International hockey federation worries that NHL players will skip Olympics
Once again, it seems that NHL players might not compete in the Winter Olympics.
The president of the International Ice Hockey Federation said Wednesday that disputes over travel and insurance costs have become a sticking point prior to the 2018 Pyeongchang Games.
“It’s always difficult to get [to] the Olympics, the Games,” Rene Fasel told the Associated Press. “And now with some problems on our side, 50-50 is very positive. I would be more 60% that they are not coming.”
The NHL and Olympic officials often haggle over details in the years between Games -- and just as often reach a late agreement.
Scheduling is a concern, with the pro league forced to halt at mid-season so its biggest stars can play in the quadrennial event.
This time, the International Olympic Committee has also canceled its contribution to those player travel and insurance costs, leaving the IIHF with a multimillion-dollar shortfall.
More to Read
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.