6 replies to this topic

[Dark Knight]

The personal appeal and power of Russian President Vladimir Putin swayed just enough votes among Olympic leaders Wednesday to bring his nation its first Winter Olympics — bitterly disappointing South Korea and Austria.

International Olympic Committee members credited Putin's personal lobbying for the 51-47 victory that put the 2014 games in Sochi, a Black Sea resort where the snow-capped Caucasus mountains rise from some of Russia's warmest beaches.

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[BuckyHermit]

I'm a little surprised at this, because I remember when Vancouver won its bid. The voting was broadcast on TV here, and Pyeongchang was so much of a threat I was certain they'll pull through next time. But Sochi? I never would've guessed.

[DropThePuck]

NHL may skip Olympics after 2010

The 2010 Vancouver Games could be the end of the NHL's brief participation in Olympic hockey.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told Reuters on Tuesday that, following Vancouver, his league may rethink its policy of suspending play in mid-season so players can compete in the Olympics.

That means the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, could be the first since the 1994 edition in Lillehammer to not feature hockey's best men's players.

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[QuacksMeUp]

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So, it's okay to send NHL'ers to games in Western countries, but not in Eastern countries. Unless of course, it's during the regular NHL season. Yes, I see.

[Reb]

So, it's okay to send NHL'ers to games in Western countries, but not in Eastern countries.

No. I don't think that's it. I believe as I've always believed that it's supposed to spotlight the best amateur athletes the world has to offer at any given moment in time.

On the other hand, Coach Brooks would say, "I'm not lookin' for the best players, Craig. I'm lookin' for the right players." And his right players were amateurs at the time.

[ahtikullervo]

No. I don't think that's it. I believe as I've always believed that it's supposed to spotlight the best amateur athletes the world has to offer at any given moment in time.

On the other hand, Coach Brooks would say, "I'm not lookin' for the best players, Craig. I'm lookin' for the right players." And his right players were amateurs at the time.

No-no... This is not right. Best in some games (Nagano to Vancouver), amateurs the others.

It would be like NHL for one season is the players we see, next years we could have some C juniors (to see some right players, next year something else).

The tournament is only in 4 years and now when there is no Canada/World Cup this is only international event with all the best players!

Olympics is not about amateurs. For a very long time already. Best track and field athlets, best in all disciplines actually, both summer and winter. And these guys are not amateurs. Hockey should not be different, the only ones who would disbenefit from this are hockey fans.

Hockey has been huge in Olympics and now sending there 2nd or 3rd rate players. No good idea at all!!!

[Duckbill]

I don't know about you guys but the 2006 Winter Games had some really entertaining hockey. and because its Olympic hockey that means every sports media group is going to cover it instead of just Versus and TSN. And what better publicity for the freaking sport than to have the best players in the world competing for their home countries?

Plus, It would be really rad to see Ovechkin, Malkin, and Bryzgalov in front of home crowds getting huge applauses.