| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 11/30/2007 : 11:30:55
From MSN.ca
Bettman says NHL not sure about Olympic participation past 2010
29/11/2007 2:23:00 AM
The NHL's foray into the Olympics could possibly end with Vancouver in 2010, commissioner Gary Bettman said Thursday.
"Our Olympic participation post 2010 will be decided in conjunction with the Players Assciation," Bettman told The Canadian Press in an e-mail. "My guess is that we'll wait until after 2010 to access that experience and then make a decision about future Games."
The NHL first sent players to the Olympics in 1998 at Nagano and followed suit in 2002 at Salt Lake City and 2006 at Turin.
The 2014 Winter Games are in Sochi, Russia. The long travel overseas combined with the number of games players faced between the NHL and Olympic schedules led to much complaining after the 2006 Games in Italy.
What do you think??
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| 40 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Axey |
Posted - 03/08/2010 : 10:32:43
Its basically the second coming of the Spengler Cup if we don't allow NHL players in the games. I definitely won't be watching it. Goodluck to Bettman trying to keep his job when Ovie and the boys leave.
Mide as well take Shaun White out of the games too, olympics are about the best athletes.. who cares if they are amateurs or not. I don't understand how this could possibly be a bad idea for the NHL. The gold medal game was the most watched in 30 years, with every player in the game from the NHL.. but yeah who cares right? Lets get rid of it. It would probably have the same amount of viewers if the NHLers weren't involved. |
| Tiller33 |
Posted - 03/07/2010 : 11:35:47
quote:
Originally posted by nashvillepreds
I don't think its really fair to keep the players in. All the dominating countries have good NHl players. Banning NHL players from the Olympics would make it more even.
GO PREDATORS GO
Then they better ban the Austrians from Alpine skiing and ban South Koreans from Speed Skating ... you know just to make it fair |
| Guest2332 |
Posted - 03/05/2010 : 08:04:58
What is so wrong about bringing pro players to the Olympic? Injury? Only Bergeron of team Canada had an injury during the tournament. Getting tired? They are professional, they are training all years long, its not 4 to 6 games that will change their energy. And you can start the season 2 weeks before to give them a 4-5 days of break. Pro athlete doesn't have heart? Did you really watch olympic? Bergeron was injured in the first period of the first game and he still continue to play in every game and did a great job on faceoff and PK. I also saw Dany Heatley throw a leg on the ice to block a shot. NHL don't have any benefit form it? Who were in the finals? Only team with NHL players. They prove to the world that they are the best league in the world with the best athlete.
Sorry for the bad english, it's my third language. |
| hockster |
Posted - 03/04/2010 : 20:17:16
You cant take them out. If you dont wanna see NHLers watch the world juniors.
Better luck next time bud.
Anyone should be able to support their country.
The figure skaters are pro and make a ton of money form other competitions, and same with skiers and snowboarders.
Realistically, Shaun White might be the richest Olympian, Should they not have him compete. NO cause he brings the spirit of the Olympics and he fills the seats.
Flames for cup...eventually. |
| Hugh G. Rection |
Posted - 02/28/2010 : 12:06:00
You are arguing that players only have a vested interest in the Olympics if they are the host country. That is a pretty bad argument, as I'm sure Canadians (or Americans) would welcome the opportunity to repeat in Sochi in 2014. I also saw alot of NHL players outside of Canada participate in these Olympics and they were a pretty large success.
Simply put, if every Canadian/American/Fin/Swede player came out and said they would play in the next Olympics anyways (following the Russian's lead), then NHL attendance would remain. Because they are not doing that, they are just as much to blame as the owners for the NHL not partipating (fully) in Sochi. |
| Guest8885 |
Posted - 02/27/2010 : 11:49:26
Let the players vote on it, it should be their call, and boot bettman |
| JOSHUACANADA |
Posted - 02/26/2010 : 08:24:28
quote:
Originally posted by Hugh G. Rection
I find it interesting that top-flight Russian players have already said they will basically give the middle finger to the NHL if it plans on pulling out of Sochi and play anyways, yet not a single Canadian has said the same thing. If all players said they will play for their countries, the NHL's hand would be forced and this wouldn't be an issue, as they would have to make some sort of a deal. Yet all the Canadian players are remarkably silent on the issue. It is possible Russian players want olympic participation more? Just a thought.
