What i believe is you are too obtuse to get is the fact that Europeans were playing great hockey long before they played in the NHL. And you can check out the stats online wherever you want with regards to international competition, the rest is you talking out your ass and being an absolute moron a la Don Cherry.
- shinebox

Yet when the two styles came together (fairly, I might add... The USSR played pros in the Olympics), the Canadian style prevailed.

Again, Canada is the best hockey nation in the world. If this bugs you, I don't know how to console you. But I will make no apologies for believing my country is the best in the world at this sport.

Just a page or two ago in this thread, you were claiming Europeans would catch up as they learned the North American style. That seems to imply some acceptance of the superiority of the North American style, no?

Or are you backtracking from that statement?

Yet when the two styles came together (fairly, I might add... The USSR played pros in the Olympics), the Canadian style prevailed.

Again, Canada is the best hockey nation in the world. If this bugs you, I don't know how to console you. But I will make no apologies for believing my country is the best in the world at this sport.

Just a page or two ago in this thread, you were claiming Europeans would catch up as they learned the North American style. That seems to imply some acceptance of the superiority of the North American style, no?

Or are you backtracking from that statement?
- Leeman4Gilmour

Question for you.... What is your age?

Not to mock you..... Might explain some things to me

Yet when the two styles came together (fairly, I might add... The USSR played pros in the Olympics), the Canadian style prevailed.

Again, Canada is the best hockey nation in the world. If this bugs you, I don't know how to console you. But I will make no apologies for believing my country is the best in the world at this sport.

Just a page or two ago in this thread, you were claiming Europeans would catch up as they learned the North American style. That seems to imply some acceptance of the superiority of the North American style, no?

Or are you backtracking from that statement?
- Leeman4Gilmour

It doesnt bug me, it makes me think you have an extra chromosome, or that your parents were related. Say what you want, but in this case you look like a backwards 905 delusional hick that other fan bases automatically stereotype to being that of a typical leaf fan. I mean if you really, really believe all that Don Cherry says, id say good for you skippy. I hope it all works out for you in your future endeavors....

This gap is being closely closed by the americans and european players yearly, and soon enough it wont exist at all. Especially if they (europeans) are choosing to come to NA and progress their skill playing our style of game and in our leagues rather than remaining in Europe in their leagues. I dont believe this is the reason why the bridge is being gapped so closely now though, hockey like everything else goes in cycles, but as the rest of the world gets more serious and more involved with hockey, especially the USA, and they are, at some point there will be no gap at all, if we dont in fact fall behind at some point.
- shinebox

For skippy...

For skippy...
- shinebox

So, your game is just to make as many contradictory statements as possible?

I guess you cover your bases that way.

I've been clear and consistent in explaining my point of view. I've cited evidence and sources whenever possible.

Between you and your sidekick here, you've managed to throw around enough ad hominem attacks to fill a novel.

If you're just going to toss around insults, have the decency to make them creative or funny.

So, your game is just to make as many contradictory statements as possible?

I guess you cover your bases that way.
- Leeman4Gilmour

I guess the issue is your reading comprehension then? In any case good luck.

I guess the issue is your reading comprehension then? In any case good luck.
- shinebox

Which country produces the best hockey talent?

Give a straight up answer.

I've learned better than to try to debate somebody who won't commit to a clear position. You're shifty and clever, I'll give you that.

Which country produces the best hockey talent?

Give a straight up answer.

I've learned better than to try to debate somebody who won't commit to a clear position. You're shifty and clever, I'll give you that.
- Leeman4Gilmour

I've never changed my position, my position is that if you think a country as small population wise as Canada is, is going to continue to lead the hockey world that is evolving and getting bigger, with the best players in the game, forever, then you are (frank)ing kidding yourself. This is where your leaf fan delusions come into play.

