Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - [News] NHL players will not participate in 2018 Olympics?

landshark · 02-10-2014, 01:20 PM

I hope the NHL knows what they are doing...

It was the 1980 Olympics that brought hockey to my attention. Back then, there was no hockey on TV where I lived. I watched ALL of the hockey coverage as did everyone on our new floor hockey team that was put together by my easterner college roommate. He taught us all how to play.

But there was still no hockey on TV. The Sharks came around in 1992, but was only available to me via UHF 100mi away. Most of the time, I couldn't see much.

It was the 1998 Olympics that gave me my first glimpse of NHL players at the top of their game. I watched the whole tournament and was absolutely smitten with the game.

That was why I finally decided that I needed cable TV (not a big fan of TV in general - refused to PAY for it for the longest time) so I could watch the Sharks.

If not for the olympics, I wouldn't be a fan of the NHL today.

I talked to a guy from Alabama a couple of years ago. He was a football fan ONLY for his whole life, but he watched the 2010 tournament and 'got it'. Instant hockey fan.

I really understand the NHL's argument, but I don't think the game is done growing yet. The olympics is costly for them, but I think it's still valuable to the growth of the league.

02-10-2014, 01:20 PM	#191
landshark Powerplay Quarterback Join Date: May 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Exp:	I hope the NHL knows what they are doing... It was the 1980 Olympics that brought hockey to my attention. Back then, there was no hockey on TV where I lived. I watched ALL of the hockey coverage as did everyone on our new floor hockey team that was put together by my easterner college roommate. He taught us all how to play. But there was still no hockey on TV. The Sharks came around in 1992, but was only available to me via UHF 100mi away. Most of the time, I couldn't see much. It was the 1998 Olympics that gave me my first glimpse of NHL players at the top of their game. I watched the whole tournament and was absolutely smitten with the game. That was why I finally decided that I needed cable TV (not a big fan of TV in general - refused to PAY for it for the longest time) so I could watch the Sharks. If not for the olympics, I wouldn't be a fan of the NHL today. I talked to a guy from Alabama a couple of years ago. He was a football fan ONLY for his whole life, but he watched the 2010 tournament and 'got it'. Instant hockey fan. I really understand the NHL's argument, but I don't think the game is done growing yet. The olympics is costly for them, but I think it's still valuable to the growth of the league.