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Canadian Men in 2004 Olympic Qualifier  x36
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November 3, 2003 
Field Hockey Canada
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It?s an exciting day for all hockey in Canada as FHC was informed by the FIH
that our men?s team will be competing in the 2004 Olympic Qualifier.
Following confirmations and one non-acceptance of all the eligible teams to
compete in the men's Olympic Qualifier to be played in Madrid, Spain from
2/13 March 2004, the participating teams for the tournament will be Belgium,
Canada, Great Britain, India, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand,
Pakistan, Poland, South Africa and Spain.
Cuba advised the FIH that it did not wish to exercise its right to compete
in the qualifying tournament. As a result, Canada, the 1st reserve country,
accepted an invitation to participate in the tournament. France now becomes
the 1st reserve country for the tournament.
Canada is ranked 11th in the 12 team Olympic qualifying tournament as a
result of their 15th place world ranking ? the world rankings only being
used to establish the pools. Therefore Canada, as the 12th ranked qualified
team will play Greece at least one week prior to commencement of the
Qualifier Tournament in a play-off competition (best of 3 games). In
principle these matches will be played in Madrid unless other arrangements
are made between the two teams.
The pools for the Olympic qualifying tournament will be based upon the FIH
Tournament Regulations for a 2 pool competition, namely:
Pool A
1. Netherlands (2)
4. Great Britain (8)
5. Spain (9)
8. Japan (12)
9. South Africa (13)
12. Poland (17)
Pool B
2. Pakistan (5)
3. India (6)
6. Malaysia (10)
7. New Zealand (11)
10. Belgium (14)
11. Canada (15)
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Comments on this article
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gbraun
11-04-2003 2:08 pm
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Justice is served....well deserved...just have been done in the first place. Go Canada!
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raj
11-04-2003 4:14 pm
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Canada
Good luck Canada. I think the rest of the teams better watch out because anyone or any team that is given a second lease on life after they have been counted down and out are at there most dangerous, cos they have got nothing to lose! (e.g Denmark at the European championships of soccer in 1992)
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VI Fan
11-04-2003 6:10 pm
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Canada is in a great pool
There looks like an opportunity for some damage to be done by the canucks. A third place in their Pool?
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FrPh
11-05-2003 6:03 am
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Mysterious
Well - really mysterious why Cuba is not taking part in the Qualifyer, any reasons? Maybe someone made a offer no one could turn down? Does nobody ask questions? These Olympics will be the most dirty one ever played....
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Come on buddy
11-05-2003 11:29 am
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Re: GBraun
"Justice served" ???
What are you talking about the Canadian team is a joke!
You have to get in by another team choosing not to go.. good job losers!
You have to bank on a poor country not being able to afford to go, my prediction is you will finish dead last or wait maybe 11th.
What a joke!!!
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Shaquib
11-05-2003 4:45 pm
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Canada will lose to India and Pakistan.
They should beat Belgium. Only a question of whether they can beat
Malaysia and New Zealand.
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VI Fan
11-05-2003 10:17 pm
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A third place finish? Please! Back to reality...oh....there's goes Canada........back to the drawing board. No chance in H---. The nightmare has been extended for another year.
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raj
11-05-2003 10:20 pm
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Give it a rest. there is nothing this team can do. its over done with true canada deserves to be there but they aint got anything this isnt soccer its hockey and canada has nothing
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Roger
11-05-2003 10:23 pm
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cnaada is not as good as the states. look at how we have developed compared to you. alot better. raj this si turfhockey not soccer and that was along time ago. no wya canada can do what denmark did. not good enough.
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Canadian Supporter
11-07-2003 8:57 am
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Training
Congratulations boys!!!! Somehow we have been given this new life call it what you may, but we have to grab this and run with it. Preparation is important and I know you all want it bad....leaders in the team...you guys better take control and shape the rest of the guys....Any idea if Team Canada will be playing other countries as a warm up for Madrid? What is the standing required for Canada to go in?
