Much to the disappointment of players, commissioner Gary Bettman declared that the NHL will choose to sit out of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in South Korea.
Despite hope from the NHL Players’ Association and International Olympic Committee that they could work out an agreement with the NHL, but nothing ever came to fruition.
“In an effort to create clarity among conflicting reports and erroneous speculation, this will confirm our intention to proceed with finalizing our 2017-18 Regular Season schedule without any break to accommodate the Olympic Winter Games,” the NHL said in a release Monday. “We now consider the matter officially closed.”
The decision has since been met with backlash and disagreement from players and the IOC. Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin insisted he would still play in the Olympic games despite the league’s decision. Ottawa Senators defenceman Erik Karlsson referred to the decision as “crap,” and the IOC mentioned that it feels sorry for the athletes.
Looking at the NHL’s decision, the players’ frustration is understandable, and the league’s decision clearly shows that they are not making the players a priority.
Players come from all over the world for the honor of putting on the NHL jersey. They risk injury night in and night out, and play one of the most unique, violent sports in the world. Additionally so, their participation in the league helps the league make a profit off merchandise, ticket sales, concessions and many other parts of the game of hockey.
“Overall, the NHL made a poor choice, and hopefully players will be able to make that decision for themselves.”
Sure, players are paid, but the league wouldn’t lose anything by allowing players to play for their respective countries. The players are the foundation of the NHL, and the league should respect their decision to appreciate their roots and play for their home nation.
While injuries are a concern, considering the league and team owners can lose star players to injuries in the Olympics, there is a risk of injury for players every game in the NHL. There would be no greater risk at the Olympic Games than in the NHL. Both are competitive realms that present them same game and the same risk of injury.
Unfortunately, it appears that hockey has become more business-oriented, when it should focus on the players. The NHL’s choice to sit out of the games puts the wants of the team owners before the wants of the players. This is the game of hockey in the end, and the league’s decision just shows disrespect and less care toward the players.
Additionally, the NHL has expressed interest in expanding its reach as far as China, where they plan to host preseason games in Fall 2017. If they truly want to increase their prominence through Asia and all across the globe, there is no reason the NHL should make its players sit out of the Olympics.
Overall, the NHL made a poor choice, and hopefully players will be able to make that decision for themselves. The situation will surely continue to play out, and the league will hopefully allow its players to participate int he 2022 Olympic games in Beijing.
