Quote:
Originally Posted by Joborule
Can you name an NHL equivalent for Luge?
The NHL is at a point where the gains from the Olympics - which is basically new fans - isn't enough to justify participating in it, without getting a fair amount of compensation from shutting down their league and risk their superstars not being able to play when the season resumes. The league continues to grow without the Olympics, so the NHL doesn't need it as much as it may have in the past, and can look at alternative methods of showcasing the game on a global scale, while getting some money from it at the same time.
Make no mistake about it though; the NHL wants everyone around the world to have interest in their game. Even though the Olympics will be in East Asia next time, the NHL would like the exposure to new fans which would benefit them in the long term. I'm sure that if the IOC was willing to work with the NHL/NHLPA wishes, then the players will still participate in future games. That's why I view this as posturing; so they can actually follow through with their threat if it comes to the point of not being involved with Pyeongchang 2018.
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Is there any evidence to support the bolded statement?
As for your question about luge - look at Slovenia, Austria, Germany and Switzerland now contributing to the NHL. Hockey continues to grow around the world. How much can be attributed to the Olympics is impossible to gauge. But it is indisputable that the game is growing globally.