Hey I just wanted to see if anyone here follows the NHL. Haven't met any other Canadians I can talk hockey with. I know there are some on here so maybe someone's into it!

Anyways, what are your predictions/opinions about the season so far? What is your favorite team and why? Have you ever played hockey and what position?

My favorite team would be the Vancouver Canucks (side note: I really follow specific players more than teams but if I had to pick one it would be them, Luongo helps) Can't believe they are 0-3 right now...

I have played hockey since I was about 5 and I am a goaltender. Didn't go too far in the system just played a few games in Junior B. But still playing as of now.

So lets hear it, any thoughts?

I played hockey as a child, also as goalie. I gave it up after I moved countries; anyway, I didn't miss the grass burns too much!

I hear there's also a variant of hockey called "ice hockey" which is played by some people in cold countries.

My uncle was a chef in Vancouver he used to do meals for the players from the Canucks he has a signed stick from every player from a while back in the basement of his apartment

anyway having grown up in the uk i was deprived of hockey but its a sick sport I love it. Don't know much about whats going on in the sport right now though.

Go Habs Go!

Never played and have not paid much attention since the lockout but still follow it and find myself more interested now that I have arrived in Zurich.

How is the quality of the Swiss league? I seem to remember Stephane and Patrick Lebeau coming to play over here, and I think a couple guys played in the league during the lockout.

If the response to the thread is strong (8-10 people?) we could set up a fantasy league for the season...

I was more talking about ice hockey. You know, the National Hockey League. I know it's mostly popular in North America but...

Never played 'field' hockey though.

I think the league has some good teams and some really bad ones. But it's really popular here. Unfortunately Switzerland doesn't produce too many NHL players. A bunch of players that don't make the show (NHL) come here to play. There's a thing called 'The Spengler Cup' every year that is pretty popular viewing in Canada. I think it is held in Switzerland every year (correct me if I'm wrong on this).

I am hopefully joining a team here right away, practicing on Thursday I think. I'll report on what I think. Don't know what team or league it is yet though but The team here in Neuchatel absolutely sucks. They are in National League B and have won 1 of 8 games, brutal!

Yes, I thought you might possibly be referring to ice hockey, which of course is popular here in Switzerland; all the more so since this happened for the first time recently.

Not sure where in Canada it is popular viewing, but certainly was not popular in upper and lower Canada , Do believe it is in Switzerland every year, and think I saw the highlights on TSN once or twice...

Ok I guess maybe not popular. Just that TSN does show the games, at least the Canadian ones.

Anyone have any thoughts on the Olympic team? Which goalie would you pick? I really would have to pick Cam Ward for his ability to perform in key situations. I know Luongo is great but he's just sketchy sometimes.

I'd like to see Marc-Andre Fleury get a shot. Proved himself last year the playoffs. I could go with Cam Ward as well. Anybody but Brodeur. Time to pass the torch on that one...

gee where have you been !Spengler cup is played in Davos every year between X-mas and new year and is on TV in Canada every year

I have a buddy who used to play for the Coyotes.

Kickass christmas presents from him signed by his coach.

Still pissed Balsillie didn't get them to the Hammer.

Am familiar with the Spengler (I was being a little sarcastic ) just think it is not the best quality hockey on at the time and certainly not as popular as the World Junior Championships held over the same period. TSN will cover every game of the WJC, as opposed to the Spengler, where only the gold medal game is broadcast and even then only if it includes Canada.

However, now that I am here I look forward to checking it out!

Go Canada!

does anyone know if there is some pick.up hockey in zurich??

The Leafs are terrible again this year. Please discuss.

It figures. All summer long Brian Burke and Ron Wilson talking about their vision of a team, modeled a la 70's broad street bullies, doomed for failure in this NHL. This team is all about making money, and it's about time the fans are hitting the pocket book. Empty seats, ticket brokers getting less than face value for prime seats - unheard off!

Could not feel better about the Leafs sucking , except it diminishes the fun when the Habs beat them.

Go Habs Go!

I am probably going to a few World Juniors games when I go home for christmas. I'm from Saskatoon so it will be nice to catch a few games.

I really don't know how the Leafs can be that bad. I think I have a sweet reality tv show idea. Have a show where 10-15 guys compete for starting goaltender spot. I bet they'd get some good con "tenders" haha. I could start in goal for them right now and look pretty decent.

Still can't believe some of the other teams that are doing good. Colorado, Phoenix???

I was brought up in Vancouver and Calgary and I support the Flames, obviously.

It always amazes me the inconsistency in the league year on year as to which teams are succesful. I really think they could benefit from a european style relegation system in this respect. It would also stop newbie American teams getting it all for nothing.

I can't believe a hockey thread that hasn't mentioned what a **** Bettmann is!?

I am a complete hockey ignoramus (note interpolation of word "hockey" to avoid possible misquoting out of context ). I just want to know, why the "Leafs" and not the "Leaves"?

If you can find out where to watch Hockey Night in Canada let me know.

^ www.myp2p.eu usually streams Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday nights/early Sunday mornings.