McDavid vs. Goliath: Why I can't cheer for Canada at the WCH

Canada as the villain. Sounds weird, right? Steve Dangle thinks that's what Team Canada might be at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
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[@mattheww7846]

Cheering for Canada because I'm from Canada.

[@Surl9596]

I'm from the US and I couldn't care less about them. Go NA!

[@Swimmys]

you're also from north america

[@mattheww7846]

+Swimmy And they almost never play as a team. it's a dumb NHL gimmick

[@Swimmys]

Matthew Wierdsma I like it because it will be entertaining

[@codypendency9482]

+Matthew Wierdsma it's just a way for us to win another medal I think it's pretty cool seeing the young guys getting a chance to prove themselves

[@foist101]

As an Oilers fan I have no shame cheering for a team that actually has a shot at winning.

[@EVE101Patt]

i guess a leaf fan should think similar ;)

[@den12333]

+batflip 09 Morgan rielly

[@danielmcfee624]

+Batflip 09 Well Team NA also has Morgan Rielly if that's what you were talking about. If you were talking about in the entire tournament, the Leafs have 8 players participating, not including Andersen who's out of the tournament due to injury. But I imagine you weren't looking for an answer, just looking for an insult to hide your insecurities about your teams aging/fading core. I really hope they do something, it would be a tragedy if Price, admittedly one of the top 5 goaltenders of all time, retires without a cup (or has to win one in a meaningless market south of the border).

[@EVE101Patt]

+Batflip 09 you got some answers already ;) plus i was more referring to the statement "..cheering for a team that can actually win.."

[@TheIceBreaker]

No Steve, you don't have a point. When team Canada wins, I'm taking over your job.

[@TheIceBreaker]

Stand by my statement.

[@nojugado5729]

cheering for North america cause of Mathews and Reilly being on the team

[@ELSKELATORO]

same

[@aaronsousa6850]

yup just hoope neither gets hurt :) go leafs go

[@maxpowr90]

Does that mean you're getting a Team North America jersey with your name on the back?

[@SteveDangle]

I hope so!

[@scottm4323]

I gotta grab one of those Team NA shirts with Matthews on it. I'm picturing a scenario 10 - 15 years from now I see him at some sort of promo at the Eaton Center and ask him to sign my shirt and pull it out only to have him roll his eyes.

[@manifoldstew4]

I'm Canadian and I'm cheering for Finland.

[@michaelsukut5506]

Same

[@manifoldstew4]

Cody Pape Is that a problem?

[@anttonkailio1626]

FINLAND!!!!

[@LaBelleTML]

So basically you can't cheer for Canada because they're too good. That's very patriotic of you Steve. I think being a Leafs fan is taking a toll on you...Maybe you don't know how to root for a good team lol. Personally though as a proud Canadian I will never cheer against my country.

[@codypendency9482]

^

[@Scionofgreyhaven]

agreed

[@WingDiamond]

I'm from the USA, and for every int'l Basketball comp. (esp. the Olympics) I cheer AGAINST my own team. And don't call me racist cuz if they were white guys I'd hate them even more.

[@LaBelleTML]

WingDiamond Saying if they were white you'd hate them even more kind of sounds racist in itself. I wouldn't have even thought of that connection had you not brought it up. Anyway, I'm over this comment. Lots of people cheered for NA and that's fine. I just felt like with hockey being such a part of the Canadian identity I can't find it in myself to cheer for anything but my country. That team stands for a lot of history and a lot of great hockey memories.

[@WingDiamond]

OK, Let me say this - I don't want folk saying the reason why I'm not rooting for USA Basketball is because of the skintone of the players. If they were white, the players on the team and the whites cheering them on would be the ones most likely to hate "Our Game".

[@Gopherzooka]

as an oiler fan I'm behind this 1000% #mcdavidvsgoliath

[@1975Jdonov]

Canada is the new Russia and we need another "Miracle on Ice"!

[@BridgewatersFinest]

I'm not going to sit here and say "You don't have a point, Steve", but, I don't think any particular team has to be "the villain" in this. I want to see Team North America do very well. But I want to see Canada win.

[@Worldsportstalk24]

cheering for Canada, but a Canada vs. North America final would be a win-win

[@Threeli]

Team Europe is definitely the underdog imo. They're like a team you toss together in nhl16 when you're bored.

[@OneTeeGlory]

Canada is the John Cena of hockey. We're just like "lol we win again"

[@exchha8046]

G20 not in Olympics tho!

[@thomaslabelle2407]

One more for the trolls, did you know that at the world cup in 1930 Team Canada was so good that they didn't have to play a single round? They were automatically put into the finals and all the other teams were battling out to figure out who would play them and then..... Canada won 6-1 vs Germany with basically their eyes closed for the 2nd and 3rd period.

