Canes players and World Championships

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Article in the N&O today talks about our players playing for their respective countries.

http://newsobserver.com/hurricanes/story/2391522p-2227852c.html

The parts I found interesing:


Jaroslav Svoboda definitely isn't playing. Even though he probably won't make it back from his separated shoulder by the end of the regular season, he might be ready for the World Championships.

But if asked, he said, he will decline.

"I don't want to rush back and go there and hurt it," Svoboda said. "It wouldn't be fair for the team."


That got me all teary-eyed. Thanks for thinking of the team, man!

And, of course, there's Jeff O'Neill. Canada would love to have him -- he was one of the last players considered for Canada's gold-medal Olympic team -- but his fear of flying prevents him from traveling overseas.
He said no two years ago, when Tanabe played for the United States, Sami Kapanen played for Finland and Sandis Ozolinsh and Irbe for Latvia.

O'Neill's refusal may have ended up costing him a spot in Salt Lake City. And he'll say no again. This year, he's got plenty of company.


HOW can you be one of these guys and still be afraid to fly? They fly every few days! I guess flying over the ocean is a different story?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Article in the N&O today talks about our players playing for their respective countries.

http://newsobserver.com/hurricanes/story/2391522p-2227852c.html

The parts I found interesing:


Jaroslav Svoboda definitely isn't playing. Even though he probably won't make it back from his separated shoulder by the end of the regular season, he might be ready for the World Championships.

But if asked, he said, he will decline.

"I don't want to rush back and go there and hurt it," Svoboda said. "It wouldn't be fair for the team."


That got me all teary-eyed. Thanks for thinking of the team, man!

And, of course, there's Jeff O'Neill. Canada would love to have him -- he was one of the last players considered for Canada's gold-medal Olympic team -- but his fear of flying prevents him from traveling overseas.
He said no two years ago, when Tanabe played for the United States, Sami Kapanen played for Finland and Sandis Ozolinsh and Irbe for Latvia.

O'Neill's refusal may have ended up costing him a spot in Salt Lake City. And he'll say no again. This year, he's got plenty of company.


HOW can you be one of these guys and still be afraid to fly? They fly every few days! I guess flying over the ocean is a different story?

[nccanes]

"I don't want to rush back and go there and hurt it," Svoboda said. "It wouldn't be fair for the team."


That got me all teary-eyed. Thanks for thinking of the team, man!



LOL SHC. You're a sap after all. And here me (the self-admitted sap) was thinking he was talking about the Czech "team".


HOW can you be one of these guys and still be afraid to fly? They fly every few days! I guess flying over the ocean is a different story?

I remember reading about this when it happened. That was one of those reasons why O was one of my favorites. I, too, dislike flying to a great degree.

[nccanes]

"I don't want to rush back and go there and hurt it," Svoboda said. "It wouldn't be fair for the team."


That got me all teary-eyed. Thanks for thinking of the team, man!



LOL SHC. You're a sap after all. And here me (the self-admitted sap) was thinking he was talking about the Czech "team".


HOW can you be one of these guys and still be afraid to fly? They fly every few days! I guess flying over the ocean is a different story?

I remember reading about this when it happened. That was one of those reasons why O was one of my favorites. I, too, dislike flying to a great degree.

[raleighcanesfan]

I'm sure flying over the Atlantic is much different...At least with ground under you, you know the plane can make an emer. landing if necess.

Never thought JeffO would have that fear...

[raleighcanesfan]

I'm sure flying over the Atlantic is much different...At least with ground under you, you know the plane can make an emer. landing if necess.

Never thought JeffO would have that fear...

[SouthernHockeyChick]

<------Yep. Self-proclaimed sap as well.

I knew O had the heights issue....guess it extends to the flying as well. Think he is still uncomfortable everytime they fly? That would suck.

I think if he was excluded from the Salt Lake olympics just because he hasn't wanted to fly overseas and play for the Canadian national team in the past that's fairly crappy. It's finally here in this country and they don't ask him. Seems pretty vengeful. But maybe it's more about the glut of Canadian talent than that.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

<------Yep. Self-proclaimed sap as well.

I knew O had the heights issue....guess it extends to the flying as well. Think he is still uncomfortable everytime they fly? That would suck.

I think if he was excluded from the Salt Lake olympics just because he hasn't wanted to fly overseas and play for the Canadian national team in the past that's fairly crappy. It's finally here in this country and they don't ask him. Seems pretty vengeful. But maybe it's more about the glut of Canadian talent than that.

[JaroFan]

I've always liked O'Neill because of his fear too! But i've always felt "safer" flying over water. I guess i've seen/heard of more "successful" water landings than crashing into the ground. So i guess he's never been overseas then?

And what about Hedican & Hill saying they've done their time?

