There have been multiple articles written about. Its not just equipment and registration costs. Its also hockey camps, travel, tourneys etc. You wouldn't believe how much it runs to put even one kid through hockey until even midget AAA. Im not sure where you live but people living paycheque to paycheque dont put kids in hockey here. Simple as that.
Think about it, when the larger group of people are excluded from something because they can't afford, what happens to the talent pool? Just because you don't like the answer doesnt mean it isnt true.
- sanfordnson

I would agree that some kids just don't get to play because their parents/families can't afford it. I'm only suggesting that the costs between Canada and the US are probably not that much different. equipment, ice time, travel costs etc... all same issues here in Minnesota which as most hockey fans know is one of the biggest hockey states in the US.

My main point is that where I live as opposed to where you live are really not that far apart save different countries. So even though your overall point is a valid one, I'm simply suggesting that it probably doesn't affect youth programs there any more than it does here. Possibly to an even lesser degree as Hockey(even in Minnesota) is still at best the 3rd most popular sport.

How could the Czechs not have taken Hudler, Vrbata, Hejda & Polak?

Someone is getting fired in Czech Hockey after they fail miserably in these Olympics.

If you take the Norris contenders out of the comparison, the US has a better defense. Did I read that correctly!?

- 1979AD

Just trying to pin-point how ek landed at the conclusion that US has better D than canada, that seems like the most logical thought process to me. Clearly he's wrong.

How could the Czechs not have taken Hudler, Vrbata, Hejda & Polak?

Someone is getting fired in Czech Hockey after they fail miserably in these Olympics.
- striker777

And Pavelec didn't even dress against the Swedes?

WTF are these people thinking?

Just trying to pin-point how ek landed at the conclusion that US has better D than canada, that seems like the most logical thought process to me. Clearly he's wrong.
- Girouxsalem90

I dunno, I think it's a subjective topic anyway you look at it. Looking at both teams it's logical who has the outright better and/or most elite players.

But there's really no way to say within any degree of accuracy which team truly has the "better" defense. But I also think that the main debate should be which team brings with it a better overall team defense.

While I dont think your take is unfounded, I still think either is more than capable. Both are execptional goalies. Biggest difference IMO is that Quick is used to playing behind one of the best defensive teams in the West while Miller has been on a team with mediocre defensive play over the last 2+ seasons.

I like either one and appreciate that 2 of the best in the NHL are 1 and 2 playing for the US.
- MnGump

I see your point there, and agree, that we are strong in net,

I hate to pull this trump card to win the debate but here is the hammer....

Quick over Miller...

BECAUSE: MIKE MILBURY
done.

Fixed.

Hockey has become exorbitantly expensive to play in Canada and as a result the talent pool of Canadian youth has shrunk. Once Canadians realize what its doing to our national program and cease making it only a sport for the wealthy, it will be corrected. Throw all the numbers at it you like you guys simply dont live the game like we do. I do agree to a certain extent and think that sooner or later the US will produce a true generational talent. and then we get to watch the fun as he will be proclaimed better than Gretzky.
- sanfordnson

I disagree. I've coached my sons team for the past 5 years. Hockey is one of the best bang for your buck sports out there. With registration/equipment/camps/tournaments we average about $1700 out of pocket each year with the rest fundraised. For that the kids get on the ice 2-5 times a week. And I coach not for the hockey skills but for the life skills that it develops in kids. Teamwork, discipline, leadership, integrity, courage, heart etc.

Taking hitting out of peewee in Canada has been a good thing. Our kids need to develop more skill and start possessing the puck more. More and more coaching strategies are moving away from the dump and chase.

I have other kids in Dance/Football/Swimming/Skiing and all are just as or more expensive as hockey. Especially once they get competitive. Soccer is the only thing I could think that may be cheaper but soccer sucks ass...

I would say Miller isn't wrapped to tight, but now that I think about it neither is Quick, but Quick is wrapped a little tighter.


I don't like Miller, every time he is interviewed I wind up wanting to hit him in the ear with a Tack Hammer.

- MikeOxbyg

I would like any NHL goalie to play behind the Sabres the last 3+ years and not be upset. Starts with getting run by Lucic, with no response, then precedes to see the rest of his team just get torn apart piece by piece as the "old" core is removed, and being the only one left. As far as I'm concerned, his interviews are of complete frustration due to the ineptitude of the rest of his team. Have you ever played a sport? It's like being the one of the best in the league, state, city or whatever region you play and constantly being let down by everyone else around you! Yes, it would be very frustrating.

I would like any NHL goalie to play behind the Sabres the last 3+ years and not be upset. Starts with getting run by Lucic, with no response, then precedes to see the rest of his team just get torn apart piece by piece as the "old" core is removed, and being the only one left. As far as I'm concerned, his interviews are of complete frustration due to the ineptitude of the rest of his team. Have you ever played a sport? It's like being the one of the best in the league, state, city or whatever region you play and constantly being let down by everyone else around you! Yes, it would be very frustrating.
- SDSabre

frustration and douche are not the same...

Eklund: Predicting the Olympics is all about the Goalies. Your Picks? +Rumor Update
- Eklund

I see your point there, and agree, that we are strong in net,

I hate to pull this trump card to win the debate but here is the hammer....

Quick over Miller...

BECAUSE: MIKE MILBURY
done.


- MikeOxbyg

Ha ha! Touche!

I disagree. I've coached my sons team for the past 5 years. Hockey is one of the best bang for your buck sports out there. With registration/equipment/camps/tournaments we average about $1700 out of pocket each year with the rest fundraised. For that the kids get on the ice 2-5 times a week. And I coach not for the hockey skills but for the life skills that it develops in kids. Teamwork, discipline, leadership, integrity, courage, heart etc.

