Sochi Confident in NHL Participation

(ATR) Sochi 2014 CEO Dmitry Chernyshenko tells Around the Rings he’s confident the world’s best ice hockey players will participate at the Olympics following the end of the NHL lockout.

The tentative deal reached Sunday allows for a 50-game season beginning Jan. 15 or a 48-game season beginning Jan. 19, depending on how quickly owners ratify the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

"Like all sport and ice hockey fans, Sochi 2014 individuals are pleased to see that the NHL and the NHLPA came to an agreement to resume playing during the 2012-13 season," says Chernyshenko.

As details emerge about the terms of the 10-year agreement, however, absent is any mention of Sochi 2014 or – for that matter – PyeongChang 2018.

A spokesman with the International Ice Hockey Federation declined comment Monday, citing reports that Olympics participation is not part of the new CBA and will instead be negotiated at a later date in discussions also involving the IOC and IIHF.

Chernyshenko corroborates that claim, explaining that the IIHF is "the official body responsible to communicate with the NHL and NHLPA with regards to the availability of NHL players" at the Games.

"The responsibility of Sochi 2014 is to make adequate preparations to create the right environment so all participating athletes can compete and perform at the highest level possible," he tells ATR.

"With that in mind, Sochi 2014 has been in frequent communications with the IIHF to provide the best conditions for the athletes and officials who will participate in the men's and women's hockey tournaments. With just over one year to go before the opening ceremonies, we continue to be committed to do the best we can to deliver great Olympic Winter Games."

Despite a previous lockout cancelling their 2004-2005 season, NHL players have competed at every Olympics since 1998, the first in which they were allowed to participate.

"We are confident that all parties involved will recognize the chance to offer all hockey fans around the world an opportunity to see the best hockey athletes in action on the greatest sport stage," says Chernyshenko.

Written by Matthew Grayson.

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