I think all other nations which do not have a stake in the next Olympics have mostly stayed out of it as they are going to use this a major poker chip in the next negotiation. With regards to Russians they are basically saying they will forfeit NHL contracts and seek playing time in the KHL. This pretty much insures all future negotiations with Russian players will end with the owner management holding this over the player, when it comes to worth vs risk. If it was me I never sign a long term contract longer than 3 years, never with a no movement clause and only then at 85-90% of actual value, for Russian superstars. |
| Hugh G. Rection |
Posted - 02/26/2010 : 06:21:39
I find it interesting that top-flight Russian players have already said they will basically give the middle finger to the NHL if it plans on pulling out of Sochi and play anyways, yet not a single Canadian has said the same thing. If all players said they will play for their countries, the NHL's hand would be forced and this wouldn't be an issue, as they would have to make some sort of a deal. Yet all the Canadian players are remarkably silent on the issue. It is possible Russian players want olympic participation more? Just a thought. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 02/24/2010 : 15:59:31
quote:
Originally posted by Guest4803
most of the atheletes in the olympics are professional athletes, all the alpine skiers, speed skaters etc.. they travel around all year on world cup circuits making money (not to the extreme some nhl players do of course). The reason people watch the olympics is to see the top tier world class atheletes perform in their sports, if nhl players arent their in 2014 its not because the IOC wont let them, its because some Greedy yankee who has no reason to be still running the NHL, is to busy worrying about all the teams his league owns because he wants to keep them in markets where there just isn't enough intrest.
Damn Greedy Yankee!!! Bettman can only negotiate and agree to what the owners want him to do. In the end, the guy is a puppet with 30 strings attached to him. Scapegoat if you will. Something good happens, he has nothing to do with it. Something bad happens and he's the only one with egg on his face.
Let's not forget that the NHLPA has a 50% stake in this as well. They may (meaning the players) want to not include it in the next CBA.
Specifically in team sports, I would suggest that the pro's do not always produce the best product on the World Stage. Consider basketball or baseball. In most respects, amateurs(meaning college level of lower) would produce a better product than the pros.
I would agree that pro Hockey players(regardless of them being NHL, KHL, or other) are the cream of the crop.
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| Guest4803 |
Posted - 02/24/2010 : 15:43:35
most of the atheletes in the olympics are professional athletes, all the alpine skiers, speed skaters etc.. they travel around all year on world cup circuits making money (not to the extreme some nhl players do of course). The reason people watch the olympics is to see the top tier world class atheletes perform in their sports, if nhl players arent their in 2014 its not because the IOC wont let them, its because some Greedy yankee who has no reason to be still running the NHL, is to busy worrying about all the teams his league owns because he wants to keep them in markets where there just isn't enough intrest. |
| JOSHUACANADA |
Posted - 02/24/2010 : 13:56:37
I was reading an article about the Russia/Canada game today and found the best description of why the Professionals in the NHL should stay in the NHL and let amateur, Spengler and the other leagues play in the Olympics. This was the poster's response.
I must admit I'm more than a lttle leary for this game, And I pray Canada has the strength to tackle this powerhouse of a Russian squad. This being said, I must pose the question, are we playing with enough heart? I mean, if by some ill-concevied fortune we loose, will the Canadian team go back home to their mansions, million dollar bank accounts and think about missed oppourtunities? I think not. Its the same for Europeans in the NHL, they dont grow up playing road hockey, day in day out..shouting "Gretzky shoots....and scores...we win the Stanley Cup". If they loose in the playoffs they jump on the first flight back to their homeland and enjoy the fruits of their labor, earned or not. I question the use of professionals in this the Olympics that used to be for amateur athletes. The Stanley Cup is the Holy Grail for these players and being named to the olympic team is a line on their resume for their next contract negotiation.Does it take experience to win? Where are the young guns that are still trying to prove themselves, Stamkos, Tavares. I even think Jordan Eberly would have played with more heart than Perry If, and I do say that lightly...IF we loose, I hope it will be more than just a shrugg of the shoulders and a "oh well". I agree with the fact we need to use the most skilled players in the world, But if NHLers wern't allowed, how would the russians look? or the Sweeds for that matter. HEART is what will win Gold.
