First of all, it's simply called 'hockey'. Hockey of any other kind is described via the surface it's played on such as 'field' hockey, or 'pond' hockey, or 'street' hockey. Assume it's hockey on ice (rink) unless otherwise specified. Calling it 'ice' hockey makes every Canadian and every true fan of the sport - in no particular order - cringe, roll their eyes repeatedly, and curse.
The World Jr. tournament was as usual highly entertaining with significant disappointment in the favored US team, the Canadian team and the Russian team. You'd think after all this time the US and Canadian team selectors would understand that International Hockey is an entirely different animal than the CHL or USHL, and yet they field teams without the right mix of speed, talent and skill for the larger ice surface and softer body play.
Already there is much rumbling in Canada over the selection of the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team. I, myself, am annoyed.
SwedishAdvocate; I watched Gabriel Landeskog develop in Jr. hockey in Canada. Terrific player, smart, dedicated to the game, and really well liked by his teammates and the community. He spoke better English than many of his English teammates.
He was the best conditioned player during the NHL fitness tests and I was annoyed on his behalf that he was chosen second in the draft, instead of first, as I thought he should have been. His Calder Trophy was well deserved.