I've never changed my position, my position is that if you think a country as small population wise as Canada is, is going to continue to lead the hockey world that is evolving and getting bigger, with the best players in the game, forever, then you are (frank)ing kidding yourself. This is where your leaf fan delusions come into play.
- shinebox

Try again. This time, humor me and answer the question.

I've maintained all along that Canada is the top hockey nation in the world right now. They are particularly good at developing key types of players (case in point: power forwards).

Other than reflexively insulting me because I happen to agree with Don Cherry on certain things (we get it, you don't like him, give it a rest), you haven't said anything counters this. I can't even get you to commit to a definitive position on this.

Yes, you think the gap will close. Does that mean you believe Canada to be the top dog right now?

Try again. This time, humor me and answer the question.

I've maintained all along that Canada is the top hockey nation in the world right now. They are particularly good at developing key types of players (case in point: power forwards).

Other than reflexively insulting me because I happen to agree with Don Cherry on certain things (we get it, you don't like him, give it a rest), you haven't said anything counters this. I can't even get you to commit to a definitive position on this.

Yes, you think the gap will close. Does that mean you believe Canada to be the top dog right now?
- Leeman4Gilmour

Do you think they will be able to continue this forever?

Do you think they will be able to continue this forever?
- shinebox

Yes he does because Europes birth rate is less than that of Canada

Yes he does because Europes birth rate is less than that of Canada
- faceto27

Do you think they will be able to continue this forever?
- shinebox

What kind of question is that? Do you think the sun will rise forever? In x billion years, it will burn out.

Nothing lasts forever, so I don't know why you're asking me my opinion on this. "Forever" in this context is absolutely meaningless.

Canada will continue to be the dominant hockey nation for the foreseeable future. Probably 15-20 years.

With the way current trends are moving, I'd say that the USA is the nation best poised to close the gap, as I've maintained all along.

Based on current evidence (yes, including birth rates) I see no reason why European nations will suddenly see an explosion in the quantity and quality of hockey players.

What kind of question is that? Do you think the sun will rise forever? In x billion years, it will burn out.

Nothing lasts forever, so I don't know why you're asking me my opinion on this. "Forever" in this context is absolutely meaningless.

Canada will continue to be the dominant hockey nation for the foreseeable future. Probably 15-20 years.

With the way current trends are moving, I'd say that the USA is the nation best poised to close the gap, as I've maintained all along.

Based on current evidence (yes, including birth rates) I see no reason why European nations will suddenly see an explosion in the quantity and quality of hockey players.
- Leeman4Gilmour

This might actually be the weakest presentation of trying to make a point in HB history, well done.

This might actually be the weakest presentation of trying to make a point in HB history, well done.
- shinebox

I'll let you have the final word, seeing as you seem to so desperately need it.

Feel free to fire back some indignant, insulting, meaningless post if it makes you feel better about yourself. I've laid out my case, and I'm still eagerly awaiting yours.

The only thing that I can ascertain from your many posts is that you believe that growing participation rates in hockey in Northern European countries will compensate for the fact that there are less youth in general.

This is based on nothing but a hunch, it seems.

I'd be happy to continue this discussion with you, but not at the current level of discourse. I'm not of the mind that 26 emoticons suffices as an intelligent rebuttal.

I'll let you have the final word, seeing as you seem to so desperately need it.

Feel free to fire back some indignant, insulting, meaningless post if it makes you feel better about yourself. I've laid out my case, and I'm still eagerly awaiting yours.

The only thing that I can ascertain from your many posts is that you believe that growing participation rates in hockey in Northern European countries will compensate for the fact that there are less youth in general.

This is based on nothing but a hunch, it seems.

I'd be happy to continue this discussion with you, but not at the current level of discourse. I'm not of the mind that 26 emoticons suffices as an intelligent rebuttal.
- Leeman4Gilmour

The intelligence of your entire argument based around birth rate as why Europe as a nation wont dethrone canada in the future as the top hockey player producer is awe inspiring, truly it is.