I wholeheartedly agree. |
| Canucks Man |
Posted - 02/23/2010 : 10:56:39
Ok, So some of you have been saying the NHL should be pulling there players out of the Olympics because there should be amateur atheletes, then the very same go on to mention let "Spengler Cup" players and "KHL" players go, well if your taking out the NHL based on the "Pro" factor then you can not let any of the European leagues send there players as they are all professional. That would be a terrible mistake, The Olympics is about the best athelets in the world playing each other and the NHL players are the best in the world at Hockey.
CANUCKS RULE!!!
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| Beans15 |
Posted - 02/23/2010 : 10:54:45
quote:
Originally posted by Hugh G. Rection
You are adopting a defeatist attitude. As it currently stands the league is doing a dismal job using the olympics as a vehicle to promote the game. That doesn' t mean it is a bad avenue to do so. I didn't realize you were such a fan of Bettman and his cronies, but many would prefer to see the Olympic participation continue.
I am not adopting a defeatist attitude, I simply have a differening opinion. Actually, I personally love the NHL players in the games but I am also able to look at if from another perspective.
I really love thse "Bettman and his cronies" type of comments because it just proves how much people make assumptions.
Who are those "cronies??" Oh, that's right, they are the owners!! Without them, there is no NHL!!
Damn them! Damn all of them!!
quote:
Originally posted by Hugh G. Rection
How would NHL attendance in Sochi grow the game in the US? Hmm, I recall a fairly important hockey game 30 years ago.... which two teams were involved.... damn something about a miracle of some kind. While I don't argue it will happen again, the mere chance of it could grab the attention of joe boozehound in the states, if only for a minute.
Completely agree. However, that game was played where??? I still fail to understand how a game in Russia is going to positively impact US hockey comparatively speaking to say 2002???
I'll patiently wait for the next back pedal.
quote:
Originally posted by Hugh G. Rection
Also, do not misconstrue my arguments. 'Name one league that has global coverage'. Wtf? Where did I sayanything about this? Note that exposure and coverage are different. Let's forget the fact that less than half the world cares even 1% about the Winter olympics or knows what ice hockey is. We are talking about building the NHL brand to countries who know and care, or are curious about hockey. (Regular Season games in Europe mean the league cares at least a little bit about this).
Perhaps I did misconstrue your arguement. From what I understand, your opinion is that bringing the NHL players to the Olympics raises the profile of the sport internationally and is therefore better for the NHL.
For clarity, can you provide me an example of another league that had a positive impact of this 'global' exposure, specifically in the US???
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| n/a |
Posted - 02/23/2010 : 10:49:34
The Olympics stopped being anything remotely amateur decades ago, and it would be absolutely impossible to get anything close to an even playing field if attempted.
The tournament is a high profile one pitting the best players in the world against each other, each playing for his home country, in the sport we all follow and love.
What, in the name of all that is holy and sacred, is wrong with that?!?
The NHL will, indeed, be forced to participate (or at least allow some NHL players to) in the Sochi Olympics, otherwise, they will be cutting off their nose to spite their face. Ovechkin, Malkin, Semin, Kovalchuk, Nabakov, Datsyuk . . . this is a fearsome group, and a very powerful one, led by the two-time MVP.
