Question about the Olympics and NOT necessarily the Olympics...?

Copas, I found this great site listing the major differences between the two http://www.ctvolympics.ca/hockey/news/newsid=2195....

Yes, the Olympic ice surface is bigger, but with a lot of the games being played at GM Place in Vancouver, they are sticking to the NHL-size ice surface.

BQ– Atlanta

The 2010 Olympics will be played on regulation NHL-sized rinks, so they don't need to make any modifications to the rinks in Vancouver. This should help North American players who won't need to adapt to a wider rink.

Rules: there are rules about visors in the Olympics, fighting (removal of gloves with fisticuffs) results in a game misconduct, and I don't think (I didn't see it at the 2008/2009 World Championships) trapezoid doesn't exist for Olympic play. The IIHF has an online rulebook, and Lubers can go into some of the less obvious rules differences.

In theory, it would benefit European teams used to more width in that they play on the so-called International sized rinks.

During the season teams don't get together. Most teams had camps prior to the start of the season which included on-ice sessions, but nothing on-ice during the season. Teams will likely get 1 or 2 practices in Vancouver but that's pretty much it.

BQ: Obviously teams that have a heavy Olympic presence would be the most likely candidates (the standings come early February should be a better clue).

When played in North America, the rink is NHL size. When played anywhere else it is international size (bigger).

I'm sure teams still have team meetings, although it would be dumb to practice seriously without all of your best players, who all make the Olympics.

Honestly, there is so much talent at the Olympics, if any top three liner goes down, that NHL team will suffer.

3) No, teams are not allowed to practice during the Olympic break. Informal practices can and will be held, but the CBA prohibits any formal practices during the mid-season break (same rule applies to the All-Star game)

2) In September 2007, the IIHF agreed that all IIHF tournaments held in North America (Worlds, World Juniors, Olympics) will be held on North American sized rinks at least until 2014.

1) The document provided earlier details the differences

Olympic rules are really the IIHF's rules. Found a 2005 article listing the differances between IIHF and NHL rules. Might be a bit out of date but it'll give you an idea. 2nd link below.

It's supposed to be but since it's in north america I think they're going to use NHL sized rinks since that's the norm. Also because it would mess with the sight-lines of the arenas is they were changed.

I would assume so. I know I wouldn't want my players sitting around and doing SFA for two weeks. Although I don't really know.

No idea.

There are almost no rule differences. The Ice surface is the same length. The teams are allowed to have organized practiced when ever they want.

I've also been watching on the moving picture box that the IIHF will not tolerate headshots, whether purposely, accidentally, or shoulder pad to head due to just plain height differential. Guess Chara won't be checking anybody...

the rink is the same size and players are allowed to practice

vancouver canucks