by Parrothead » Sun Sep 25, 2016 4:42 am
Canada beat Russia 5 -2. They await the winner of the Sweden vs Europe SF.
World Cup of Hockey is an international tournament sanctioned by the NHL and NHLPA, not an IIHF tournament. It is run under NHL rules. First WCoH was played in 1996 won by the USA and 2004 which was won by Canada. Previous to 1996, the tournament went by the Canada Cup, which was played in 1976, 1981, 1984, 1987 and 1991. Canada won all, but '81 which the Soviets won. Team Canada in 1987, is probably the best team the nation has put on ice. Gretzky and Lemieux playing on the same line. All three games of the Canada - Soviet Finals ended 6-5. Championship goal was scored by Lemieux, getting fed a pass from Gretzky on a 2 on 1 break. Ranks right up there with Henderson's goal in Game 7 vs. the Soviets in the '72 Summit Series.
It started as a chance for pro players to play in an international tourney. Olympics and IIHF tourneys were for amateurs, at the time. It's timing late Summer - early Fall allows for a full complement of international players. During the IIHF World Hockey Championships, the NHL playoffs are still going on, so not all players are available, others choose not to play at the end of the NHL season. This tourney is limited to 8 teams. This time around, it was the best 6 plus Team North America and Team Europe. Next time it is expected to revert back to 8 national teams. Most players taking part, are in the NHL.