The KHL grins and waits in anticipation, I am sure.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| JOSHUACANADA |
Posted - 02/23/2010 : 10:36:35
quote:
Originally posted by Guest4746
Its funny how the only reason people are opposed to NHLers being at the Olympics is MONEY MONEY MONEY. Let the players decide whether they want to play or not. The olympics are NOT about money that is why it is so great, you have the best players giving it their all for their country! I've all ready lost my Jets due to MONEY don't take away my one time in every 4 years where I get to feel like I have a team to cheer for! Its bigger then the NHL its about Canada as a whole!!! ( or whatever country you are from)
Ok, I'll bite. To the comment its all about the money. No way, really, Capitalists are greedy. What do you think they should be concerned with. I also dont like the loss of flow when breaking up an NHL season. Plus the potential for injury is much greater in Hockey than it is in other professional sports which participate in the Olympics.
What would have happened if the KHL pull's its players from the Olympics. Dont get me wrong, there area a lot of great players playing in the KHL. I say its business as usual. There is enough leagues to pick up the slack and put forth competitive teams. Pull the NHL participation and the Tournament becomes little more than a Spengler Cup.
For the NHL to take the risk with its assets they have to have a reward and there is no reward for the league during the Olympics in Russia. Playing at or near there fan base is a reward in North America, but to have your best assets play in a country which also happens to be the host country to your biggest rival organization KHL. I'll bet a few of the best players get poached by this league during tournament play. This seem more benificial to their league and the growth of the game over in Russia than the NHL's well being.
[Moderator Edit - Inappropriate Comment] |
| Guest4746 |
Posted - 02/22/2010 : 23:19:49
Its funny how the only reason people are opposed to NHLers being at the Olympics is MONEY MONEY MONEY. Let the players decide whether they want to play or not. The olympics are NOT about money that is why it is so great, you have the best players giving it their all for their country! I've all ready lost my Jets due to MONEY don't take away my one time in every 4 years where I get to feel like I have a team to cheer for! Its bigger then the NHL its about Canada as a whole!!! ( or whatever country you are from) |
| Hugh G. Rection |
Posted - 02/22/2010 : 22:51:27
You are adopting a defeatist attitude. As it currently stands the league is doing a dismal job using the olympics as a vehicle to promote the game. That doesn' t mean it is a bad avenue to do so. I didn't realize you were such a fan of Bettman and his cronies, but many would prefer to see the Olympic participation continue.
How would NHL attendance in Sochi grow the game in the US? Hmm, I recall a fairly important hockey game 30 years ago.... which two teams were involved.... damn something about a miracle of some kind. While I don't argue it will happen again, the mere chance of it could grab the attention of joe boozehound in the states, if only for a minute.
Also, do not misconstrue my arguments. 'Name one league that has global coverage'. Wtf? Where did I sayanything about this? Note that exposure and coverage are different. Let's forget the fact that less than half the world cares even 1% about the Winter olympics or knows what ice hockey is. We are talking about building the NHL brand to countries who know and care, or are curious about hockey. (Regular Season games in Europe mean the league cares at least a little bit about this).
If you are happy with the total afterthought that the NHL currently is in the US and abroad, good for you. I for one would like to see hockey grow in popularity , and recognize the Olympics as a reasonable vehicle to accomplish this. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 02/22/2010 : 21:56:19
Mr. Hugh, I would appreciate if you scrolled up and took a quick read through my previous posts. No where did I say anything other than 'Olympics" and "Global Events" using the World/Euro Cup as an example.
Secondly, regardless of the size/distance of the travel of the World Cup Soccer zones, it does not change the fact that FIFA works with the respective leagues to ensure schedules have minimal if any disruption. The IIHF and the IOC do the polar opposite and insists on hockey leagues (both in North America and Europe) halt their seasons to participate. In the end, I think that without Hockey in the Winter Olympics, the overall draw to the North American fan drops significantly. I don't know many if any people that will be setting their alarm clocks at 2am to watch Ski Jumping live when the Games are in Europe. So I personally don't understand why the IIHF and IOC do not work harder to find a solution.
Thirdly, please explain to me how sending NHL players to Russia in 4 years will grow the game in the US?? Seriously, how does that make sense???
Let's look at this from a difference perspective.
