NHL makes groundbreaking announcement regarding 2026 Olympics
PUBLICATION
Travis PolitakisFebruary 3, 2024 (8:31)
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman took to the podium on Friday afternoon in Toronto as he addressed the media as the 2024 NHL All-Star weekend kicked off. Bettman addressed many topics from the media ranging from NHL expansion, the 2018 WJC Team Canada investigation, and the Arizona Coyotes relocation. One topic that made headlines was Bettman's announcement regarding the 2026 Olympics.
After a near 12-year absence, the 2026 winter olympics will finally feature NHL player participation in northern Italy. After participating in 2014, the NHL players did not participate in 2018 because the NHL did not reach an agreement with the NHLPA, the IIHF and the International Olympic Committee. In the years after that, Covid-19 interrupted both the Olympics and the NHL seasons and nothing was able to come of it.
"We're starting with some extremely exciting news...Although I think the news was broken early, but we have an agreement with the International Olympic Committee for NHL players to participate in the 2026 and 2030 Olympics."
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One player who was extremely excited by the news is NHL superstar and arguably the face of the league in Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid. McDavid was a leader in advocating for the NHL to return to the Olympics, and he finally got his wish on Friday afternoon.
"Obviously, I've been vocal about this. I feel like it's important for hockey as we continue to try to grow the game internationally and at home. I think it's a great thing. It's an exciting schedule, something that people can look forward to."
| POLL | ||
3 FEVRIER | 87 ANSWERS NHL makes groundbreaking announcement regarding 2026 Olympics Are you excited to see the NHL back in the olympics? | ||
| Yes | 58 | 66.7 % |
| No | 29 | 33.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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