The United States men's team won't be one of the favorites in
Pyeongchang,
with Canada, Sweden and Russia boasting strong rosters. But it wasn't
the favorite in 1980, either, and that team will live on forever. The
conditions may be a little bit different this time, but a United States men's gold medal this year
would nevertheless be an upset.
Former NHLers
Brian Gionta, Mark Arcobello, Jim Slater, James Wisniewski and Matt Gilroy, among others, are the headliners, while fans will get a chance to see some up-and-coming college talents in Troy Terry, Jordan Greenway, Ryan Donato and Will Borgen.
Great read. Although this team did not enjoy quite the success the 1980 team did, there are some parallels, one of them being the lack of NHL players competing. The NHL decided last April that they would not give a break to players competing in PyeongChang, breaking a streak of 5 Olympic Games of NHL players competing. Do you agree with this decision? Personally, I think it was wrong for the NHL to decide this because many of the players take great pride in representing their countries during the Olympics, more so than representing the American team they play for.
ResponderEliminarInteresting read! I'm not very familiar with hockey or other international teams, so I always think USA has a chance at the gold. It's interesting to learn that if they won, it would actually be an upset. I'm excited to see what happens!
ResponderEliminarHello!
ResponderEliminarIt is really bitter sweet having none of the professional NHL players participate in the olympics this year. On one hand you want to watch the best talent out there for your team competing against the other country's best players. Many coaches and NHL players have voiced their opinions about not being able to play in the olympics to the media, saying how sad they are and how it feels like something is being taken away form them. The hype around these games would be way higher had the NHL players been allowed to participate in the olympics this year. On the other hand this gives the young talent of different countries a chance to represent their country and play on the grandest stage possible. However, when it comes down to it, I want to watch the best players in the world battling it out on the grand stage for the gold medal.
-- Zach Jay
Overall, interesting read! The concept of NHL vs. College players competing in the olympics spurs various opinions on both sides of the argument. Personally, I agree with the comments made about NHL players taking great pride in competing for their countries. This pride can't be overlooked, as it's made for some of the most competitive and entertaining gold medal games in recent memory (USA vs. Canada when Sydney Crosby scored the winner in overtime to give Canada the gold). However, this is the same debate as NCAA Basketball vs. NBA Basketball and College Football vs. the NFL. Many fans favor college sports because of the passion and enthusiasm that the young players bring to the game. Sometimes this can't be replicated by professional athletes, since they are in the business of sports, and college athletes, technically, are not. I do with NHL players would have played, but it was also interesting to see college athletes rise to the occasion to represent their countries.
ResponderEliminarIt is crazy to think that the NHL will not release their players for the olympics, as they have done so in the past. Team USA hockey is one of the strong points in an otherwise weak olympic field for the USA, and it is a shame that the true stars of the NHL will not be able to represent their nations colors.
ResponderEliminar-Blake Singer
Great article and preview for the olympics hockey, as well as great optimism about a team that didn’t look great. It’s crazy to think the NHL wouldn’t let their players fight for their country, as many NHL players have become national icons during the Olympic Games, most recently and notably TJ Oshie a few years back. It could’ve been great for the NHL if their players could’ve gained even more recognition as it would have led to more marketing revenue and profit for the league.
ResponderEliminarIt was sad to hear that the NHL wouldn't let their players take time off to play in the Olympics, as I was looking forward to watching USA hockey for awhile. I remember their performance in Russia in 2014, when TJ Oshie famously single-handedly won the game for the US against Russia. He scored a few shootout goals and took down Russia on their home ice, and with some of the best players in the world. With the college kids playing, I just don't know enough of them to really watch and pay attention like I would've if the NHLers were playing.
ResponderEliminarThis was a big deal at my home school of Miami University. At my school hockey is the most watched and competitive sport. We all gather at our biggest bars and watched the USA hockey team compete. I agree that the odds were not in their favor, but they certainly put up a great fight. It is very unfortunate that the NHL did not allow their players to compete. Definitely a big controversy.
ResponderEliminar- Chris Glaser
ResponderEliminarAfter hearing that NHL players would not be released to play in the Olympics this year, I was both happy and sad. I was disappointed that upcoming U.S. NHL stars would not be able to represent their country when they previously thought they would be able to. It's an honor to play in the Olympics and I think it is an example of money ruling over sports that the players are not allowed to play. The NHL simply does not want to take a break mid season or risk injuries to their star players. This is understandable given that the IOC gave the NHL no benefits to allowing players to play. The bright side is that the U.S. is now an underdog with the grittiness of the college hockey players of 1980. I hope players from hockey schools such as Minnesota, Boston College, and Boston University are given the opportunity to play that they wouldn't have had before.
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