WINNIPEG — Many hockey players dream of one day winning an Olympic gold medal. But that goal has been iced for some after the NHL decided it not send its players 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.
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“Obviously I’m disappointed,” Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele told Jets TV.
“Going to the Olympics is a big thing to the players. A lot of guys look forward to that their whole lives.”
NHL players have participated in every Winter Olympics since 1998. Before then, countries called on college or minor league players.
It isn’t yet known who will wear the maple leaf at next year’s Olympics. Those who previously wouldn’t have been considered are now the frontrunners.
“It’s definitely something in the back of your mind but right now it’s purely speculative,” Manitoba Moose defenceman Brenden Kichton said. “Who knows what’s going to happen.”
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Kichton has never worn the maple leaf at an international tournament but came close a few times. The 24-year-old Albertan was invited to play in the Spengler Cup this past December but decided not to go due to an injury. He was also cut from the world junior selection camp in 2011.
“It would be a huge honour (to play in the Olympics),” Kichton said. “It’s something that you grew up watching. It would be really exciting.”
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