’t just Vancouver fans cheering the US team. That arena was packed with Canadians from all over the country including friends of mine from Toronto, Halifax and Edmonton. Not to mention people and Olympians from all over the world. It’s silly to think that only Vancouverites would attend the Olympic games. Hundreds of Calgarians took holidays in order to volunteer at the games. So comments like the ones about Edmonton and Vancouver are very misleading.

I remember quite well the Edmonton fans booing the US National Anthem when they were playing Dallas in the playoffs a few years ago.

I would not have made that comment if it had not already happened in the past. It was an off the cuff comment, that was not meant to demean everyone from Alberta, or more to the point Edmonton.

Olympic Ice Hockey?

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