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VI Fan
11-09-2003 5:41 pm
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Re: Roger
"Canada is not as good as the states"? I don't think you know what you're talking about, that is if you are talking about the USA. US field hockey is a joke. One other point, the last time Canada and India played, I believe Canada won 1-0
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Indian Lion
11-10-2003 4:22 am
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Desi Players Have any chance of making qualifier
Okay so Canada go now but what they do their with weak team.
Do any of the Desi players have chance of going to qualifier. Gabbar and Ravi are the too diamonds and should be close to getting citizenships. We have no chance without them. Jatinder is probably best suited because he is very skillful and a supernice guy. Then their is the madman dribbling swearing & pure goal-scoring left-winger Niven and the clever-as-hell, alcoholic gangster right-wing/right back Gurj. These too guys are underated because of the guys they play with. Both are at their best when they are a little hot under the collar.
All five of these guys were on the United Brothers last year and they caused absolute nightmares for defences. First time U-Brothers won anything last year with Newcastle Shield and they had an over fourty supporting caste. Or ya right give McKinnon all the credit in net. Maybe we should take these guys and let them put United Brothers jerseys on under the Canada team uniform and see what happens. Even without Jatinder and Niven United Brothers are still beating everyone in league play.
Then their is Kirpal (from Calgary) who is fast skillful forward with junior team. What about Gagan from Ontario. Canada has potential for lethal forward line if some of the skillful Desi players from motherland go.
Okay so lets hear the excuses - "They're unfit, undisciplined, and poor defensively and not pure Canadian."
But they score goals. Hmmm score goals or fitness. Score goals or good discipline, let the floodgates open and win 5-3 or play pure defensive passing boring hockey and lose 1-0. Get my point.
And don't tell me international game is different. If these current sensations of the national team can't do anything in our so called weak Vancouver leagues, what are they supposed to do in the qualifier.
For those of you that don't know the best team that Canada ever had was the one from 1981 to 1990. And who were on those teams. Nick & Bill Sandhu, Junior & Senior Rai, Bubli, Sarbjit Dusangh and Shiv coaching. 2 consequetive Olympics, 3 consequetive World Cups. And do you know whats in common with these guys - they learned the game from the motherland of Field Hockey, not Eric Hamber.
Here is the Olympic qualifier winning line up:
Niven Gabbar Gagan
(sub Kirpal) (sub Jatinder)
Ranjeev Bindi Ravi A.
(midfield sub Gurj, Rob Short)
Robin Ronnie
Ravi K. Sonny K.
McKinnon
Other subs - take whichever ones you want. Hell take some old men from 68 or 76 team. As long forwards come back to 35 yard line, guaranteed top 3 at qualifier. But Gene Muller would get fired 6 months after the Olympics for something stupid if he took this team, right Mr. Wright?
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Canadian Fan
11-10-2003 4:36 am
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Re: VI Fan
Realisticly Canada's chances against India are very slim as they are at a bit of peak while we are rebuilding. When we beat India at World Cup we were at the hight of the last team. Everyone was at top form then things went downhill toward Olympics. India was getting old at the time. Current Indian team is young and improving at a very fast pace. Deepak, Gagan Ajit, Prabjhot, Jugraj, Vicrim Pillay, Tejbir and two others are all from Junior World Cup winning side. The rest with exception of Dhanraj & Dhillon were on 1997 2nd place junior world cup team. We require another 3 to 4 years of training to compete with India or Pakistan.
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Wolf man
11-10-2003 12:16 pm
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Indian Lion
Are you on crack?! Give me a break. Rob Short as a sub? No Wettlaufer? No Kenny? No Wayne? No Mahood? Kirpal? Do all of us Canadian players and fans a favour and stop talking. You have no idea what you're saying anyways.
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Jossy99
11-10-2003 2:03 pm
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I think the canadians will do well in 2004 and i hope they do they played well at the commonwealth games last year so i think they will do very well.
:rolleyes:
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Karnevallo
11-10-2003 3:24 pm
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setting the record straight
Last time India and Canada met was at the 2001 World Cup qualifiers.
India defeated Canada 2 - 1.
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Canuck
11-10-2003 4:50 pm
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1981-90 teams
Agree these teams were the best...I personally would like to see Shiv return and take over again.
