World Cup of Ice Hockey

[Tulenos]

Starts Monday. My pick in this off-season event must be the Czech Republic and not because of patriotism. The thing is motivation is near zero in the case of ALL teams, including Canada and USA as this is the US/canadian version of the European Worldcup and therefore played at this very strange time of the year to allow them to call all the best players, BUT everyone is just in the middle of the "dry" period - ie. training out of ice rinks. The Czechs have something really BIG to boost their motivation - Ivan Hlinka - the coach of the Olympic team in Nagano and also this squad, one of the most worshipped figures in the Czech ice-hockey, tragically died in a car accident just over one week ago. Following this disaster, even players like Jagr and co. who had contemplated not to go immediately took it as their case to win this very competition for the good memory of their beloved Ivan Hlinka. Could write a much longer write-up, but this is all about gut feeling this will be at least a close call. At the Pinnacle price of 7.65, I am investing 3pts. Let's see. BTW, it's NOT worth to take the Czechs to win their Euro group as they are too short and DON'T need to win to get further.

[Guest MattyNeth]

Format What's the format of the tournament? Am I right that you have a North American Football including a couple of weaker Euro teams - games in US and Canada. And a Euro Pool with the stronger Euro teams. All teams qualify for next round? Where are the knock out games? Canada at home will take some beating? Is there a site?