In a super world, most NHL gamers would go to the Olympics. And whereas the NHL is amenable to that, problems are mounting.
COVID-19 outbreaks are making their approach by way of a number of NHL groups, and up to date reviews about COVID-19 pointers appear to be scaring some gamers off — or on the very least giving them pause. Mainly, if a participant checks optimistic whereas in China, they might be topic to a 3-to-5-week quarantine. That will maintain them away from their households and their groups throughout key moments of the season.
So, it is a double-edged sword. Gamers who wish to play on the most important stage, however not essentially on the expense of probably placing their households or staff in danger.
“Before everything, I believe for me the final two Olympics had been particular occasions and I’ve superb recollections of it and it is one thing I am going to cherish for the remainder of my life,” Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron, who’s a shoo-in for Group Canada, stated Tuesday. “That is one factor, as an athlete you wish to compete towards the most effective, and in the event you do have that chance, clearly, you wish to symbolize your nation. It’s regarding once you hear in regards to the 3-to-5 week quarantine, having to remain again and keep in China, so I believe there are quite a lot of questions proper now that must be answered.
“As an athlete, I believe you are torn, as a result of clearly you wish to be there, and as I stated, it is the most important sports activities occasion on the planet. That being stated, it is a totally different scenario and a distinct 12 months, you wish to ensure you have all of the solutions earlier than you possibly can actually reply that query.”
The Bruins might have a number of representatives on the Olympics. Bruce Cassidy is on Canada’s teaching workers, and Bergeron and Brad Marchand are locks to make the staff. Charlie McAvoy all however definitely will get the decision for Group USA, whereas David Pastrnak already has been named to the Czech Republic staff. There are some extra distant choices, like Linus Ullmark and Jakub Zboril, as effectively.
Chatter about if it is the proper concept to go seems to be ramping up in dressing rooms throughout the league.
“I am unable to say that I’ve had deep conversations about it to date, however we’re beginning to discuss it,” Bergeron stated. “However everybody feels the identical, I believe it is extra you wish to be there, however you wish to be certain that it is sensible for everyone and that is it. I am certain we’ll have some readability sooner or later and might make a sound determination.”
This example is one that may not have a transparent decision for some time longer. However the nationwide groups cannot be idle proper now within the occasion NHL gamers do go to the Olympics, so teaching staffs are planning accordingly.
“I believe it should be a difficulty for the individuals which can be touring over there,” Cassidy stated. “What’s the protocol in the event you check optimistic, how lengthy are you remoted, the place are you remoted, are you able to get (taken) out of there to the place you isolate in your individual nation? I believe these are questions each athlete and assist workers can have, so it’s a concern, for certain.
“For me, we’re going forward as deliberate, I talked to (Jon Cooper) the opposite day, he put some stuff collectively. I used to be supposed to fulfill with him when Tampa was right here, clearly that did not occur. I am going to discuss to Pete DeBoer (Tuesday) about a number of issues. … We’re nonetheless full pace forward when it comes to our preparation. It is not that in depth, however it’s ongoing, in truth we did some work yesterday for Coop. On the finish of the day, possibly that is one thing that is clearer because it comes, however I do not know if that is potential. If COVID continues to be in all places then, then clearly selections might be made and we’ll simply observe them.”
The 2022 Winter Olympics are scheduled to start Feb. 4 and finish Feb. 20.