Can you tell me of one league in any sport that has global coverage? Please explain to me why the NHL has to be the first?? Furthermore, tell me any Global sport that the US has embraced. Football, Baseball, and Basketball are the premier sports in US by a landslide. With the exception of small pockets around the world, those sports are American. Not a single one of those sports is the leading sport in any other country in the world (with the exception of baseball in a few places like Cuba and Porto Rico which basically is the US). I digress, but the point is that the NHL players in Sochi will not change the US hockey base at all. Not in the least.
Consider that one of the best Olympic Hockey Events of this generation happened in the US just 8 years ago and included the US in the final. If that did not improve the fan base in the US nothing will.
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| Hugh G. Rection |
Posted - 02/22/2010 : 21:35:27
Lol. 'Global Event'? Are you serious? You originally said no leagues shut down to send their players to play for their countries. Players leaving during the middle of a season to play for their country is in essence the same thing. The fact that it is regional makes no difference. Using the soccer analogy, besides Europe each qualifying zone takes up a very large area. Same risk of injury, same 'untangible benefits to owners, etc. In fact, there are many more matches in qualifying for the World Cup or Euro than there will be in the Olympics for hockey. Despite this, it is taken as a given that soccer players will play for their country first, league team second.
The NHL could easily embrace the same viewpoint, but the narrow-minded owners are too busy worrying about injuries rather than growing the game internationally.
If you don't think this is a big priority, you have lived in Canada too long. In the US, they barely care about the hockey thus far (NBC showed pairs original dance over the live feed of Canada/US, for example). This is an example of how bad a shape hockey is in south of the border. Considering the attendance figures of many teams NHL-wide, you would think the possibility of attracting people with a US-gold medal would be reason enough to gamble on the olympics.
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| Beans15 |
Posted - 02/22/2010 : 12:28:52
quote:
Originally posted by Hugh G. Rection
Qualification for those tournaments take place during the country leagues regular seasons. It is usually mid-week, and the country leagues tend to be more on the weekend. Nevertheless, there is overlap. This is true for all the leagues (EPL, Bundesliga, Serie A, etc.) If you don't believe me look it up.
Ok, you said the Tourney's overlapped, not the qualifying. Furthermore, you proved my point in saying that the leagues work with FIFA and schedule qualifiers around the main league. Those qualifiers are always regional as well. You never see England having to fly to Brazil for a qualifier.
So you are proving my point. Only the NHL shuts down their league for a global event.
Thanks. |
| Hugh G. Rection |
Posted - 02/22/2010 : 12:12:16
Qualification for those tournaments take place during the country leagues regular seasons. It is usually mid-week, and the country leagues tend to be more on the weekend. Nevertheless, there is overlap. This is true for all the leagues (EPL, Bundesliga, Serie A, etc.) If you don't believe me look it up. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 02/21/2010 : 16:25:28
Yep, you did catch a typo.
And I have to respectfully disagree. If I am a businessman, I never give my assets to anything without a tangible value in return. The NHL players in the Olympics give no team owner a tangible value.
Tell me which Soccer league stops for the World Cup. I am not trying to be difficult, I would really like to know. I have never known a single pro soccer league that has their season overlap into the summer, which is when the World and Euro Cups always are. |
| Hugh G. Rection |
Posted - 02/21/2010 : 13:19:23
Alright, first of all I was never trying to say the World Cup/Euro leagues are the same, just saying that a sport can adapt it's schedule to incorporate international play if its made a priority. (For what it's worth, play DOES halt in the country leagues for World Cup qualy's/Euro qualification/etc.)
I also didn't say that starting the season early wouldn't still alter the schedule, just that it would make things more manageable by not 'compressing' the sched on Olympic years.
"But put yourself in the show of anyone involved in hockey outside of the players and the fans and it gets a lot harder to prove the case.[/size=1]"
I'm assuming you meant 'shoes' instead of show because that wouldn't make any sense. Even as an owner I would argue that showcasing the league and bringing greater international attention to the brighest stars of each country can economically and socially be more valuable in the long run to the NHL than not participating in the Olympics. I see a clear argument that the pros outweigh the cons, even putting myself in their 'shoes'.
