from Allan Maki of the Globe and Mail,

The NHL and its players’ association don’t always get along, but on this matter they are steadfast in agreement: If terrorists attack Sochi before the start of next month’s Winter Olympics, the players will reconsider going. If there’s a significant attack during the Games, the Canadian men’s team will return home.

Emergency-exit strategies for NHL players, Canada’s women’s hockey team, as well as athletes in other sports, have been a key part of the planning for these Olympics. Islamic extremists view Sochi as an inviting target and have vowed to rid the world of these “Satanic Games.”

Not only have there been two suicide bombings in the Russian city of Volgograd – 34 people were killed in the twin blasts – additional threats have been recorded and e-mailed to as many as five countries sending athletes and officials to Sochi. Hungary was quick to dismiss the warning it received, insisting it was investigated and posed no real threat.

Still, the tension is building as the Feb. 7 opening ceremony for the Sochi Olympics near.

continued