Hey Kim,

I have some strong feelings on this one. Personally, I liked the Olympics before professionals where allowed, and that is for ALL sports. It was irrelevant to me that other countries where/are paying their athletes to practice and train. Sure it set up an unfair advantage for us (U.S.), however, that is exactly what made our successes so unique, so special.

Never again will an athlete or team be faced with a situation like the 1980 US Olympic Hockey team was faced with. Man, it sends chills up my spine to remember watching that unfold on television right before my eyes.

I can say from experience that achieving what others said was impossible is not only intrinsically gratifying but, simply, cannot be measured in dollars & cents. What do they say, "It's Priceless" :-)!!!

Kirk
Book Website: http://www.becomingatruechampion.com/
Blog Website: http://www.becomingatruechampion.blogspot.com/

Only if the NHL sees a business benefit to their league.

HECK TO THE YES

YES!!! It just isn't that interesting without NHL players. Actually it becomes 2nd class competition and off course it shouldn't be so, after all it's the most respected competition for sportsman. No disrespect to NHL, I love it actually, but it just isn't more important than Olympics.

yes its gives them more money on the jerseys and it gives the players a honor to be there

YEAH!

daaa!!!!!!!!!

did you see how much americans actually cared what happened in the olympics? why would the NHL not want people caring about the league

If anyone who watched that Gold Medal game thought that that wasn't HUGE for the NHL as far as exposure for the game, than I say that you are CRAZY!!!

PLEASE NHL, do something smart for once and allow the players for the Olympics...it ust makes sense!

easiky the olympics would be so boring without the nhl players

YES DAAAA

duh

the pro players deserve to play for there country it shouldn't be about money it should be the honor, you have to remember that just because there good that shouldn't hold them back from playing for there country

I think they should. It's an honour to play for your country, and especially for the players from other countries. I mean, could you imagine Ovechkin not playing for Russia, or as much as i hate to say it, Crosby not playing for Canada?

Then theres the fact that if its the NHLs decision to pull out, pros in the KHL, Swedish Elite League, and other pro leagues will still be playing which will probably do one or both of these:

1) all of our best players in the league will leave to the KHL etc. so they can play for their country, I know Ovechkin was threatining to do that. Plus, the KHL does pay good money. its not that bad of a league

2) the other countries will start getting an advantage over us. Countries like Russia, Slovakia etc with a lot of players playing in the European leagues will get better than us, and the USA/Canada "shared dynasty" will most likley end.

I know for a fact that Washington's GM said that he would support any of his players in the 2014 olympics, whether the league takes a break or not. Plus, the olympics with pros is like a huge extended all star weekend :D

no because the pros wiill be tired when the olympics r over and that will benifit the other teams.

Yes because Ovi will want to play hockey in his home country and town

YES!!!!!!!!!!!

why wouldent they