[@oilerz15]

Makes in very clear he's not cheering for Canada. Wears a Canada jersey in the video.

[@thealexisnhl1079]

great vidéo man!

[@99oildrops]

I want NA to win. It's partly because I'm a McDavid fan boy.

[@paleosisco]

I like Team North America, but I just can't see myself cheering for anyone but Team Canada!

[@zacharys.1487]

Steve drove the "McDavid vs. Goliath" joke into the ground. It's kind of like when you tell a joke in elementary school. If one person laughs at it, you tell your whole class, trying to become popular, but you end up getting dirty looks from everyone who has heard it.

[@aceofspades1737]

Does this mean that we're Iceland from the mighty ducks two?

[@NateNakao]

😂

[@aleksranisavljev4093]

ye

[@michaelneilson672]

Sidney Crosby playing the role of Gunnar Stahl

[@ClaymanV]

I see Steve is discovering the Canadian hockey villianry that the rest of the hockey world, especially my States, has long been experienced too.

[@calliee5719]

Cheering for team North America is basically still cheering for Canada so hey lol I'm cheering for both

[@barsk1]

finland vs canada, revenge final from the last wch, but this time finland has some young talent! :D

[@HareBrahs]

Good luck bruh..

[@TezzaFTW]

Canada at wch didnt even have half their current roster on the team, youre dreaming bro

[@mattsonhing413]

I agree with your point, but I think NA is surprisingly good (all things considered). Ekblad and MacKinnon would both be team Canada material players as well. I don't doubt the young guys one bit, which is why I actually somewhat worry for team Canada (when they have to face them). We all know Canada can dominate anyone else in the tournament when they have to, but don't forget that NA has the most Canadian players OUTSIDE of team Canada, and that's an important factor too.

[@Scionofgreyhaven]

shut up Steve, Canada all ze way!

[@adamstiles1154]

so Canada has turned into Ivan Drogo in this tourny. can we be broken?

[@MrNatorules]

Canada the villain? lol...who has Kesler? Their is your villain.

[@drteetho]

Counterpoint - Brad Marchand. (P.S. - I'm Canadian.)

[@MrNatorules]

Agreed he is a serious douche bag but he isn't half the dirt bag Kesler is. imho

[@SkepticHeathen]

Also, Perry. ( am Canadian )

[@wilerman]

As a Jets fan I hate Perry, Getzlaf and Kesler with a passion

[@ELSKELATORO]

once I learned Reilly and Matthews were playing on North America in the world cup of hockey against such high quality teams like Canada, USA and Russia I was cheering for them because I'm so happy that these leafs player will get the chance to have that great experience

[@Gmoney033]

im hoping the u23 team and USA have a good tournament

[@jamesforliti9834]

Absolutely agree. This gentleman has a point. I think he's spot on. Brilliant!

[@asecmimosas4536]

That's the problem of too much winning. If you lose once or twice, and there's a chance of losing, then suddenly you're back on Team Canada's side. But with the recent win streak it's hard to drum up excitement for games which you know the end result of.

[@XenomorphLee]

Cheering for team euro as an English hockey fan but kinda like the look of the NA team

[@slicer7713]

Did you forget that this is the same situation as 1980 miracle

[@gabrielwingue]

Oh, Steve... I'm with you 100%. I'm cheering for Europe and North America, not just because Canada's goliath and there's no fun in that but because I want the farce of this tournament out in the open. I want the kids not being eligible for their national teams to matter, or I want the also rans in Team Europe to stick it to the NHL.

[@TheCommonS3Nse]

Team Canada vs Team North America would be the ultimate final for any Canadian hockey fan. I'm cheering for both!!

[@GreerFried]

0:57 Can we just take a second to acknowledge that Marchand isn"?'t just the guy that's been working out with Crosby? Say what you want about his on-ice behavior, I won't even deny it, but he's a tremendously skilled player, up there with Crosby himself.

[@PareProductionsChannel]

idk about you, but I love watching my canadian lads slaying all other countries at hockey. But, I get where hes coming from, I do feel bad for all other teams... sorry.

[@glamourchaos]

My brand new Team NA sweatshirt says "I'M ALREADY THERE!"

[@twistfire74]

Agree with you %100. Plus there are 2 Leafs on Team North America and they have the coolest jerseys I've ever seen.

[@nikolasbon9558]

With regards to players on NA not making the US and Canada: I agree that the only Canadian player on the NA roster who could make Canada is McDavid. However you have to think that Saad and Gaudreau potentially make the American squad along with Eichel

[@CelticCanuck4]

Our rugby team isn't "Oh g golly its Canada."

