A collection of statements from NHLPA, IOC, IIHF, USA Hockey, Hockey Canada and NBC Sports on the NHLs decision to not go to the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang …
NHLPA: Statement from the NHLPA after the NHL announced they wouldn’t be going to the 2018 Winter Olympics.
“The players are extraordinarily disappointed and adamantly disagree with the NHL’s shortsighted decision to not continue our participation in the Olympics.
Any sort of inconvenience the Olympics may cause to next season’s schedule is a small price to pay compared to the opportunity to showcase our game and our greatest players on this enormous international stage.
A unique opportunity lies ahead with the 2018 and 2022 Olympics in Asia. The NHL may believe it is penalizing the IOC or the players, or both, for not giving the owners some meaningful concessions in order to induce them to agree to go to PyeongChang. Instead this impedes the growth of our great game by walking away from an opportunity to reach sports fans worldwide.
Moreover, it is doing so after the financial issues relating to insurance and transportation have been resolved with the IOC and IIHF. The League’s efforts to blame others for its decision is as unfortunate as the decision itself. NHL players are patriotic and they do not take this lightly. A decent respect for the opinions of the players matters. This is the NHL’s decision, and its alone. It is very unfortunate for the game, the players and millions of loyal hockey fans.”
CBC Olympics: IOC’s statement on the NHL’s decision.
“This must be a huge disappointment for the players who definitely wanted to play at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018. The IOC feels very sorry for the athletes.
The decision is even more regrettable, as the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) had offered the same conditions to the NHL as at previous Olympic Games, where the insurance and travel costs were covered.
The IOC, which distributes 90 per cent of its revenue for the development of sport in the world, obviously cannot treat a national commercial league better than not-for-profit International Sports Federations which are developing sport globally.
The ice hockey tournament at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 will nonetheless be a very exciting one, because the players from all the other professional ice hockey leagues will participate, and will be very much welcomed by their Olympic teams”
Igor Eronko: IIHF head Rene Fasel.
“We made the NHL a rather good proposal about TV, communication and Olympic channel and all that, but it was not enough for Gary Bettman. He wanted to have the rights like a top-sponsor. And sure IOC cannot give him the same rights as top-sponsors. They pay hundreds of million dollars for that. This is simply not possible.
If the NHL wants to reopen the talks or rediscuss some issues I’m ready to fly to New York anytime. Until there’s a chance we have to fight for it. I never give up. Our door is wide open. There can be a little chance everything will be resolved. We on our side we put the deadline on the end of April. There’s still some time for us.
Now that the players are angry it will be very difficult for the NHL to renegotiate a new CBA. It was a very risky decision made.
I won’t be surprised if Olympics’ TV ratings in USA and Canada will be higher than expected. Cause the fans want to watch these young guys fighting for their country. It’s a very special tournament with a very special atmosphere and environment. And it will be a much interesting even without NHL players. The other players will be happy to go to PyeongChang.
The strength of the teams will be more tight. All of the big six teams will have a good chance to fight for a good medal. And even other teams. If Canada and USA come with the big players it’s more difficult for others. I would say the Olympics will be more competitive, than a lot of people expecting.
Bettman is right, in the future IOC should reconsider its position. It means that they have to cover the technical costs like transportation, accommodation and insurance. In summer especially when the NBA players are coming. Golf players, tennis players and all others from the professional leagues. But I’m speaking only about technical costs. And in the future IOC will not have another choice but to do it. This is a lesson with the NHL what they learned about covering the costs or not. And I think this is a lesson they will never take the risk again like they did this time.”
Frank Seravalli: Executive Director of USA Hockey, Dave Ogrean.
“We knew it was a very real possibility for many months and certainly respect the decision of the NHL. The good news is that because of our grassroots efforts over the course of many years, our player pool is as deep as it has ever been and we fully expect to field a team that will play for a medal.”
Assistant Executive Director of Hockey Operations of USA Hockey, Jim Johannson.
“We respect the NHL’s decisoins and will examine our player pool options and plan accordingly. In the end, we’ll have 25 great stories on the ice in South Korea and will go to the Olympics with medal Expectations.”
CP on CBC: Hockey Canada president and CEO Tom Renney on the NHL’s decision.
“Today’s statement by the NHL is not what we were hoping for because, ultimately, we want best-on-best at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games which, for us at Hockey Canada, includes the participation of NHL players,” Renney said through a press release. “This does not change our preparation for the Games — we have developed both a Plan A and a Plan B, and will be ready to move forward.”
Mike Halford: Statement from an NBC Sports Spokesperson:
“The Olympics have long been the world’s greatest international hockey tournament irrespective of whether professionals or amateurs are playing. Although we’re disappointed that NHL players will not get the chance to experience and compete at the 2018 Winter Olympics next February, we’re confident that hockey fans and Olympic views will tune in watch the unique style of play that occurs at the Olympic Winter Games when athletes are competing for their country.”
