Read the opposing arguments from Loyal Homer and Bleacher Fan.
Olympic hockey. For most Americans those two words immediately conjure up images of the unforgettable American victory over the Soviets during the 1980 Lake Placid Olympic Winter Games, more fondly remembered as the Miracle on Ice. But for the NHL, Olympic hockey has begun to evoke feelings of stress and apprehension over the potential nightmare situations involving NHL season interruptions and injured stars.
For quite some time NHL players have been able to participate in the Olympics despite their non-amateur status. In recent years, the NHL has put everything on hold to allow its players to represent their native countries during the Olympic Winter Games. This is a huge gesture considering the NHL was giving up prime exposure during a time when the only other competing major domestic professional sport is the NBA. The NHL provided work stoppages – in the interest of good will and cross promotion – for the Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan in 1998 and again in 2006 during the games held in Turin, Italy. But NHL officials are wondering just how much publicity they are getting by allowing their players to participate in games halfway around the world (though Vancouver is a little closer this year).
This issue becomes an even bigger deal when you consider that the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement is up for renewal soon, and players are already demanding their release for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Several prominent Russian NHL players have voiced their desire and intention to play in the 2014 game, whether they have the league’s blessing or not. (Wouldn’t you know it? Communism is over and the Russians are still causing problems for us.) Currently the NHL features four Russian players who were among the league’s best scorers last season, including the 2008-2009 MVP Washington Capitals winger Alexander Ovechkin.
The protesting Russians are joined in support by Jacques Rogge, the President of the International Olympic Committee, who has spoken out in support of the NHL players’ participation in future Olympic Games, stating, “I think it’s important for the NHL to have their stars shine in the Olympic Games. If you look at the audience of the final game of the Olympic hockey tournament, it matches the final of the Stanley Cup. That is a good promotion for hockey in North America.” NHL team owners may not be inclined to agree.
Enter today’s great debate: Should the NHL suspend operations and release players to participate in the Olympic Games at the expense of the league?
Loyal Homer will extend his regional loyalties to the national level as he argues in favor of suspending the NHL season and letting players represent their native countries. Bleacher Fan, on the other hand, will point out why it should be inarguable for the NHL to suspend the season in order for players to participate in the Olympics.
Who will win this cold war? We will soon learn when our competitors face off at center ice. Remember, make your arguments like me – big, flashy, and, of course ruthless.