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hockey lover
11-10-2003 5:24 pm
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indian players
most of the indian groomed guys r exceptionly skillful but at the same time they r not fit,they r too much involved in their jobs, these canadians following europeons or so called hockey pundits from s.africa r all defensive minded coaches,and their vision of hockey is different from indian groomed players they want indians to play a style of hockey that is not meant
for indians so our guys get a little frustrated don't practice that much,moreover the financial obligations don't let them to think about hockey,so they just run in to the circumstances that r not just suitable for their style of play.
we need to have the coaching staff that can understand the mindset of these players and can channel the passion,dedication and aggresion of these players in the right direction so that they can blend with the others and work for the glory of canada and their home countrymen .
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west van player
11-10-2003 9:35 pm
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i think that the east indian dudes are what canadian hockey needs!!!!!!!!! especially GABBER!!!!! he is GOD!!!! i remember the way he scored on us this weekend! it was off the heazy! fo sheazy!!! also rav jr undressed my whole teAm!!!!!!!! just the way sunnby undressed the ubc team! when i see one of these east indian players i feel hounoured!!!! im speechless! im thankful! please youngsters learn from these men
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HOCKEYFORALL
11-11-2003 1:12 am
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Just one thing to remember my Canadian friends in hockey. The places to be challenged in the Qualifier in Madrid are six and not seven. I want to know if the Canadians should go all out if they play Greece in a best of three series in order to eliminate them and make the spot seven? In true Olympic spirit they should use these series just for warm-up and give the Greeks the chance to participate in their Olympics. Canadiansshould go and play in the qualifier for six spots only. If they qualify as any of the six teams then they will be worthy to have been included in the qualifier even the way they did. Say for argument sake that Canada eliminates Greece and then they also qualify for Athens. How will they feel playing any game in the OG infront of Greek spectators?
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Pete
11-11-2003 4:46 am
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Don't be daft
Using the pretense of "true Olympic spirit" in an attempt to emotionally blackmail Canada into losing plainly shows that it is in fact you who has no concept of Olympic spirit.
Why exactly should Canada step up to rectify the FIH's shortcomings? They are not responsible for the situation as it is, so why should they be the ones to pay the price? Just imagine they let Greece win, then finish 7th in the qualifier...
If you feel that someone should step up and do something, why not suggest the Germans renounce to the berth they earned in favor of Greece and go the qualifier instead? Following your line of argument, it might well be said that only then are they worthy of playing in the Olympic tournament!
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HOCKEYFORALL
11-11-2003 6:03 am
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For Pete
Very strong words to defend your points. You see you already talking about the seventh berth, which was the legitimate right of the host, and you were not even supposed to be at the qualifier.
Thanks anyway for responding and portraying your way of looking at things. I hope that not all Canadians share your views. Do you realise that you are now going to be the instrument to Greece's elimination if you win of course? Having said what I said allow me to state that it is not Canada who is at fault for the way things turned up. In fact Canada that has already secured its participation to the qualifier is called to play (with a very strong motive) two or three extra games before they go to the qualifier-unlike the other participating teams. It was supposed for these games to be used for the Greek team to demonstrate its level and not to become a win-in loose-out case. Again I feel sorry that you have been thrown in to a situation that you have to capitalise for more chances to participate in the OG against the host. I would rather see you challenging teams on par with you and get through in a deserved way.
Sorry if daft again.
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desi fan
11-11-2003 5:43 pm
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desis
put desi on the team.. enough said. fitness who cares, its the score that does.. FHC does not realize that....
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Niven
11-12-2003 5:34 am
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Let's Get a Few Things Straight
A friend told me that a very controversial article was written on how me and some of my friends from last years United Brothers team should be playing in next months Olympic qualifier. This was the first time I went on planetfieldhockey.com in about 2 years. And what did I see, same old ridiculous garbage that used to be on this site. I have totally grown sick of all the controversy and bitterness toward others that this webpage illicits. To ridicule and judge others behind peoples back is straight P.H.ing. So I don't go on anymore. I had to check out what was said and here's my response.
I appreciate the gesture by whichever one of the 3 fans I have on me going to the Olympics. However, I gotta set the record straight about a few things.
