PARDUBICE, Czech Republic -- New NHLPA boss Paul Kelly arrived at his first world under-20 championship on Wednesday to mix and mingle with NHL scouts and general managers as well as IIHF officials. One of the causes he has championed since he took over his office on lower Bay St. in Toronto was to better market hockey in the United States.
He should have a chat with the people that run USA Hockey. For the second year in a row, Canada and the U.S. will meet in the semifinals at the world junior and for the second straight year hockey’s governing body down south made available for interviews after practice only three players and coach John Hynes.
This was disappointing, considering the tournament’s leading scorer, Colin Wilson, lived most of his life in Winnipeg and is the son of former Canadian national team member Carey Wilson.
But the USA Hockey forgets it hails from the land of the brave and home of the free when it comes to allowing their athletes to speak to the media prior to a big game. Instead, USA Hockey officials act like a communist regime, only allowing those to speak with well-rehearsed programmed responses.
The reason for this behaviour is that USA Hockey is fearful that one of the U.S. players will give their North American rivals bulletin board material.
No wonder this tournament barely has a heart beat in the States.
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