Olympic Hockey Controversy

  The NHL Commissioners have decided that they will not alter the schedule next year to accommodate the players wanting to play in the Olympics. It has caused quite the uproar in hockey circles. Including our house.

  Canada is known as a hockey powerhouse. We have an unparalleled reputation in the sport. No one, and I mean no one, comes close to the level of success we enjoy on the world stage of hockey. Almost every single Canadian knows the significance of 1972. It was a defining moment for us as a country. 

  While I can't say I normally speak for all of Canada, this one time I will. We want our homegrown NHL players representing us. Our team should be sporting jerseys that say Crosby, McDavid and Price. Not to mention Subban, Letang and Toews. But it's not looking as if we will get our wish. Or will we?

  The players were not consulted. That is troubling because the consensus seems to be they would want to play. I've heard many say it's different representing your country. And the Olympics are the most prestigious of all. So why can't they play?

  Already Alex Ovechkin, a Russian, has said he is going. Regardless. He wants to represent his country on the national stage and has asked his bosses for permission and which they have given. So he is off but I wonder what happens when the next player on his team asks. Will the response be the same? And what if the team isn't performing well and is struggling to make the playoffs? Does the permission get rescinded? 

  Like everything else in the world, it seems to be about money. The Olympic committee gets these first class, highly paid athletes.....for free! And they bring in the viewers. Not to mention the ad revenue for the channels that show the games. 

  What about the NHL owners. What do they get out of it? Well when Ovechkin goes he is still being paid by the Washington Capitols. And he gets paid a lot! What if he gets hurt and can't play for an extended period of time? How is the team compensated for that? When the team doesn't make the playoffs because he is hurt what then? I don't see how the owners get anything out of the bargain. If I was them I would be thrilled with this ruling.

  But I'm not an owner. I'm a fan. We want another "golden goal". A chance, as a country, to stand together, proud in the knowledge that we are the best. 

  Is that too much to ask?

  Ang