First of all I am not a madman. Secondly, my friend Gurjinder is not an alcoholic (at least not yet but don't tell him I said the latter).
Thirdly, while I cannot speak for everybody, most of the guys that were mentioned really don't give a damn about the national team like some others do.
Gurj has never been interested in playing in the national team for whatever reason. He is a phenomenal player in the opinion of many and has been asked on numerous occassions to pursue a shot on the team. He has always decided not to. I don't know why? Maybe he doesn't like the limelight! Maybe he doesn't believe he has a realistic chance. Who knows. Who cares.
As for myself, I tried out and played on the junior national way back in 95,96 & 97. I tried out in 98 for the seniors and didn't make it. And while it bothered me at the time, I don't really care anymore. I watched my friends and teamates go to Utrecht and Sydney and I was happy for all them, especially my boyz Ravi and Bindi who are old friends and teammates. The feeling I had was that a couple of guys with the same background as me went to the big show. And that satisfied me. I tried out once again last year just as a last ditch effort because of my age but didn't make it. That's okay I respect Gene's decision. Moreover, I wasn't totally committed as time progressed because of work committments. The best hockey I ever played was in 97-98 and 98-99. 2 years when I dominated the left side for India Club. That puts me 4 years past my prime. I'm a hasbeen. Who knows. Who cares.
Jatinder is my cousin and has decided to play for India Club to get a better chance at making the seniors. I wish him the best and told him that is going to have to work very very hard to make it. But the idea that he will be prepared for qualifiers is unrealistic because he just started training. Who knows. Who cares.
Both Gabbar and Ravi are also in the program. I wish them the best as well. Knowing them personally, they have told me that they are totally committed to play on the team, but if they don't make it in time, thay are prepared for that failure. They know not to read too much into the BS surrounded with national teams from their experiences in India. Who knows. Who cares.
My fourth point is that some credit has to go to some of the wiley veterans of the U-Bros team, especially the ones that carried the team through so many consecutive seasons of not winning league, playoffs or newcastle. But they never let the losing go through their tough skin. They are the real heros for the team. We respect their efforts more than our own. And of course the bitter rivalry between India Club and the Brothers. Until recently, it has always been in India's favour. I've been a winner and a loser on both sides.
My final point is that I don't really care for people too much that don't realize that the game is meant to be fun first. It doesn't matter where you play, at what level and who for if you are not having fun. I learned this lesson originally from some of the India Club greats from yesteryear like my dad and the dads of Bindi, Ronnie and Ravi. This lesson was once again taught to me by the senior players on the Brothers. All the shananigans off the field are meaningless. Even the winning is meaningless 5 minutes after the hooter when the bottle cracks open (especially when the bottle cracks open). You see, we don't care that we won the Newcastle Shield last season, We care that we had a blast doing it. For those that look at fieldhockey as life and death have to get their priorties rearranged. Everyone is a weekend warrior first. As we grow up from kids to men we've gathered up gear to do battle on Sarurday or Sunday. Only some go on to become national team heros.
But don't get me wrong, I do play to win. I love winning. But I've learned to lose too.
Don't play for others, play for yourself, play to win and have a blast.
Don't worry if you don't make it or if you lose, as long as you tried your hardest.
And man, F$#* politics
Niven
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Niven
11-12-2003 5:49 am
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One other thing
i almost forgot, Gurj ain't no Gangster but we are all field hockey gangster ey... We serve for either the da Hawks, V.I.C, Ubros, the yokes, WV, UVic, or them prepy UBC boys.
So just wait for Prince Nivs the Jedi Pimp of Testeryear to be back in the shizzy for the nizzy
Now lets smoke this joint straight Korey koresh Cron (Dope I mean...)
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x
11-12-2003 1:39 pm
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to niven
good little 'article' that you wrote. 1 correction. ravi did not play in utrecht.
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veneco
11-12-2003 3:10 pm
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Go Canada show americas hockey is improving
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Pete
11-12-2003 4:28 pm
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Well, sorry to disappoint you, but I am not Canadian, and this is not about Canada being the team to play Greece at all - I would feel the same way if it was Cuba or Poland or whoever had to play Greece.
