While the Winter Games are firmly underway, the women’s Olympic hockey schedule has started to see traction.
The United States men’s team started the first game of their respective schedule on Feb. 14th, and they already have been upset in the first day of play by Slovenia in overtime to a score of 3-2. However, if you’re hoping to see your favorite NHL players, you’ll be sadly disappointed. This year, the National Hockey League (NHL) has chosen not to send players to represent their respective countries, breaking a streak that dates back to the 1998 Games hosted in Nagano, Japan.
For the previous five Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had paid for all costs accrued by these athletes, including travel fees, insurance, housing accommodations, and various other costs. This year though, the IOC announced that they would no longer be funding the Games for NHL athletes. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) then offered to pay $20 million to help cover these costs, but ultimately, that offer was refused. The IOC does not cover costs for other professional leagues, such as the NBA, and thus reasoned that covering NHL fees is unnecessary.
The League and its players disagree on this issue. Many players relish the opportunity to represent their nations beyond their National League teams. 
However, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman feels that player participation in the Winter Games disrupts the NHL season, as participating in the Olympics would need a three-week break in the middle of the regular season, displacing the current schedule and later Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Bettman also has concerns about player safety and the injuries that may occur, thus placing NHL clubs and their remaining seasons in jeopardy. Most players hold far different viewpoints. An official statement from the National Hockey League Players’ Association reads, “…players are extraordinarily disappointed and adamantly disagree with the NHL’s shortsighted decision to not continue our participation in the Olympics… It is very unfortunate for the game, the players and millions of loyal hockey fans.”
Currently, it’s unlikely to have NHL players involved in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics as well. The IOC has stated that the NHL’s participation in 2022 is based heavily on its participation in the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. If that stands true, the roster will likely be made up of the same type of players as it is now: 
retired NHL players, international stars, current minor leaguers and college athletes. Highlights of the 2018 roster include former NHL star Brian Gionta, who will be acting as team captain, Chris Bourque, son of legendary NHL player Ray Bourque, and Jordan Greenway, the first African-American to play for Team USA in hockey.
The men’s tournament began yesterday Wednesday, February 14 and concludes with the gold medal game on Sunday, February 25.
Editor’s note: NHL shield photo taken by Marlon E on Flikr. Featured photo and Olympic players by Kris Krug on Flikr. Photos under license for use with the CC BY-SA 2.0 notice.
