Herb Brooks captured the imagination of sports fans everywhere with his US Olympic Hockey team's gold medal in 1980. Not only did his team of amateurs win gold, but they did so with buying into a team concept of quick movement and passing that was foreign to American hockey fans.
Brian Burke, the general manager of the US Olympic hockey program, also brings a different and new blueprint to win gold in Vancouver - this time, though, it is built around a rugged and physical style that is considered more 'old school'. MATTHEW FUTTERMAN of the Wall Street Journal analyses the change of philosophy within USA Hockey.
Brian Burke, the general manager of the U.S. Olympic hockey program, has a new plan to win gold in Vancouver. Forget the graceful, athletic style of play that dominates on Olympic ice. He's planning to conquer the world the old-fashioned way: by hitting people.
During his three decades in professional hockey, Mr. Burke has become the ultimate architect of teams that don't just win but are punishing to play, such as the 2007 Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks, who led the league in fights and penalty minutes. Mr. Burke doesn't want his opponents simply to lose. He wants their postgame soreness to remind them just how unpleasant losing was. Anyone searching for grace and artistry should tune in to figure skating.
"I think every game I watch should be more physical," Mr. Burke said during a recent media summit in Chicago.
Brian Burke, the general manager of the US Olympic hockey program, also brings a different and new blueprint to win gold in Vancouver - this time, though, it is built around a rugged and physical style that is considered more 'old school'. MATTHEW FUTTERMAN of the Wall Street Journal analyses the change of philosophy within USA Hockey.
Brian Burke, the general manager of the U.S. Olympic hockey program, has a new plan to win gold in Vancouver. Forget the graceful, athletic style of play that dominates on Olympic ice. He's planning to conquer the world the old-fashioned way: by hitting people.
During his three decades in professional hockey, Mr. Burke has become the ultimate architect of teams that don't just win but are punishing to play, such as the 2007 Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks, who led the league in fights and penalty minutes. Mr. Burke doesn't want his opponents simply to lose. He wants their postgame soreness to remind them just how unpleasant losing was. Anyone searching for grace and artistry should tune in to figure skating.
"I think every game I watch should be more physical," Mr. Burke said during a recent media summit in Chicago.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204488304574433202003331132.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_lifestyle
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