The NHL Is Cancelling The Olympics…WHAAAAT!?
By Phil Wunderlich
That’s right in a recent press conference Gary Bettman, the NHL commissioner, said that the NHL will not be participating in the Olympics which are taking place next year in Pyeongchang, China. He stated that it is not worth taking time out of the season while they should be focusing on the cup and could get injured in the famous tournament. He also mentioned that he did not want to pay the expenses for the travel, accommodations, blah, blah, blah.
Needless to say, the players are not very happy about it. A statement by the NHLPA (National Hockey League Player’s Association) recently stated that, “any inconveniences to the season schedule is a small price to pay compared to the opportunity to showcase our game and our greatest players†and that it “impedes the growth of our great game by walking away from an opportunity to reach sports fans worldwideâ€.
The feelings overall amongst the Lightning players are no different. Steven Stamkos who has never played an Olympic game said that this is “once in a lifetime opportunity†and he agreed with the NHLPA by stating that “(You can) really grow the game. It’s at its best right now. You want to participate in the Olympics. From what I’ve heard, it’s an unbelievable experience.” Victor Hedman who also has never been to the Olympics stated that he was “extremely disappointed†and that he was at a “loss for wordsâ€. Anton Stralman, however, was the most vocal throughout the locker room about the situation and stated that “We’re the ones putting in all the work. We’d like to go play in the big tournaments. I’m not worried about my health. They sure are not. I don’t see the issue.” and that they only really care about the money. Stated they are “a few billionaires trying to make an extra buck.”
Below are the full interviews with Victor Hedman and Steven Stamkos on the situation:
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April 7th, 2017