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I always thought the Olympics were supposed to be for non-professional athletes. That's what made the Miracle on Ice in 1980 so special, but things have changed since then.
As far as the NHL goes, I don't mind the players participating, but I don't like the season being shut down for three weeks, so I kind of understand where the league and the owners are coming from. There is also the injury and fatigue factor, and the fact that some teams send a lot of players and some send none.
Overall, I would have to vote yes, that the league is making the right call.
If you are going to have a global event that showcases the worlds best athletes seems rather odd to leave out the best hockey players.I think NHL players who qualify should be allowed to participate in their national team.
As a season ticket holder, I am just fine with skipping a three week mid-season shutdown.
IF the Olympics wants NHL player participation, move hockey to summer, and end the games in time for NHL camp.
And, IMO, the Olympics have been so corrupt, for so long, why do they even matter anymore for mainline major sports?
Track and Field, gymnastics, swimming, sure.
But, the NHL has by any measure the premier hockey offering in the world, without supporting the Olympic Games with their talent.
I am kinda miffed at this decision! How can you get the public in another potential hockey market excited for the game if they don't get the chance to see THE BEST playing in person - especially during the Winter Olympics in their home turf? I think South Korea will be a decent market for hockey in the long term - they are proud and passionate people, quite wealthy, have plenty of good athletes, and have a winter climate needed for the game to prosper! The NHL better at the very least give them an exhibition game the way they are giving China one!
Yeah not a fan. I really only think it's cool when the games are in North America...
-South Korea is 15 hours ahead of central time (no DST). If I can't watch the games live...I don't care.
-Too far away.
-Goes against the general spirit of the Olympics. Go back to amateurs. If it was more like the World Jr Championships it would probably be more exciting hockey, especially since the same teams would be playing each other a few weeks after that tournament concludes.
Honestly the NHL should just put more focus on the World Championships. Move it to July, they can get more stars in the game, due to the lack of things going on in the sports world at this time (baseball and excitement for NFL training camp are really the only big things going on) to give hockey the center stage for a few weeks, and it doesn't interfere with the regular season.
I can only say one thing - Canada has no chance in competing with European teams without NHL players. Russia will win the tournament.
Yeah,
Ovechkin has already said he will walk out on his Caps contract to play for Russia.
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