[@thomaslabelle2407]

Did you wake up after being frozen for 120 years? Canada is always been that way, nice trolling there.

[@dannymacdougall366]

Oh, let me think about it for a few seconds .... one, t NO ! ... GO CANADA GO !

[@radkabenesova]

I'd love to have a "they're too good" problem with my team. But I'm Czech 😁 never stop believing though

[@clarkpitts5393]

Hell of a match tonight. Crosby/Stamkos/Towes vs. Ovie/ Malkin/ Tarasanko! in Pittsburgh! LETS GO PENS!!!

[@kenanderson9331]

Nice piece, too bad Team NA didn't show but I see where you are coming from. David beat Goliath once in my life and that was in 1980 Lake Placid.

[@unkiller91]

I can easily say that I have a favourite team in both groups. If both make it to the final, I win either way. can't wait to see mcdavid and eichel together on a pp unit

[@lAmCanad1an]

I get your point, they've accomplished everything, beat everyone several times what's left to prove or cheer for? BUT I'm Canadian before I'm an NHL fan so I cheer for Canada. However I do cheer for certain players on other teams, just not the team as a whole.

[@tailor31415]

well Crosby has worked on his angles a LOT since he was 13, thanks Andy O'Brien - shouldn't be a surprise you can ID him from the stands

[@mNag]

Well I somewhat agree Steve. But for me it goes NA #1, CAN #2. I don't want to see the Canadians losing to USA despite how stacked the roster is. Also I got 2 Oilers on team NA and 0 Oilers on team Canada, so I might be a little biased. But ya, that NA team was really exciting. The CAN-USA game was good too, but for different reasons, and I'm hoping NA is too fast for the US to catch if they end up playing each other at some point later.

[@joeyweber8104]

Totally agree. I'm cheering for team NA as well.

[@WingDiamond]

When the USA lost in Basketball at the 2004 Olympics I giggled my ass off!

[@jackfinn8130]

I would ABSOLUTELY love to see North America vs USA or Canada in the finals. Come to think of it, those three teams will MOST likely be the teams who make it to the final! USA has the playmakers, Canada has the All stars, and NH has both! Europe or Russia could make it far, but I'm sure that NH, Canada, or USA will make it to the final

[@harveyscott8243]

Sorry steve, but I'm a proud Canadian and I gotta stick with them.

[@lerej110]

Steve !!!!

[@end_thefed836]

I already made bets for North America to win each of their three games and a very small wager to win it all as sportsbooks has them as underdogs in each of the three games despite being the second favorites to Canada to win it all.

[@whistleblower8363]

CHEER FOR YOUR COUNTRY!!! GO CANADA GO! DON'T CHOOSE INDIVIDUALS CHOOSE YOUR NATION!! LETS GO CANADA!!

[@Zenkka]

Talking about a team with kids... @SteveDangle you are welcome to jump Team Finland bandwagon. Forever underdogs, always surprise success (okay sure we haven't won gold yet but still)

[@julienlapointe7753]

Go Price Go

[@EVE101Patt]

i'm from one of the "not-so-hockey-gifted-rest-of-europe" and so i'll probably try to cheer for them.. tho it's a "some stars - some slackers"-team...

[@nathanwong6751]

Cheering for Sweden cause my Nucks are all on that team

[@johnyk88]

A team full of 1st overall picks being underdogs... What a concept

[@jiiod2518]

I'm from NA & Im cheering for Canada bc my boy Sid on that team. Kick some asses Sid. Go Canada!

[@patrickalonzo3388]

Genuinely surprised how many people regard teams NA and Europe as a joke, bad idea etc. I'm way more hyped about having 2 actually competitive teams in the tournament, unlike e.g. Slovakia and Switzerland. Let's face it, they would get absolutely destroyed. Sure, they could pull an upset, but most likely nah. All the haters just gotta accept the fact that right now there aren't eight hockey nations good enough for this tournament. Hopefully in the future though! I see plenty of potential from many European nations..

[@almosTalented]

as a swiss i'm cheering for.... nope, not gonna watch that mickey mouse tournament 😂.

[@cloudtrader]

I'm cheering for Czechia (I even have a jersey to wear!) and North America.

[@BIGSPlN]

i think you missed guadreau being on na

[@SwedishWrestlingNews]

Don't underestimate team Sweden.... ;

[@fdannn6926]

Don't forget that the final is a 3 game series.

