[News] NHL players will not participate in 2018 Olympics?

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

I hate to keep belabouring this point, but the NHL =/= hockey. It isn't the NHL's job to act as the unifying force for all hockey in the world. That's the IIHF's job. And it is thus incumbent on the IIHF to persuade the NHL that continued participation is a good thing.

Likewise, hockey is not soccer, so I don't buy the comparisons as being valid. And I say this despite the fact that the soccer example actually argues in favour of the NHL's point - there is far more money in the World Cup than there is the Olympics.

Not to mention that Olympic soccer does not rely on the best leagues in the world releasing all their players to participate.

From a global hockey perspective, I don't think having NHL all star teams playing has an effect outside of the big 4 or 5 audiences that are already sold on the NHL anyway (they aren't going to care any more or less about the NHL). I am doubtful that the majority of fans from fringe hockey nations enjoy seeing their national teams spanked by NHL dream teams in the Olympics every 4 years. I don't think that helps "grow the game" where the growth is needed the most.

I know that hockey is not soccer, but I would love to see hockey use the same age restrictions that soccer uses when sending teams to the Olympics. The big 4 or 5 teams would still have a big advantage and there would still be star recognition, but I don't think it would be as top-heavy of a tournament.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Itse

Or, you could say that the the hockey owners had unrealistic expectations, they lack patience and don't really understand sports traditions.

Which I think are all things that are pretty much confirmed by the way hockey as is generally being run. International tournaments change formats every few years, nobody is interested in finding a unified rule set for all hockey and rules are constantly meddled with.

Also, when ever there's a good thing discovered, the owners start instantly milking them for short term profit instead of building them up as unique, must-see things in their own. Outdoor games are a great example. I really don't care about them anymore, and wouldn't specifically tune in to watch one.

This is one area where soccer has totally got it. They don't for example milk the excitement out of rivalries by having those games all the time. I for one really can't get excited about playing Flames playing Canucks. Beating them is a little nicer than beating most other teams, but if I miss that game, it's no big deal. Another one will be just around the corner.

Very true.

[GirlySports]

even with age restrictions it's still in the middle of the season. unless you cancel the world juniors every 4 years and make THAT the olympic tournament.

under 23? which NHL teams will release players? Are Duchesne and Hall going to go and miss 6 or more NHL games? And if you allow 3 overaged players? That's even more of a mess.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

even with age restrictions it's still in the middle of the season. unless you cancel the world juniors every 4 years and make THAT the olympic tournament.

under 23? which NHL teams will release players? Are Duchesne and Hall going to go and miss 6 or more NHL games? And if you allow 3 overaged players? That's even more of a mess.

I don't imagine any top line NHLers would go, especially if their teams were in the mix for the playoffs. It would be mostly prospects and European players, plus may a few free agents.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

Also need to consider the KHL factor in this. The NHL clearly values the European market given they have teams over there to start every season. The KHL is expanding to Finland next year and have talked with teams throughout Europe. If KHL players are allowed to represent their countries, you could see situations where a player goes to the KHL for a year to play at home and represent their country.

Alternatively the KHL players could become better known in those countries if they participate and that league could grow in Europe which would be trouble for the NHL.

I don't think that's a credible threat. We know the World Championships are a much bigger deal in Europe than in North American, and yet how many European NHL players walk out on their teams to play in the WHCs? The only reason anyone is talking about this is because of Ovechkin, and the only reason he made the threat is because the Olympics are in Russia. He wasn't about to walk out on the Capitals to play in an Olympics being held in Norway.

[Itse]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

From a global hockey perspective, I don't think having NHL all star teams playing has an effect outside of the big 4 or 5 audiences that are already sold on the NHL anyway (they aren't going to care any more or less about the NHL). I am doubtful that the majority of fans from fringe hockey nations enjoy seeing their national teams spanked by NHL dream teams in the Olympics every 4 years. I don't think that helps "grow the game" where the growth is needed the most.

Considering how badly those small hockey nations WANT to play the top countries, and that the best audiences in small countries are in games against the top countries, I think it's obvious that this is just not true.

Most countries in the world are just too small to win major international championships in team sports. It's just the way it is. Getting to participate in the top tournaments and having the chance to play a competitive game against the best of the world is pretty much the height of what many countries can achieve. If you don't give them that chance, those countries have no reason to develop their programs. Playing against a second tier team just isn't that special, even if the chances of winning are better.