True, you might get an injury to one of your players, but your rivals are taking the same risk. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 02/21/2010 : 11:36:51
Huge difference between the World Cup/Euro Cup and the Winter Olympics. Let's state the obvious reasons.
The events on a Global or even European scale in world of soccer are not played during the major leagues seasons. No country halts its schedule for player to go and play in the World or Euro Cup.Qualifying games are almost always scheduled around league games and the players are not traveling 1/2 way around the world to play in games during the season. FIFA and the Local Leagues (English Premiere, Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, etc) work around each others schedules to make it work.
Cancelling the preseason and starting the season early does not change the requirement to alter the schedule?? The league is still shutting down for 3 weeks, regardless of the start or the finish. How is that not altering the schedule???
Finally, the NHL and the NHLPA wrote into their most recent CBA to play in the Olympic Games through 2010. This was after Salt Lake City and they had already known the 06 games would be in Torino and Vancouver in 2010. It was an experiment. It's not like the NHL decided after the games in Italy that they would play in Vancouver and that's it. Most of the owners voiced issues with the games after Torino and would have pulled out of the Vancouver games if they could have. They were already contractually obligated.
Again, it's easy as a fan to say to have the NHL player in. But put yourself in the show of anyone involved in hockey outside of the players and the fans and it gets a lot harder to prove the case.
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| Hugh G. Rection |
Posted - 02/21/2010 : 10:06:31
It isn't really fair to allow players to play when its convienient for the league (Salt Lake City, Vancouver), and then disallow it once it becomes less convienient (Sochi). There is a pretty glaring double standard here that I think is getting overlooked. None of the problems listed in this thread were unique to Vancouver, and I think the league is being stubborn rather than adapting.
If the league made the Olympics a priority (they should in my opinion), then abolish the pre-season in Olympic years and start the season 3 weeks earlier. That would ameliorate all of the scheduling problems and stretch out the season to normal. Yes, you will get some injuries in any tournament, but this isn't as big a problem as people make it out to be. Inuries can happen in practice and even when people are chopping wood at home on a sunday.
Do you think Man United Fans and Liverpool fans get mad when Wayne Rooney and Gerrard play for England? No. Hockey fans should be no different, and recognize that the international element is essential for growing the game overseas.
Fin |
| Sensfan101 |
Posted - 02/21/2010 : 07:23:27
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
quote:
Originally posted by Odin
I'm just wondering if Bettman is trying to pressure Russia into a transfer agreement.
Heck, even Baseball does not send their best to the Olympics because it would create havoc for their schedule makers.
It's different for basball because they are already playing 5 days a week and they wouldn't be able to work around it hockey however would be able to
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take Wayne Gretzky |
| JOSHUACANADA |
Posted - 02/20/2010 : 11:48:22
Irvine, I agree as a fan I want to watch the best. As particular NHL team I was extremely upset last Olympics when my team lost there #1 goalie to an injury while playing in a non NHL tournament, during the NHL season. Although that team went on with a Rookie goalie and lost in the second round, that was IMO, their best shot at a cup run, for my team.
This type of thing happens all the time with players of lessor or greater caliber. I know you, as a fan of the same team, know exactly what I'm talking about. The worst part is the character of the majority of these players, is as such, that they will play injured or put themselves in harms way for their country, sometimes more willing than if given the same choice for their paying employer. And again this all happens while disrupting in season for there respective employers.
I say pull em out, or compensate there paying employers or move them to the Olympics which is the offseason. |
| irvine |
Posted - 02/19/2010 : 19:36:06
From a business and financial standpoint, I can understand the NHL (NHL Commish, Team Owners, Team Presidents, Team General Managers, Team Head Coaches, etc...) all wanting the players out of the Olympics.
As a fan... I cannot. Mainly because when I watch the Olympics, the only thing that seperates this from other International Hockey Tournaments, is the fact that MOST of each Countries top players are on the roster. Some withdrawal/decline, some are injured before hand, but most agree to play.
With other tournaments, mainly that of the World Championships, it depends what teams are out of the playoffs, who agrees, injuries, etc.
