Hi, this is Fred Wallace with ” Off the Wire “.
In the wake of the 2016 World Junior Hockey Championship Tournament at Finland, I found a couple of comments pertaining to Hockey Canada interesting; mostly because the observations and recommendations came from the outside.
First there was USA coach Ron Wilson, a man who always offers an opinion and seemingly cares little about the popularity of the comment.
Looking at his North American counterparts, Wilson noted the pressure on the Canadian team to perform and excel is immense.
From Hockey Canada through TSN, Wilson believes there’s too much pressure applied on Canada’s entry at the annual tournament.
Then late in the tournament, International Ice Hockey Federation President Rene Fassel remarked that increased ticket sales for the Montreal segment of next year’s tournament must be increased.
Fassel suggested a lowering of ticket prices and the inclusion of more French-speaking players on the Canadian entry would be good starting spots.
Ron Wilson and Rene Fassel.
I’m not saying they’re wrong, off-base or inaccurate. I just find it interesting that either would feel the need to illustrate areas Hockey Canada could improve for the World Junior Tournament.
I’m Fred Wallace