[JaroFan]

I've always liked O'Neill because of his fear too! But i've always felt "safer" flying over water. I guess i've seen/heard of more "successful" water landings than crashing into the ground. So i guess he's never been overseas then?

And what about Hedican & Hill saying they've done their time?

[nccanes]

Your O-colored glasses are showing, SHC. How fair would it be for another Canadian who took the time and risked injury, etc. to be cut because O was willing to fly to SLC, but not Germany? ;) Hell even my kid gets playing time cut if he misses soccer practice (as he did going to Atlanta).

Okay, I dug thru the archives and here's the original article about the '01 championships (I left the other tidbits in on the end, interesting to look back):


The News & Observer
April 25, 2001

O'Neill won't fly; Tanabe in worlds
Author: Luke DeCock; STAFF WRITER
Article Text:

RALEIGH -- Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff O'Neill has turned down an invitation to play for Canada in the World Championships, his discomfort with flying ruling out a trip to Germany.

But teammate David Tanabe has accepted his invitation to play for the United States, hoping to make a good impression on those choosing the U.S. team for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

For O'Neill, a white-knuckle flyer at best during the NHL season, the eight-hour flight over the Atlantic Ocean was too much to stomach.

"Not happening," O'Neill said. "I talked to [Canada assistant general manager] Lanny McDonald [Monday] about it. It's something I have to address and get some help with. Eventually it's going to end my career if it keeps going the way it's going."

O'Neill was invited after scoring a career-high 41 goals. The 20-year-old Tanabe was asked to join the U.S. team after a breakthrough season that established him as one of the NHL's rising stars.

This will not be Tanabe's first appearance in the red, white and blue.

A product of USA Hockey's developmental system, he played for the U.S. team at the World Junior Championships in 1999 as well as numerous other age-group national teams that went to competitions in Sweden, Russia and Finland.

"It's definitely something that has crossed my mind," Tanabe said. "I'm not going there to make an appearance and say I support the United States. I'm going there to play well and make a statement."

###

TOP PROSPECT: Plymouth Whalers center Stephen Weiss was ranked third among North American skaters in the NHL's Central Scouting Service's final rankings for the June 23 draft released Tuesday.

Plymouth, of the major junior Ontario Hockey League, is owned by Canes owner Peter Karmanos but is not affiliated with Canes.

Jason Spezza (Windsor, OHL) and Russian forward Ilya Kovalchuk are expected to be the top two picks in the draft. The Canes, who will pick in the teens, won't have a shot at Weiss but have picked four Plymouth players in the past three years.

Copyright 2001 by The News & Observer Pub. Co.

[nccanes]

Your O-colored glasses are showing, SHC. How fair would it be for another Canadian who took the time and risked injury, etc. to be cut because O was willing to fly to SLC, but not Germany? ;) Hell even my kid gets playing time cut if he misses soccer practice (as he did going to Atlanta).

Okay, I dug thru the archives and here's the original article about the '01 championships (I left the other tidbits in on the end, interesting to look back):


The News & Observer
April 25, 2001

O'Neill won't fly; Tanabe in worlds
Author: Luke DeCock; STAFF WRITER
Article Text:

RALEIGH -- Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff O'Neill has turned down an invitation to play for Canada in the World Championships, his discomfort with flying ruling out a trip to Germany.

But teammate David Tanabe has accepted his invitation to play for the United States, hoping to make a good impression on those choosing the U.S. team for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

For O'Neill, a white-knuckle flyer at best during the NHL season, the eight-hour flight over the Atlantic Ocean was too much to stomach.

"Not happening," O'Neill said. "I talked to [Canada assistant general manager] Lanny McDonald [Monday] about it. It's something I have to address and get some help with. Eventually it's going to end my career if it keeps going the way it's going."

O'Neill was invited after scoring a career-high 41 goals. The 20-year-old Tanabe was asked to join the U.S. team after a breakthrough season that established him as one of the NHL's rising stars.

This will not be Tanabe's first appearance in the red, white and blue.

A product of USA Hockey's developmental system, he played for the U.S. team at the World Junior Championships in 1999 as well as numerous other age-group national teams that went to competitions in Sweden, Russia and Finland.

"It's definitely something that has crossed my mind," Tanabe said. "I'm not going there to make an appearance and say I support the United States. I'm going there to play well and make a statement."

###

TOP PROSPECT: Plymouth Whalers center Stephen Weiss was ranked third among North American skaters in the NHL's Central Scouting Service's final rankings for the June 23 draft released Tuesday.

Plymouth, of the major junior Ontario Hockey League, is owned by Canes owner Peter Karmanos but is not affiliated with Canes.

Jason Spezza (Windsor, OHL) and Russian forward Ilya Kovalchuk are expected to be the top two picks in the draft. The Canes, who will pick in the teens, won't have a shot at Weiss but have picked four Plymouth players in the past three years.

Copyright 2001 by The News & Observer Pub. Co.

