A couple of statements from USA Hockey to pass along, in the wake of the NHL’s decision to forego the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.
First from Dave Ogrean, the executive director of USA Hockey:
“We knew it was a very real possibility for many months and certainly respect the decision of the NHL. The good news is that because of our grassroots efforts over the course of many years, our player pool is as deep as it has ever been and we fully expect to field a team that will play for a medal.”
And from Jim Johannson, the assistant executive director of hockey operations:
“We respect the NHL’s decision and will examine our player pool options and plan accordingly. In the end, we’ll have 25 great stories on the ice in South Korea and will go to the Olympics with medal expectations.”
The NHL has been sending players to the Olympics since 1998.
In 1994, when the Games were in Norway, Team USA’s roster featured the likes of David Sacco, Peter Laviolette, Ted Drury, Mike Dunham, and Garth Snow. The Americans were knocked out by Finland in the quarterfinals.
Hockey Canada released a similar statement today.