What NHL Offseason? The World Cup of Hockey Showcases the Best of the Best Representing Their Countr

TORONTO, CANADA--For the first time in more than a decade, eight teams comprised of the largest assembly of NHL talent in history compete in an international showdown prior to the NHL season beginning in October.

With 189 players, and 47 Stanley Cup trophies combined, the World Cup of Hockey will certainly be anything but boring. The players have put aside their NHL rivalries and team associations in favor of playing for the pride of their given countries. Teams Canada, USA, Russia, Czech Republic, Finland, Sweden, Europe, and North America (a roster of 23-year-old and younger phenoms from the continent), will compete in two groups. The best two of each group continue to a single elimination playoff, followed by a decisive three-game final.

Hockey fans across the globe have anxiously awaited the tournament. However, their excitement is dwarfed by the players' enthusiasm to be a part of the tournament.

Corey Crawford of Team USA summarizes: "With all the history and just being part of your country, it's a special feeling to be able to put that jersey on,"

The World Cup also could mean a big change in how the NHL regular season will play out.

Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks, one of the top three goal scorers in the 2015-2016 season, notes that this tournament vastly contrasts the chase for the Stanley Cup.

"With the Cup, you're obviously with the team the whole year and it's a lot longer road to actually winning," Kane said in an interview with the Chicago Tribune. "With this, it's a couple-of-week tournament and you have to take advantage of your opportunities right away. (You must) make sure you don't have any mistakes because you can find yourself going home with nothing to show for it. Every game means something, every shift means something."

Moreover, every team has a chance to win the Wold Cup--there simply is no favorite. With stakes so high, it'd be no surprise if the same mentality carries on throughout the regular season.

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