2007-12-06 16:54:59 · 22 answers · asked by marty.brodeur 4 in Sports ➔ Hockey
Yup. The Olympics are there to showcase the world's best athletes. Every other world class league sends its athletes, why not the NHL?
2007-12-06 17:04:57 · answer #1 · answered by cme 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, the NHL should maintain the World Cup as it's showcase international tourney and let the best of the rest play in the Olympics. Otherwise there is confusion as to which is the #1 international tournament. If Bettman can't promote the World Cup properly, then that's another reason he sucks.
Besides, the relegation of hockey to the winter Olympics is arbitrary. NBA players are only in the Olympic basketball tourney because the IOC has decided that basketball is a summer sport?! Didn't Dr. Naismith invent the game so the boys would have something to do in the winter?
2007-12-07 10:15:04 · answer #2 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course. If the Olympics is a showdown of the best athletes in the world, I think its very important to send NHLer's to represent their individual countries.
Personally, I love the showdowns between countries, no matter what the venue.
2007-12-07 22:57:59 · answer #3 · answered by Babber420 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a toss up, since the NHL season conflicts with the Olympic schedule, and either causes a longer NHL season (because of a 2 week break like in 2006) or has some teams stripped of their stars. More important is the controversy of some players, like Hasek, getting injured during the Olympics and it affecting the Post-Season outcome for his team.
But I wholely support NHL players in the Olympics, because as a Canadian the NHL is filled with most of our best players, and I am really looking forward to seeing the 2010 Canadian Roster.
2007-12-07 02:44:57 · answer #4 · answered by lunchboxoctober 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES! People will say that Olympics are meant for amateurs, but I disagree. There's no point in watching amateurs compete. The best in the world playing against each other, now that's awesome! And Russia will so totally win the Olympics! (lol jkjk, waaaay too early)
2007-12-07 01:03:27 · answer #5 · answered by N/A 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes !! The olympic's are about the best competeing against the best.Plus,with kid's being drafted and playing in the N.H.L.
by the time they are 18 yrs. old.This is thier only chance.Would countries,team's and league's in soccer not let
thier best compete in the "World Cup", No !! Mr. Bettman and his owner's are just worried about injuries and want more money,as if,people only watch the olympic's because of hockey.They must stop being so greedy and grow the game by letting us all see the Best.
2007-12-07 05:14:49 · answer #6 · answered by Mike C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once you sign a pro contract you shouldn't be allowed to compete against amateurs. Even if the US and Canada and Europe sent amateurs I believe they would still dominate but at least it would be not so obvious who the best teams were. This is why I dont pay attention to the Olympics. There's no competition anymore and it's not fun to watch Japan get shutout 32-0. It just leaves you asking, why wasn't it 33-0?
2007-12-07 09:55:38 · answer #7 · answered by MCisEVIL 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No...I would rather have amateurs again...now watching olympic hockey is just like watching the NHL...its all the same guys and to me its boring...I also don't like how it disrupts the NHL season...I would rather it be amateurs so when the olympics are on I get a hockey overload...not only could I watch olympic hockey but I could also watch the NHL...I honestly think the Women's olympic hockey is more interesting to watch than the Men's.
2007-12-07 06:17:49 · answer #8 · answered by JT-24 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes - the best should play.
And to the people saying that the pros shouldn't play against amateurs --- the Olympics haven't even pretended to be that for at least 25 years.
2007-12-07 23:50:10 · answer #9 · answered by Rich 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, when the russians were sending so-called amateurs to the Olympics it skewed the competition but now anyone that can play NHL caliber hockey plays NHL hockey. It would be nice to see amateurs ,who have no other agenda but to play for their country ,get a shot for a Gold Medal.
As for the argument that we should send our best, remember the U.S. 1980 team who won with lesser skilled players but won by heart,determination and a GREAT coaching team
2007-12-07 07:50:29 · answer #10 · answered by James B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