Quote:
Originally Posted by NJChiefsFan
That's changing a bit. The skilled Russian players are adapting to the NHL style and the Americans are coming out with more skill every few years to go along with the grit and toughness that they already add to teams. Out of the 8 teams in this round, only 3 had Canadian captains, and both Finals teams last year were American, and only 1 of the final 4 teams last year was Canadian. Now that is obviously a small sample in a very specific category, but I still think it's showing a shift in the league.
There is no doubt Canada produces some sick players and in large quantity, but whether it be international tournaments or the NHL, non-Canadians aren't taking a backseat the way they used to. A #1 overall African-American will be the next step this coming season.
And the true intent of the comment still holds, the Canadian hockey fans are gone for a 20th straight season.
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That's good because developing hockey into a more global game will be far better for it in the long run. But it is still, to this point, controlled to a major extent by Canadians both on and off the ice.
As for Canadian hockey fans being gone, the TV ratings in Canada don't quite seem to suggest that. They'll watch no matter who is playing. Heck, they'll watch any hockey at all (the junior club national championship is on right now and that's also getting a ton of viewers).