Solution to NHL Olympic ice hockey could lie in the summer

Two former Olympic hockey coaches say moving hockey to Summer Olympics is possible solution

A former Olympic hockey coach says the only way he sees the NHL partaking in the Olympics is if they are moved to the summer.

“Hockey is unique in the fact that the Olympics are in February when we’re in the midst of our season,” said Dave King who coached Canada’s National Men’s Team at the 1984, 1988 and 1992 Winter Olympics, all before NHL players participated in the event. “It’s the only Olympic sport where you’re asking a league to shut down.”

The National Hockey League released a statement on Monday saying it’s players will not be participating in the 2018 Games in South Korea and that they “consider the matter officially closed.”

“I think it is very easy to jump on the band wagon and take the players’ side of this issue and make the owners look like they’re wearing the black hats,” said King. “But it’s just not quite that clear cut.”

According to King, as entertaining as hockey is, it is important to remember that it is also a business and NHL teams are trying to survive.

“We’re paying some of the players six, seven, eight million dollars a year and for the owners to do that, they have to generate income,” he said. “I don’t think you can jeopardize a franchise … by going (to the Olympics) in the middle of the season.”

While King argues that changes need to be made, he said he does understand why so many people are disappointed.

“We take a lot of pride in our game, so for us as Canadians this certainly is bad news.”

At least two Ryerson students agree.

Ryerson students react

“I think it’s terrible, I think it’s an awful decision,” said Braden Gibson. “It’s the most exciting part of the Winter Olympics.”

Gibson said he’s watched many hockey games but one stands out the most.

“2010, Canada winning at home against the U.S., I was in my basement watching it on a big screen,” said Gibson. “It was just pure excitement, like I get chills talking about it now. Just seeing the camera pan to the crowd and seeing everyone in red and white losing their minds. It was an unforgettable moment.”

Another student has a similar favourite hockey memory.

“The 2010 gold medal game. I still have the Globe and Mail cover from then. I just remember it being a great moment to be a hockey fan in Canada,” said Duncan McIntyre. “It won’t be the same without all the NHL stars at the Olympics … it’s kind of disappointing.”

Aspiring Olympian hopes for the best

One junior hockey player in Drumheller, Alta., is keeping his fingers crossed that one day he’ll get the opportunity to play on the world stage.

“Growing up I had two dreams,” said Brady Risk. “One was a Stanley Cup and the other is to win a gold medal.”

Mike Johnston, who was on the coaching staff the very first time NHL players went to the Olympics in 1998, said it’s an experience he’ll never forget.

Summer is the obvious solution

He also agrees with King’s idea about switching the Games to the summer.

“Most people, now that they’re used to it, would rather see best-on-best,” said Johnston. “I think players have a lot of pride in playing for their country and if they have an opportunity to play in the Olympic Games, at a time of the year when it isn’t going to take away from their season, that would be an obvious solution.”