The NHL finds out today whether their players will
participate in the '98 Nagano Games. The three parties involved
in the debate, the NHL, NHLPA, and IIHF, are working on the final
details. Although the "mood was one of cautious optimism," the
prospect of an Olympic tournament featuring the NHL's top players
"could collapse at any moment," according to the CANADIAN PRESS.
One factor out of the control of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is
IIHF "politics." The CP notes, "Some Europeans -- Sweden and
Finland in particular -- want compensation for basically
relinquishing control of the Olympic tournament ... to the NHL."
Another complication is IIHF President Rene Fasel's reported
promise to Sweden and Finland that they could host the Canada Cup
in '96 in exchange for "their support for the dream tournament."
The problem is that the Canada Cup "wasn't Fasel's to give away.
As a result [Fasel] has managed to enrage the NHL and the NHLPA,
who are partners in the Canada Cup tournaments." Also at issue
is TV, as NHL owners are seeking maximum television coverage for
"closing shop in midseason" (CP/VANCOUVER SUN, 9/29).