I like the Olympics because it allows for the best of the best, head-to-head. It's thrilling to watch.
I'd prefer they stay in the Olympics as a fan, and i'm sure 95% of fans would agree. We want to watch the best.
Irvine/prez. |
| umteman |
Posted - 02/19/2010 : 18:24:00
quote:
Originally posted by willus3
The Olympics are supposed to be amateur athletes. I say professional athletes shouldn't be in the Olympics.
Take them out and revive the Canada Cup. I personally like to see the best of the best and the best versus the best. It's the ultimate in hockey.
"I'm a man of principle... or not. Whatever the situation calls for." - Alan Shore
The only reason the Olympics were initiated as an amateur event was because the nobles of some countries didn't want to dirty themselves rubbing shoulders in the same competition with "lower class" professional athletes who 100 years ago were regarded as one social step above circus performers. I say keep the NHLers in the games! The Olympics should be the best of the best going head to head.
Did you hear about the retired proctologist? He spent 40 years saying "what's a place like this doing in a girl like you?" |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 02/19/2010 : 13:54:20
quote:
Originally posted by Odin
The Olympics is about the best. It stopped being amateurs a long time ago. It IS and should be about the best atheletes around the world regardless of where they come from.
I'm just wondering if Bettman is trying to pressure Russia into a transfer agreement.
Ya, I agree that the Olympics hasn't been about the amateur athlete in nearly 20 years. However, can we name a single other pro sport that stops their schedule in order to send players to the Olympics??? Heck, even Baseball does not send their best to the Olympics because it would create havoc for their schedule makers.
Bettman has gone so far as to offer to have ice hockey in the Summer Games but the IOC said no dice. Basketball, traditionally around the world, is an indoor winter sport yet they play at the summer games.
Thinking of the perspective of the fan, it's easy to say to keep the NHLer's in the games. But as the perspective of just about every other interested stakeholder(owner, GM, coach, accountant, etc) the NHLer's at the Olympics is a no-win situation. |
| Odin |
Posted - 02/19/2010 : 11:06:28
The Olympics is about the best. It stopped being amateurs a long time ago. It IS and should be about the best atheletes around the world regardless of where they come from.
I'm just wondering if Bettman is trying to pressure Russia into a transfer agreement. |
| JOSHUACANADA |
Posted - 02/19/2010 : 09:48:17
Losing player's to Europe is definately a down side. But, as one poster put it the World Cup and World Championship is in shambles, while the biggest stage for International hockey is now the Olympics. Another point says, its too bad the NHL only cares about the bottom line. What business model doesn't. NHL players playing in the Olympics builds international game, but unless the Olympics are staged in or near an NHL Audience, the Olympics helps very little to the NHL growth.
I say rebuild and invest in the international stage thru World cup or World championships. Let the Juniors or the Spengler Cup players play in the Olympics. Why should the NHL lend their assets free of charge, while taking all the risk so the Olympics can stage the best international Tournament at the NHL's expense. I'd rather see a summer World Championship event, which doesnt conflict schedule wise or put NHL players at risk in season. |
| Alex116 |
Posted - 02/19/2010 : 09:28:40
quote:
Originally posted by tbar
If you have Beans centering me and Slozo people are going to catch a glimps of that on the tube and say what kind of god awful sport is that?
What? Are you saying that Beans is a bad center?  |
| tbar |
Posted - 02/19/2010 : 06:22:48
this is why I thin pulling out of the Olympics is a terrible idea. You have the biggest audience possible to market your product!! if you have the best of the best out theyre people may get hooked kids especially and that how the leauge grows. If you have Beans centering me and Slozo people are going to catch a glimps of that on the tube and say what kind of god awful sport is that?
