As a fan, this is positive news and I really hope Olympic participation can be worked out.
I remember Burke mentioning at the JCC dinner that had the local organizing committee covered insurance and related costs we would have had Olympic participation in 2018.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
As Canadians, I don't think we really understand how inaccessible ice hockey is to the vast majority of the people in the world. Not only do you need the infrastructure of ice rinks, but with the expensive equipment and highly specialized training, even in Canada it has become a sport for the affluent.
Expecting Olympic hockey to substantially grow participation in places like China is like expecting a high-profile polo tournament to substantially grow participation in that sport globally.
The NHL has correctly discerned that the most promising source of new hockey fans and players is upper-middle-class Americans.
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This is an astute post and as Canadians we should be concerned about the ridiculous costs for minor hockey - especially for younger kids. I agree that most growth for the NHL will occur within the middle class, however it’s important to note that Olympic participation furthers that goal.