What do you think about this idea for changing Olympic hockey?

Question

In my opinion, the presence of pros in the Olympics takes some of the magic away from the games. As such, here's what I think they should do. Olympic hockey and basketball adopt the same policy as Olympic soccer: have teams use their U-23 teams with a limited number of older veterans (I believe 5, but it may be 1 or 2 more than that). It would bring back some of the amateurism to the games (and would make things easier for the NHL with its negotiation). What do you think about this idea?

bq: what changes would you like to see in Olympic hockey?

Answer 1

not really an answer, but we were discussing this at the lunch table at work, and a co-worker stated that if the US won gold, it would be another miracle on ice. I disagreed with that statement on the basis of the fact that when the US won the gold in 1980, they beat the Russians, who were an "amateur" team filled with Red Army pros. Unfortunately, we'll never be able to have another story like that.

Answer 2

Jay:



You know why Olympic soccer is limited to U-23 teams? It is limited to U-23 because FIFA wants the premier soccer event to be The World Cup. FIFA does not want the Olympic soccer tournament to upstage the World Cup. They don't want little boys growing up aiming for Olympic soccer Gold. They wants those boys to dream about winning The World Cup.



There is a huge amount of money to be made on The World Cup. FIFA doesn't want the IOC getting the lion's share of soccer popularity and the money that goes with it.



Also, it is easier to host a World Cup than an Olympics. More countries posses the ability to host a World Cup too. If the Olympic soccer tournament becomes the premier event, then plenty of nations that could host that tournament won't be able too because they can't take on the chore of hosting all of the other Olympic sports.



Now as for changing Olympic hockey? I'd leave it as it is.

Answer 3

I don't like it. I think I'm too young to really appreciate amateur hockey in the Olympics. I grew up with NHLers, and I like it. The Olympics should represent the best athletes in the world. It just wouldn't be the same without professionals. And you have to remember that the AHL, KHL, Sweedish Elite League, EHL etc. are all considered profesional leagues. If you ban all professionals, where would you get your players from? Canada would be all CHL players. USA would be all NCAA players. It would basically be the IIHF U-20 tournament all over again. Don't get me wrong, it's great hockey, but Olympic calibre? I'm not so sure.

Answer 4

i'm uncertain any magic is long previous. in certainty there seems to be plenty excitement (opposition) with a minimum of four spectacular communities vying for 3 Olympic medals as is. for some years the assumption of the actual newbie is a delusion. Shaun White is a multi millionaire and is only rich through fact of his skill to create magic on a skateboard and snowboard. the U. S. ski communities practice 12 months around and the skiers are "compensated" with housing, commute expenses, on a daily basis stipends and that they are paid a each year "coaching fee" via the U. S. ski federation. in certainty as some distance returned through fact the 1980's while Phil and Steve Mahre have been the superb they have been each paid $25,000 according to 12 months to "practice". they're paid plenty greater now. through fact they could commit to coaching complete time and 12 months around there extremely is not any such factor as an newbie. while the U.S. hockey group had that magical 2nd "Do you think?" in 1980 a super number of the real excitement became into through certainty the actual newbie U.S. group defeated the powerful Russians who have been via all bills professionals. the yankee young ones went to varsity and did the traditional on a daily basis, the Russian group lived and knowledgeable as a set as area of their "military" dedication and won advantages no longer given to the prevalent Russian public. That makes them professional's in each experience of the word. I say the assumption of Olympic opposition is to have the very superb in the international compete against one yet another so I prefer letting the NHL and KHL and SEL adult adult males lace them up for the respect of their respective flags. Bob made an spectacular ingredient approximately different international locations that have repeat gold medalists like the Cuban boxers (Bob....are you thinking Tefalo Stevenson or am I exhibiting my age returned?). BQ. i admire seeing the adult adult males on the NHL floor and could desire them keeping the smaller ice...it brings a greater appropriate p.c.. to the sport and forestalls the vulnerable communities from slowing up the play.