One other huge problem here is the NHL bettr be prepared to lose some of its biggest assets as the Russian player's are most definitly going to be at the 2014 games regardless. Use it as a marketing tool and stfu. |
| Hugh G. Rection |
Posted - 02/18/2010 : 23:44:01
The problem I have is the double standard. All of these problems have been around since Nagano, but were convieniently ignored as long as there was a north american olympics on the horizon. Now that its going across the globe, he pulls out? Not even remotely fair. Since the Canada/World Cup is in shambles this is THE int'l hockey tournament. Its a shame that the NHL owners only care about their NHL teams and bottom lines, and not about the good of the sport, but that's capitalism for you.
If he is so obsessed about the compressed schedule, all he should do is abolish the pre-season in olympic years and start the reg. season that much earlier.
I actually think the NHL should start in September too, but thats another thread. |
| JOSHUACANADA |
Posted - 02/18/2010 : 16:50:46
Apparently Bettman has dueled with IIHF president over NHL player participation at a press conference. The CBA happening in 2011 or possibly 2012 might be a bargaining chip for Bettman to leverage player participation in the next Olympics. I dont think the Board of Governers likes lending paying employees to a Tournament, which makes but does not share revenue off of there assets, especially when it does not happen on or near the NHL's fan base. The IIHF has stated that the Hockey tournament is the Marquee event, but has not compensated the NHL for accomidating the Olympics and IIHF.
Heres a link to the press conference. http://www.cbc.ca/olympics/blogs/timwharnsby/2010/02/bettman-fasel-duel-over-olympics.html
For once in my life, I agree with Bettman. He is still the the #1 villain in hockey IMO, but he has a valid point. |
| Hugh G. Rection |
Posted - 02/18/2010 : 15:55:55
This move was obvious for everyone with half a brain for a long time now. Let's think.
Gary Bettman is the pawn of league owners. You think League owners like lending out their multi-million dollar investments to a side-tournament where they can get injured? Or massively compacting the schedule which also increases risk of injury?
Only reason they didn't cancel this earlier was because this Olympics was in Vancouver, and is thus marketable to the States. Sochi, Russia is not. Luckily guys like Malkin and Ovechkin are going to give the middle finger to the league, a move I would like to see some Canadians do as well (even though none will). In conclusion, Bettman sucks. |
| JOSHUACANADA |
Posted - 02/18/2010 : 15:11:17
I'm conflicted. I know if the NHL pulls out of the Olympics Canada loses the likelyhood of being in the medals for the Olympics. I just dont agree with NHL teams and owners lending there Multimillion dollar assets to a supposed amature games with no compensation, especially since the Olympics has no interest in the players, if they get injured. However the Olympics are no longer about Amateur sports anymore. The best athletes in the world compete at the Olympics and the games are more of a business than a celebration of amateur sports.
How can a team like Washington justify sending Ovechkin to play in a tournament when they are one of the favorites to win the cup with him in the lineup and probably no-where near as good with him out with a concussion or major injury. Same as with Semin, Backstrom, Malkin, Crosby, Gonchar, Fluery, Broduer, Elias, Parise, Thorton, Heatley, Marleau, Nabokov, etc etc etc. These guys are all game changing players and multimillion dollar assets who get paid to play in a league. These same players seem more interested in playing for pride for their country than playing for a living for their team and city.
I figure if the winter games biggest attraction is Hockey, is a tournament about the best in the sports, and the NHL runs the risk of losing players to injury, the Olympics should compensate the NHL for its loss. I have huge pride in Canadian athletes in the Olympics and hope for a successful Olympics this year. I just think it may be time to cut ties with NHL players at the Olympics. |
| Guest7113 |
Posted - 02/18/2010 : 14:59:16
If the pros weren't there, I wouldn't watch. If you really want to stick to the 'spirit of the olympics' (ie amateur competition), you remove all the excitement. When I'm sitting at work, I don't get excited to watch 20 ham-and-eggers falling all over themselves. |
| 50brent |
Posted - 02/18/2010 : 14:11:17
i cant c why they should take the players out, the olympics r supposed to showcase the best athletes in the world and if the nhl has the best hockey players in the world y should they be kept out. also if they ban nhl players its only fair if they ban the khl and swedish elite league which have better players than some guys in the nhl. and i think that would totally ruin the olympics and personally i wouldnt watch it. |
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