“I don’t like the notion that these guys are representing their country,” Madden said. “You want to represent your country, join the army. This is just a hockey tournament, and (1980 Team USA coach) Herb Brooks agreed with me. In fact, he said all that first, (just) not in so many words.”
Madden also predicts the situation with Russia might remain sticky as well.
“Unless Russia plays, it’s a meaningless tournament. I know everybody has their knickers in a twist over them attacking Ukraine. I don’t like to see sports and politics mix,” Madden said. “I mean, they’re the No. 2 hockey power ever besides Canada, and arguably No. 1. What kind of tournament is it if they’re not involved? The same goes for that phony-baloney 4 Nations cup they’re having next year.”
Tim Benz of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.
100% agree with Madden. Those who were born here, it's different I am sure, but from my early childhood Canada-USSR/Russia was THE GAME of the tournament, any tournament.
I'm not a Madden fan, so I'm skeptical regarding his recollection of Brook's position regarding patriotism and the Olympics. I was a senior in hs in 1980, and I remember very vividly how it revived the nation after the Jimmy Carter years.
I don't think I can name a single player who wouldn't skate through a brick wall to play in the Olympics.
Lastly, the days of Canada/ Russia being the top 2 national prgorams is over. Russia may not have a program at all 5 years from now...
"I know everybody has their knickers in a twist over them attacking Ukraine"
That's a bit too light-hearted for a very serious situation in world affairs. I don't care about the political components, I care about the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
Yea, but this isn't the venue for that part of it. This is about how it effects hockey, and is entirely appropriate to discuss.
No kidding.
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