Occasionally, some of those countries that mostly try to become competitive become serious contenders, like Finland was in Turin. I still remember the days when it was a given that we're not going to get a medal out of the World Championships.

Developing a sport is a gradual process. First you try to get into the tournaments. Then you try to get to a level where you can beat at least one team in that tournament, maybe a team like Norway. Then you try to beat Switzerland, then Finland, and ultimately you try to beat Canada. The chance to eventually play against those top players is important. Generations need to grow with that dream.

Also, in Europe we tend to follow sports, not just teams. People generally don't stop following tournaments once their team is out. They might lose a bit of interest, but they'll at the very least watch the final.

(I'm always perplexed by people on this forum who say they are not watching the Stanley Cup playoffs.)

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Itse

(I'm always perplexed by people on this forum who say they are not watching the Stanley Cup playoffs.)

For me, I like the sport of hockey and I used to like the NHL but with all the changes over the years I don't like NHL hockey anymore. It's not the same game as it was in my childhood.

But I don't want to totally abandon the Flames who I've cheered for as a kid so I'll still bite my tongue and continue to enjoy their adventure but I don't want to watch any other games, even the Stanley Cup final, although I did watch last year because I felt the final 4 of previous champions was really good.

Watching the Vancouver Canucks is a collosal waste of time. I can't think of a worse way to spend 3 hours. I'd rather watch another sport, go out. Even getting hit on at the bar by creepy guys for 3 hours is better than watching the Canucks.

[Beatle17]

Just watching the Olympics, women's biathlon, and the announcers commented that cross country and biathlon are the most watched winter sports in the European countries. I really don't think that if the NHL players don't go to the Olympic games that it will affect any games moving forward.

I would rather watch a World Cup of Hockey every 4 years, alternate between NA and Europe which is held before the NHL season starts. NHL hockey, to me anyway, is the most entertaining hockey. The Olympics on big ice is not that entertaining if you watch closely. All of the teams basically play a trap game with 4 people lined up across the blueline.

[Resolute 14]

From a pure fan standpoint, the best solution is Olympics every four years, World Cup every four years and the World Championship every two years filling the gap. From a financial/business standpoint, it is a solution that would make nobody happy.

[Zarley]

Is there actually anybody who would rather be watching mid regular season NHL action this week rather than the Olympic tournament?

[Beatle17]

Is there anyone who would rather watch a World Cup in September instead of exhibition hockey and yes I would rather watch my NHL team play right now instead of Canada-Norway.

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by Zarley

Is there actually anybody who would rather be watching mid regular season NHL action this week rather than the Olympic tournament?

why is it an either or? I would rather be able to watch both.

[Zarley]

Originally Posted by Alberta_Beef

why is it an either or? I would rather be able to watch both.

Because either the NHL takes a break and we have the world's best players competing, or the Olympic tournament becomes second rate and not worth watching.

[Itse]

Originally Posted by Zarley

Because either the NHL takes a break and we have the world's best players competing, or the Olympic tournament becomes second rate and not worth watching.

I imagine that olympic hockey would still get decent audiences in Canada. Especially now that people have to some extent gotten used to watching them. Europeans would obviously still watch it, like they always have.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Zarley

Because either the NHL takes a break and we have the world's best players competing, or the Olympic tournament becomes second rate and not worth watching.

I personally thought the Olympic tournament was great before NHL players were allowed in. It was a different type of tournament, but still very meaningful. I think having dedicated amateurs playing for the love of the sport is very much in the Olympic spirit compared to having highly paid professionals taking a vacation from their day jobs for just another accolade.

[Cheerio]

I'm hoping NHLers go in 2018 and I also want to see how badly team South Korea will get destroyed

[Itse]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

I think having dedicated amateurs playing for the love of the sport is very much in the Olympic spirit compared to having highly paid professionals taking a vacation from their day jobs for just another accolade.

Since hockey players do actually get paid in other parts of the world too, this topic is not in any way relevant in this discussion, so would people please just stop it. It's actually rather insulting to the rest of the hockey world.

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by Cheerio

I'm hoping NHLers go in 2018 and I also want to see how badly team South Korea will get destroyed

Jim Paek might need to come out of retirement.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Cheerio

I'm hoping NHLers go in 2018 and I also want to see how badly team South Korea will get destroyed

how did Japan do in Nagano?

[Yoho]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

how did Japan do in Nagano?

Won the 13th place game 4-3 over Austria in a SO.

They tied Belarus, and scored in every game.