[nccanes]

And what about Hedican & Hill saying they've done their time?

What was Hill's comment? I didn't think he was quoted.

Hedican played on the National team over 10 years ago in the '92 Olympics. I think it's fair that he would chose to pass at this stage.

[nccanes]

And what about Hedican & Hill saying they've done their time?

What was Hill's comment? I didn't think he was quoted.

Hedican played on the National team over 10 years ago in the '92 Olympics. I think it's fair that he would chose to pass at this stage.

[JaroFan]

I'm not saying Hedican should play, I just thought it was interesting. Hill wasn't quoted he was just in there when it said count out Cole, Hedican & Hill.

[JaroFan]

I'm not saying Hedican should play, I just thought it was interesting. Hill wasn't quoted he was just in there when it said count out Cole, Hedican & Hill.

[nccanes]

I'm not saying Hedican should play, I just thought it was interesting. Hill wasn't quoted he was just in there when it said count out Cole, Hedican & Hill.

I didn't say you thought he should play. You asked what we thought and I answered. :smoke:

So I guess I'll ask a question in return. Why do you think it's "interesting"?

[nccanes]

I'm not saying Hedican should play, I just thought it was interesting. Hill wasn't quoted he was just in there when it said count out Cole, Hedican & Hill.

I didn't say you thought he should play. You asked what we thought and I answered. :smoke:

So I guess I'll ask a question in return. Why do you think it's "interesting"?

[JaroFan]

Just that he spoke his mind & basically just said "no, i'm not doing it". I admire that kind of attitude.

[JaroFan]

Just that he spoke his mind & basically just said "no, i'm not doing it". I admire that kind of attitude.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

So in all I've read about the World Championships I haven't read anything about whether Irbe will play for Latvia. Has anyone else?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

So in all I've read about the World Championships I haven't read anything about whether Irbe will play for Latvia. Has anyone else?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

So in all I've read about the World Championships I haven't read anything about whether Irbe will play for Latvia. Has anyone else?

[StormShaman]

Irbe's hurt (even though he's still playing), so I don't think he'll be playing in Finland this summer. :(

[StormShaman]

Irbe's hurt (even though he's still playing), so I don't think he'll be playing in Finland this summer. :(

[StormShaman]

Irbe's hurt (even though he's still playing), so I don't think he'll be playing in Finland this summer. :(

[Jeff O Rocks]

I feel bad for O that he can't participate in any hockey after the regular season because of his fear of flying..I know he misses out on a lot.. :sad:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I feel bad for O that he can't participate in any hockey after the regular season because of his fear of flying..I know he misses out on a lot.. :sad:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I feel bad for O that he can't participate in any hockey after the regular season because of his fear of flying..I know he misses out on a lot.. :sad:

[mikus]

Irbe's hurt (even though he's still playing), so I don't think he'll be playing in Finland this summer. :(
he'll think about it an will decide if he plays or not in the next days.

[mikus]

Irbe's hurt (even though he's still playing), so I don't think he'll be playing in Finland this summer. :(
he'll think about it an will decide if he plays or not in the next days.

[mikus]

Irbe's hurt (even though he's still playing), so I don't think he'll be playing in Finland this summer. :(
he'll think about it an will decide if he plays or not in the next days.

[nccanes]

Defauw has been named to the preliminary roster for the U.S. 15 players have been named, 8 more will be added. Defauw was one of 8 forwards named.

http://www.sportingnews.com/nhl/articles/20030412/468344.html

Eight forwards, all of whom have NHL experience, are on the preliminary roster. Five forwards competed in the NHL this season: Matt Cullen of the Florida Panthers, Brad DeFauw of the Carolina Hurricanes, Nicholas Dimitrakos of the San Jose Sharks, Adam Hall of the Nashville Predators, and Craig Johnson of the Los Angeles Kings. The remaining three forwards are Ted Drury and Kelly Fairchild, both of whom played in the German league this season, and Kevin Miller from the Swiss league.

[nccanes]

Defauw has been named to the preliminary roster for the U.S. 15 players have been named, 8 more will be added. Defauw was one of 8 forwards named.

http://www.sportingnews.com/nhl/articles/20030412/468344.html

Eight forwards, all of whom have NHL experience, are on the preliminary roster. Five forwards competed in the NHL this season: Matt Cullen of the Florida Panthers, Brad DeFauw of the Carolina Hurricanes, Nicholas Dimitrakos of the San Jose Sharks, Adam Hall of the Nashville Predators, and Craig Johnson of the Los Angeles Kings. The remaining three forwards are Ted Drury and Kelly Fairchild, both of whom played in the German league this season, and Kevin Miller from the Swiss league.

[VandyCane]

Good for DeFauw! It's got to be great to get the extra experience and be recognized for his play.

[VandyCane]

Good for DeFauw! It's got to be great to get the extra experience and be recognized for his play.