World Hockey Summit Day 1: audio from Fasel, Alfredsson, Krupp

The Molson Canadian World Hockey Summit opened this evening at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto with four hot stove sessions covering a wide range of topics, featuring panellists from around the hockey world.  Under the high roof of the Great Hall, moderator Paul Romanuk introduced the first topic: Comparison of the North American and International Game and asked the panellists to voice their opinions on items such as the rink size, fighting in hockey and the possibility of games between top individual NHL clubs and elite European clubs.  Ottawa Senators’ captain Daniel Alfredsson, who played many years on the larger ice surface in Sweden, surprised some by stating that “the small rink fits [his] game” but added that there is more time to set up behind the net on big ice.

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Alfredsson and ex-NHL goalie and current broadcaster Glenn Healy both were in favour of a possibility of a “Champions League”-style series where the elite teams of the NHL would play a number of games against their counterparts in Europe.

RENE FASEL 1 min 33 sec IIHF President Rene Fasel addresses compensation for players playing in the World Championships and Olympics.  (The first question was from this writer).

DANIEL ALFREDSSON 3 mins 36 sec Ottawa captain discusses potential NHL games in non-traditional markets, the financial aspect of opening the season in Sweden and fighting in hockey. (The first question was from this writer).

In the second session, State of the Game, examining potential avenues for growing hockey in non-traditional markets and countries, Tampa Bay GM Steve Yzerman, pointing out that he now works in Florida, stated that the provision of facilities in such places and exposing people in non-traditional cities will go a long way in bringing more potential athletes to hockey.  Former NHL defenceman and current German national team head coach Uwe Krupp agreed, saying the building of hockey facilities and making them profitable will encourage growth.  Krupp also cited the star power of Wayne Gretzky when he was traded to Los Angeles in 1988 as a major reason why many kids took up hockey in California.  He went on to explain that the NHL’s “Goals and Dreams” community program which performs outreach initiatives in cities, is another positive step in exposing kids to hockey.

UWE KRUPP 1 min 38 sec Krupp credits NHL scouting in Germany for not missing potential talented hockey players. (All questions from this writer).

Toronto GM Brian Burke and agents Don Meehan and Pat Brisson gave an overview of Agents’ Role in Working with Young Players.  Moderator Jim Hughson, one of the voices of CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, asked the trio what should a hypothetical GM or agent say to the parents of a 16-year old who wants to become an NHL player?  Burke pointedly stated that there is ”no one way” to answer.  He wryly stated that ”parents are the worst judges of talent” due to their obvious emotional attachment and cautioned parents to stay clear of potential agents who want to speak directly to young teenage players.

Steve Yzerman speaks with the media at the conclusion of Day 1 of the World Hockey Summit at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

In addition, Burke said that GMs and agents need to have a joint relationship when dealing with young players.  Specifically, a good GM will immediately point out to the player his deficits in skill and what he needs to work on to overcome them.  Burke would expect a good agent to likewise drill into the player the message of working hard on skill improvement.

The night’s final session revolved around the controversies of Contracts and Transfers.  Much of the discussion, moderated by TSN hockey analyst Bob McKenzie, examined the often strained relationship between the NHL and the Russian Federation.  Deputy NHL commissioner Bill Daly said that “mutual respect for contracts is the sticking point between the NHL and KHL …  The KHL still has some difficulties with certain Russian clubs in following rules set out by the KHL.”  He emphasized the need for greater cooperation between the two leagues and hoped, in the future, to overcome some of the difficulties.

Tomorrow’s program will be held at the Air Canada Centre highlighted by two lengthy panel sessions on Player Skills Development led by Pat Kelleher from USA Hockey in the morning and Junior Development in the World led by Cole Butterworth from the CHL in the afternoon.