Bettman Makes Big Declaration on Having NHL Players At the Olympics
It's been a decade now since NHL players took part in the Olympic games, providing hockey fans with a true best-on-best tournament. According to the NHL's Commissioner, that's going to change soon.
Gary Bettman appeared on The Pat McAfee Show Wednesday where he told the host that NHLers would be at the 2926 Olympic games in Italy, although he made sure that everyone understood the NHL didn't benefit financially from it.
"We do want to go because first and foremost it is important to the players, listen we don't make any money by going to the Olympics and that's not the be all and end all."
"If we can make it happen with the IOC and the appropriate arrangements are made, we are going to go."
"If we can make it happen with the IOC and the appropriate arrangements are made, we are going to go."
It's great to hear Bettman make the commitment. His comments on not making any money from it are somewhat disingenuous. While the NHL isn't directly paid to have players participate, the global exposure for the game is huge.
One thing that will need to be decided is whether Russia and Belarus will be allowed to participate. My guess is no, as nothing has really changed, but the International Ice Hockey Federation will make that decision in March of next year.
| POLL | ||
Do you want to see NHL players at the Olympics? | ||
| Yes, it's great hockey | 3 | 37.5 % |
| No | 1 | 12.5 % |
| I don't care either way | 3 | 37.5 % |
| Not sure | 1 | 12.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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