Ruggiero: Still Hope for NHL Players at the Olympics

(ATR) Angela Ruggiero scored the game-winning goal in a shoot-out against Canada in 2005 that gave the United States its first world championship gold medal. Twelve years on, the Hockey Hall of Famer is still striving to make a difference, attempting to contribute to what could become a last ditch effort for National Hockey League players to compete at the Olympics.

The IOC Athletes Commission Chair and four-time U.S. Olympic hockey medalist believes there is still hope for NHL players to lace up their skates in PyeongChang, while also praising the recent bold stand for gender equality by the U.S. Women’s National hockey team.

Ruggiero spoke exclusively to Around the Rings from Aarhus, Denmark about the recent polarizing hockey headlines one day after contributing to the Los Angeles 2024 presentation to sport federations and other Olympic stakeholders.

"I think there’s always hope…it’s trying to really understand all the different constituents including the athletes, their point and how they’re perceiving this decision," Ruggiero tells ATR regarding the NHL declaration that they will forego the Olympics for the first time in two decades. "It’s especially important for me being Athletes Commission Chair, always worrying about the athletes and their right to participate in the Games.

"I understand the NHL’s business and there is a risk, obviously there is a risk, stopping your season and sending your players but at the same time, from my position, its affording athletes [the opportunity] to represent their countries always.

"I’m still optimistic – there are quite a few athletes that have been speaking out and I would encourage others who have a similar perspective to raise their voice."

Following the league’s bombshell announcement earlier this week, numerous star NHL players, including Henrik Lundqvist, Carey Price, Erik Karlsson and all-time Olympic scoring leader Teemu Selanne, have adamantly voiced their displeasure. Russian star Alex Ovechkin remains firm on his promise that he will skate in South Korea no matter what.

"At the end of the day they aren’t the final decision makers, but athletes should be at the core of the Games," she said of the hockey players. "We’re hoping for a positive resolution."

Considering Ruggiero’s numerous roles and relationships within her sport and in the Olympic Movement, the 1998 Olympic gold medalist said she will battle for what she believes is best for her sport and its elite participants.

"I’m absolutely still trying to do what I can to support those players getting to Korea," said Ruggiero, who is also a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Athletes’ Commission and has ties with the NHL. "Understanding the position of the players is important and continuing the dialogue with the [NHL] PA is critical at this point."

USA Women’s Off-Ice Victory

Ruggiero skated in 256 games for Team USA over her 15-year on-ice career, more than any player ever, male or female. The hockey legend said she is "extremely proud" of her former teammates, who stood in solidarity against USA Hockey while seeking adequate financial compensation and additional benefits.

The U.S. ladies called off their threatened boycott of the home ice IIHF World Championships in Plymouth, Michigan, after finally coming to terms on a four-year deal with USA Hockey last week, just three days prior to the start of the tournament.

"I think in general it's a win for everyone because USA Hockey ultimately embraced their request and they came to a resolution that all parties are happy with," Ruggiero said. "What that is going to do is move the needle forward in terms of supporting the players themselves, but also maybe more importantly creating more opportunities for youth development in America for girls."

Ruggiero noted that her former teammate Cammi Granato led a similar fight among the U.S. women’s hockey players back in 2002, one that was largely unsuccessful. Ruggiero, who is also closely involved with the IOC’s new Gender Equality Initiative, said she consulted with and tried to help the current players as their situation unfolded.

"My role as an Athletes Representative is to portray all sides of the picture – it is important to have all the pieces of information, and getting back to the NHL discussion, understand what everyone is bringing to the table and what their constraints are, so you can have a logical discussion in a truthful way," Ruggiero said.

"It was a good resolution – whether it's men or women athletes, I always encourage the approach to talk to your representatives, see what the parties have at stake, educate yourself in advance and go into the discussions with the best of intentions."

Written by Brian Pinelli

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