Taking hitting out of peewee in Canada has been a good thing. Our kids need to develop more skill and start possessing the puck more. More and more coaching strategies are moving away from the dump and chase.

I have other kids in Dance/Football/Swimming/Skiing and all are just as or more expensive as hockey. Especially once they get competitive. Soccer is the only thing I could think that may be cheaper but soccer sucks ass...
- Iggysbff

All my kids started hockey late. My youngest as a 1st year Novice. My middle as a 1st year Atom & my oldest as a 2nd year Atom. We were reluctant hockey parents, we did soccer & baseball. When they played house hockey it was reasonable. $375.00 for 7 months. 1 practice a week 1/2 ice. 1, possibly 2 games a weekend depending upon the manager & our fund raising efforts. 1 to 3 tournaments over the holidays, generally local so staying in hotels was potentially optional as the drive was little more than an hour or 2.

Team sports are mandatory in our house for all the reasons you stated. I don't care what they play they decide. Team sports teach a ton of important life skills.

It was the move to competitive sports;rep teams, that increased the costs & the majority of those costs can simply be attributed to travel & tournaments. The off season fitess & cardo regime they all participate we would do regardless of whether they play competitive sports. Another important life skill. Those hockey; Ottawa, Phoenix & Denver this year, & lacrosse; Calgary on Canda Day & San Diego, trips are our family holidays now for the most part. In Baseball it's manly trips over the southern portion of British Columbia.

I agree on the hitting issue also. I have come full circle on hitting in youth developemnt hockey. Simply to many unecessary injuries when you consider that less than 1% of all kids that sign up to play hockey in Canada even make it to Junior B.

"In my opinion, if I have to win 1 game, to steal 1 game, there is no one I would rather have in net then Jonathan Quick." - Ek


Thanks Ek!


'In your opinion', what do you think the price of hamburger meat will be in, oh, six years time?

i digress

I disagree. I've coached my sons team for the past 5 years. Hockey is one of the best bang for your buck sports out there. With registration/equipment/camps/tournaments we average about $1700 out of pocket each year with the rest fundraised. For that the kids get on the ice 2-5 times a week. And I coach not for the hockey skills but for the life skills that it develops in kids. Teamwork, discipline, leadership, integrity, courage, heart etc.

Taking hitting out of peewee in Canada has been a good thing. Our kids need to develop more skill and start possessing the puck more. More and more coaching strategies are moving away from the dump and chase.

I have other kids in Dance/Football/Swimming/Skiing and all are just as or more expensive as hockey. Especially once they get competitive. Soccer is the only thing I could think that may be cheaper but soccer sucks ass...
- Iggysbff

YES !

frustration and douche are not the same...
- MikeOxbyg

If that's the case, I would like to get one quote from you that is douchie and not frustrated related please? Anyone would be frustrated by the Sabres. Even Quick, has had "douchie" / "frustrated" comments after being let down by his team

If that's the case, I would like to get one quote from you that is douchie and not frustrated related please? Anyone would be frustrated by the Sabres. Even Quick, has had "douchie" / "frustrated" comments after being let down by his team
- SDSabre

yeah, Quick has had some baggy moments

I don't have the wherewithal to hunt down samples of Miller's attitude, but well adjusted humans can curb their attitudes an "bagginess" in the midst of frustration.

so let's just drop that aspect of it and say GO U.S.A. cuz at for the next week or so we are on the same team..

i digress
- Flyfreaky

This shtt get hammered out yet??

Serious question fellow hockey fans. Many people seem to think that women cant play in a men's league (eklunds last blog) okay fair enough, but how about coach in the nhl? Could women successful in coaching a nhl team?

Serious question fellow hockey fans. Many people seem to think that women cant play in a men's league (eklunds last blog) okay fair enough, but how about coach in the nhl? Could women successful in coaching a nhl team?
- oilersfann

Nyet

This shtt get hammered out yet??
- Fruitcakenipple

?

yeah, Quick has had some baggy moments

I don't have the wherewithal to hunt down samples of Miller's attitude, but well adjusted humans can curb their attitudes an "bagginess" in the midst of frustration.

so let's just drop that aspect of it and say GO U.S.A. cuz at for the next week or so we are on the same team..


- MikeOxbyg

I agree completely, and he has gone over the line. I would just venture a guess being that he prolly is a pretty good dude in person, and a 3 min sound bit when he's the most pissed off isn't an exact moment to look at a dudes overall character. U. S. A. ALL THE WAY

I disagree. I've coached my sons team for the past 5 years. Hockey is one of the best bang for your buck sports out there. With registration/equipment/camps/tournaments we average about $1700 out of pocket each year with the rest fundraised. For that the kids get on the ice 2-5 times a week. And I coach not for the hockey skills but for the life skills that it develops in kids. Teamwork, discipline, leadership, integrity, courage, heart etc.

Taking hitting out of peewee in Canada has been a good thing. Our kids need to develop more skill and start possessing the puck more. More and more coaching strategies are moving away from the dump and chase.

I have other kids in Dance/Football/Swimming/Skiing and all are just as or more expensive as hockey. Especially once they get competitive. Soccer is the only thing I could think that may be cheaper but soccer sucks ass...
- Iggysbff

You're insane. It is one of the most costly sports I've ever seen other than golf and skiing. I grew up in Montreal with tons of rinks available. Hockey costs a fortune when compared to soccer, football, volleyball, or baseball. But yea, those sports suck and certainly would never teach any of those life skill things hockey is so amazing at teaching

Nyet
- Fruitcakenipple

Sorry what?

?
- Flyfreaky

Who has the better D...