IIHF World Championship Roster Selection

[syinx 139]

How does player selection work? Is there a reason it differs so greatly from the Olympics? Players like Doughty are eligible to play but aren't in - any reason for that?

[chippa13 1844]

Players often turn down invitations to the world championships. There is a huge difference to many players between competing for Olympic gold and the world championships. They might decline to nurse injuries or decide that they need to rest after a particularly long season or two.

[rawkstar 45]

I think both US and Canada typically use this tourney as a learning experience for younger players, because nobody cares who wins and mostly nobody watches it back home because NHL playoffs are on.

Look at team USA this year, a bunch of youngins basically. It's a great experience for them though and great for showcasing players, like the KHL guys, it's a great opportunity for them to get noticed.

Only teams that care are the hosts and the Russians.

[flyers10 57]

The US seems to send weak teams regularly. Canada was pretty stacked this year. Most major players not still in the playoffs participated.