[@micahlambert953]

"The Evil Empire"

[@alexcoutinho1128]

Cheering for team usa because im from the us

[@rickg5597]

With players you haven't mentioned for team NA like...Nathan MacKinnon, Johny Gaudreau, Jonathan Drouin, Dylan Larkin, Austin Mathews, Sean Monahan, Bradon Saad, Aaron Ekblad, Shayne Gostisbehere and Seth Jones imo it would be hard to say it was a fluke if they won the tourney, especially since hockey is no longer dominated by any country...Sure team Canada won last 2 Olympic gold medals, but they had to play smart, safe, defensive hockey. Nail bitter finals in 2010 3-2 OT vs USA and nail bitter semi finals in 2014 1-0 vs USA...I'll be rooting for both team Canada and North America. Ty for the sweet, entertaining video, hopefully there's more to come :)

[@needreviving4644]

I agree those are all great players, but look at it like this: Nate Mackinnon lined up against Johnny T., Gaudreau shutdown by Toews, Drouin against Crosby, Ekblad against Weber, Gostibehere against Doughty... The NA players are all great, but Canada can match every single one of their players down. I believe, to a lesser extent, Sweden and USA can too. I'd say it would be a bit of a fluke if they won the tourney. (Just my opinion)

[@rickg5597]

Your opinion makes perfect sense...I agree, I would expect Canada, US, Sweden to be favourites but with NA explosive pace, mittens and young blood I just wouldn't classify a tourney victory a massive fluke but I'd buy a bit of a fluke. I just find the longer time off during offseason for most members on team NA, quicker recovery time and the will to prove themselves might play a bigger part than most would think. But I've been wrong before. I'm just stoked the World Cup is finally back.

[@needreviving4644]

Rick G For sure. I'd be surprised a bit by their win, but I definitely believe it's possible. Can't wait til' the elimination games.

[@rickg5597]

No doubt, hang in there bud, Saturday is nearly here =o)

[@goatzilla3784]

Rick G w

[@thejedireviewer14]

Did Steve just refer to Canada as a Demogorgon?

[@Joshyee58]

I'm Canadian but I'm going North America to.

[@moriellymoproblems7842]

Matthews-McDavid-Eichel. Please make it happen Team NA, even if it's just for one shift.

[@orangechev79]

I'm cheering for Canada in group A and North America in group B if they meet in the end I'll cheer for both

[@Adam-ee4bg]

personally I think team na is a joke let McDavid and Matthews play for there own country

[@MTCH1986]

153,592,143 is Canada's Salary Cap, you were about right around 150 million lol.

[@filipnassen9076]

Team Canada is always the villain.

[@Mike_Fahmy]

Steve why on earth are you wearing a long sleeved shirt when it's 35 degrees Celsius outside

[@marksutherland9380]

I will always cheer for Canada, even if we have stamkos, getzlaf and tavares on the 3RD line

[@rebeckymo]

#TeamYoungGuns vs. #TeamSomeOfEurope in the finals would be awfully interesting for me (and probably have Sportsnet screaming over ratings)

[@RobChapmanCreativeHabits]

It is dirty! We are so dirty

[@mychoclabwinston]

I'm cheering for team North America, as a Canadian, we should pick the best team, some of these picks for Canada are ridiculous.

[@Moxertons]

NA

[@Jinsinian]

mcdavid will have other times to get metals and awards but i think crosby getting one of the last ones he doesnt have is more important as a player of this generation

[@isaacdeans4294]

conluke mcskywalker vs the death star

[@PS3NERD07]

I agree with your reasoning, but I still gotta cheer for my country

[@h2ofield]

666 likes...do do do do (twilight zone theme)

[@JamesBrownyayaya]

Soon as I saw the line-ups I figured that I would be cheering for Team N.A. There are enough Canadians on the roster that I don't feel like a total traitor and I always love an underdog.

[@codypendency9482]

how it team north America a joke mcdaddy,eichel, Matthew's, ekblad, Larkin, nuge, Jonathan drouin, shuffile, maybe Johnny hockey? all elite amazing players

[@andrewsheehy4998]

SOME OF EUROPE! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! SOME OF EUROPE! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!

[@mabbeman]

Oooh Steve, you so cute! Canada is always the villain!!

[@neivgupta3018]

even though like all main sharks players are in team doofus(canada) i am still voting for usa

[@fasttalkingspeech]

I like the whole McDavid vs Goliath idea, but I just would rather cheer for my country than cheer on the young guns of the NHL

[@aquavedits]

SUCH A FUNNY VIDEO!

[@EWOT]

well said, dangle

[@allaccessalfredo]

I’m not Canadian I’m American so I’m going for team North America against Canada

[@ryangreen350]

I've been saying North America for weeks now

[@Mike_Fahmy]

Steve those facial expressions make you look like you're constipated and trying to squeeze out a large log lol

[@VictryIsNvrYors]

I'm predicting Team North America vs. Canada in the finals (if that's possible). I wouldn't doubt Team NA beating Team Canada. Would I say Team NA is going to outright beat Team Canada? Meh. Anything can happen in sports.