Why NHL’s Olympic decision is disappointing for Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand
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Why NHL’s Olympic decision is disappointing for Bergeron, Marchand originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Bruins were likely to send their two-best forwards to the 2022 Winter Olympics in February if NHL players were allowed to participate.
The league and the NHLPA, for a variety of reasons related to COVID-19, officially announced last week that NHL players were not going to the Olympics. The last Winter Games in which the men’s ice hockey tournament featured NHL players was 2014.
It was a disappointing development for any player who expected to be in the mix for an Olympic roster spot, and especially tough for players whose last chance to be part of that experience was likely 2022.
Examining the state of the Bruins during their unexpected hiatus
Bruins forwards Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand are in that group.
“I would’ve gone. It would have been my last chance to experience it,” Bergeron told reporters Monday. “I was there twice, I was able to live it. I feel for the guys who haven’t had a chance and this might’ve been their last chance to go. I really do. It’s disappointing as an athlete, and as a competitor. You want to be a part of those events. I was fortunate enough to live it…”
Bergeron added: “I was definitely thinking about it. I had some question marks about going over with what’s going on in the world with the outbreaks and all that and leaving my family behind. I had a discussion with my wife, and it was my last chance and I wanted to be a part of it.”
While missing out on the Olympics is certainly tough for Bergeron, it’s even more frustrating for Marchand. Bergeron noted that he’s been to the Olympics before. In fact, he has two gold medals from Canada’s triumphs in 2010 and 2014.
Marchand has never played in the Olympics. A huge part of that has been unlucky timing. He’s become the best all-around left wing in the world, and one of the best players at the position for many years. Unfortunately for Marchand, that rise really…
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Source : yahoo