Seeing that you agree that the situation as it is is not Canada's fault, we do share some common ground. I just thought it was a bit arrogant and insulting that you suggested Canada was not worthy of playing at this level or in the qualifier tournament. Even if they slipped in through a bit of luck this time, they have proven many times that they are worthy of playing at this level.
I still think you should be critizing the people who are really responsible for this mess, and asking them to take the right steps now - not bash the Canadian team for wanting to take advantage of their opportunity to go to Athens.
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Mike
11-12-2003 7:17 pm
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Niven
Chuktey Phateh... man.. good for u. If guys like Ken P would get his head out of the sand, he would actually become someone instead of living of FHC to support him.. A career is more important than hockey...Long live india and indians brother...
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Hari
11-19-2003 2:02 pm
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Hey Mike
Mike,
I am getting tired of all this negative stuff. Can you tell me when the last time was that Canada got into any tournament by default.
I do recall that we were 1st reserve for two Olympics and one World Cup in the 90's and we didn't get in.
The women haven't gotten any favours either.
Can you substantiate your comment?
Hari
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Ronaldhino
11-20-2003 1:45 pm
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Canada Team
I have watched many tournaments this past year. I have also seen Canada play at the PAG. Defensively, we seem sound, but offensively we need a true striker. Is there anyone that may help us at the next tournament?
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X
11-21-2003 4:24 am
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richie hildreth and the bundenator are learning how to play real hockey in england:) pick them!
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aussie
11-22-2003 7:37 am
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Canadian Strikers
you guys up there in Canada want striker then why dont you look down hey where the classy players play. Im sure there are some part Canadians here who are better than the average crop you have up there. You did it in the cricket world cup and Jon Davidson was by far your best player and if i am correct there was an aussie on the world cup rugby team too. Why not give it a go got nothing to lose you might find your next goal scoring machine, cause you arnt finding many at the moment
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Waqim
11-24-2003 7:16 pm
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ronaldhino
You really mean , white and non-brown correct. Not Indian and pak correct .. yes you will have to wait for a long time ....Good luck
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BCFHL Coach
11-27-2003 5:37 am
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Sure the Canadian team is weak, I doubt they will qualify, although I want them to. But there is no point in suggesting guys who can't even be on the team, be on it. (referring to Indian Lion). Niven is not that good, he never was, half the other guys aren't even Canadian, that causes a few problems. Sure goal scoring is good, but what good is one run and then your tired for 10 minutes. That is why Gubber isn't on the team, he's lazy. If he wants to make the team, train a little, everyone else does!!! Just because everyone worships him he thinks he's hard done by when he doesn't make it, he would be on the team if he could pass a beep test, espeacially with the standards that are expected, not too hard. Anyway, why would you sub Rob short, anyone with a brain would pick him as Canada's best player...a little cocky, but still really good. Encourage those guys (Gubber, Rav Jr. etc..) to train, they would improve the team. Anyone with descent skills and fitness can make it. I know, I played, it's pretty frustrating how lousy some selections can be, but it goes to show aything can happen. The team will always be lousy until some good natural athletes decide to train hard and try out. I support Canada and I want more than anything to see them win, but it won't happen until guys are encouraged to try out and stick with it. What ever happened to the younger guys that were coming up? Aneal Basi, Matt Peck, Steve Warren, Furguson, Will (guy with crazy hair), I forget a lot of them, but there were descent young players around and now they don't even play. What happened? I understand it is a commitment, but Canada can't afford to let good players simply stop. If these guys had stuck around Canada would be really good. These guys have to be encouraged to stick with it, or at least called up to inform them of camps. The program must show some interest in its players, espeacially those who are on the verge of not playing anymore. When these guys go, their spots are taken by weaker players often the same age, but who are committed, I think that's great. But these guys who just stop playing must be encouraged to stick around!!! We wonder why Canada is always "building", it's because our system has no foundation, well, it does but it's weak, we need these ex-young players to stick with it and be encouraged to play. It may seem hard, but when guys are on the verge of quitting, such as deciding about school/work/ etc., someone in the program should show interest and try to convince them to stay. It's the best way for Canada to build, and will only make the team stronger, now and for the future.
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