NHL skipping the Olympics could be a disaster for its growth – Hockey Writers –
Over the past few months, concerns have begun to rise gradually regarding ice hockey at the 202nd Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Construction dates on the Brand New Santagiaulia Ice Hockey Arena, which should be ready by February 5, have been missed regularly. Early Friday morning, a recent report from the Associated Press (AP) boldly explained that there is no backup plan.
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“There is no plan B,” Andrea Francisi, Milan Cortina’s Chief Operating Officer, told the AP.
It is important to note that this is completely out of the hands of the national hockey league … it is only in the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which has continued to promise the readiness of the Arena despite the progress of the investor.
Nevertheless, after the successful exit of the 4 Nations last February – and the fact that this will be the first disaster for the participation of the NHL in 2014 – it would be a disaster if the NHL did not feel confident enough about the quality of the ice / Arena to send its players there.
Even if the IOC says the place is ready, the NHL can still (honestly) choose to withdraw their participation, sending the Junior Olympic players – just like they did with the 2022 Olympics when CoronaviRUS raises concerns about the health and safety of the player.
“This just reminds me of back in grade school [when] I’ll be like, ‘HEY MOM, we have the right project tomorrow, but I don’t have the material,’ “said American forward Brady Tkachuk on his ‘Wingmen’ podcast.
His brother Mathew added, “I’m scared (…) I like, they need me to drink there [to] Italy, throw in the construction of the vest, and apologize? I will do it. “
Francis also told the AP that there is “no specific date” for the site to be built for local planners. However, he is confident “for now” that it will be okay in time. Those are words that don’t inspire confidence.
The 4 Nations Championship Game, watched by 16.1 million people in North America, was the most representative of football football forever On ESPN+. Total viewership was up 256% from the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
All I see is hockey on every social media platform. People I know never watch/post highlights like crazy.
Last night’s performance in this game was farrrrrrr more impactful than any recent Cup day.
This is amazing.
– Daniel Amoia (@daniel_amoia) February 16, 2025
Fans – even some who are not usually sports watchers – were now eagerly awaiting the return of international hockey. While the sport is unpredictable, there is a very high chance of the Americans and Canadians both meeting again at the elimination stage. That will do wonders for getting the attention of millions. There could also be a full segue to the hockey world in 2028, and the next Olympics in 2030.
If the NHL does not have its players there, however, there is a big moment between 2025 and 2028 for hockey to leave the conscience of those who simply have a desire for sports. And it can be so frustrating for players who are starving to go too far after 4 nations.
According to Elliotte Friedman’s elliedman sources of ’32, the test event, which was expected to take place, was rescheduled for early January. “[If that] it doesn’t happen, everyone will be in major freak mode. “
