Post by cagney on Jul 31, 2004 16:47:56 GMT -5
In reading about the release of the USHL schedule I noticed this...
Quote:
"In addition, the Stampede have been working with USA Hockey negotiating for the opportunity to bring in the Czech Republic World Junior National hockey team on December 19th. The Czech nationals will be playing exhibition games against various Midwest college’s before competing in the 2005 World Junior Championships in Grand Forks, ND in late December. A final decision should be made sometime next month."
www.sfstampede.com/news.asp?id=474
Each year the Western Collegiate Hockey Association brings in a European team to play some exhibition games against some of the league's teams. In the past, WCHA teams such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Denver, Minnesota-Duluth (and others) have played club/national teams from Russia, Latvia, France, and Italy to name just a few. With the WJCs being held in North Dakota/Minnesota (WCHA territory) just before the usual time these exhibition games are usually held (mid December) it makes sense to have one of the WJC teams participate. It's no secret that the Czech's have had chemistry problems at the WJCs recently so it makes sense that they would be the team that would want a few extra games to come together.
As you can tell by the source, it also appears the USHL is looking to get in on the action. While they won't be able to put up the kind of competition the NCAA teams will, it doesn't seem like a bad idea for them. It might be good to get the league some exposure.
Quote:
"In addition, the Stampede have been working with USA Hockey negotiating for the opportunity to bring in the Czech Republic World Junior National hockey team on December 19th. The Czech nationals will be playing exhibition games against various Midwest college’s before competing in the 2005 World Junior Championships in Grand Forks, ND in late December. A final decision should be made sometime next month."
www.sfstampede.com/news.asp?id=474
Each year the Western Collegiate Hockey Association brings in a European team to play some exhibition games against some of the league's teams. In the past, WCHA teams such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Denver, Minnesota-Duluth (and others) have played club/national teams from Russia, Latvia, France, and Italy to name just a few. With the WJCs being held in North Dakota/Minnesota (WCHA territory) just before the usual time these exhibition games are usually held (mid December) it makes sense to have one of the WJC teams participate. It's no secret that the Czech's have had chemistry problems at the WJCs recently so it makes sense that they would be the team that would want a few extra games to come together.
As you can tell by the source, it also appears the USHL is looking to get in on the action. While they won't be able to put up the kind of competition the NCAA teams will, it doesn't seem like a bad idea for them. It might be good to get the league some exposure.
