NHL players can return to the Olympics at the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing. The NHL and the NHL Players Association reached that agreement after prolonged negotiations.
NHL athletes competed in the 2014 Sochi Games, but Commissioner Gary Bettman banned participation in the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. He did it because the International Olympic Committee (IOC) refused to pay for travel, insurance, and other accommodation expenses. So the league skipped the Games and played the regular season. Many fans weren’t happy with the call.
Courtesy South China Morning Post
Even though the NHL and players had previously agreed to participate in the upcoming Olympics, the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic jeopardized that plan. But the sides were able to iron out issues, and that pleased USA Head Coach Mike Sullivan. “It’s such an exciting time for hockey,” he said.
Sullivan is not alone. Reigning league MVP Connor McDavid will get his first taste of Olympic action, and he is pleased to do so. “Just to be able to represent Canada at the Olympics and compete for a gold medal would be an absolute dream come true,” said McDavid. Other stars potentially making their Olympic debut include “Rocket” Richard winner Auston Matthews and two-time Stanley Cup champion defenseman, Victor Hedman.
Here’s how the schedule shakes out. The NHL’s All-Star Weekend is scheduled for Las Vegas on February 4-5, and players will fly out to China on the 6th. Olympic hockey begins on February 9 and ends on February 20.
Twelve countries will field national hockey teams in the 2022 Games. Group A will include the U.S., Canada, Germany, and host China. Group B will feature Russia, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Denmark. Group C teams will represent Finland, Sweden, Slovakia, and Latvia.
Allowing NHL stars to represent their countries is a HUGE win for everyone. Bring on the fun, Beijing!
