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ChrisInBaltimore t1_jbnqt8p wrote

This feels really hollow while tons of Russians play in the NHL. I understand and agree with the sentiment, but Canada can’t pick and choose.

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vslsls t1_jbntosp wrote

Russians in NHL don't represent their country unlike athletes in Olympics.

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Ray_Pingeau t1_jboh5ac wrote

They have and would continue to do so if Bettman let the players go back to the Olympics

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besieged_mind t1_jbnz4ff wrote

Most of the athletes anywhere from represent themselves. Yes, they are proud of representing their country and people but they also do for themselves.

People forget that in most of the Olympic sports the Games are an ultimate sports competition. You can hardly find a sport or a competition where Olympics aren't the most important for an athlete as such - football as a sport in whole, NBA > Olympics, and that's basically that. In every other case for an individual sport, athletes practice very hard and very intense for that once in 4 years competition and can realistically hope for no more than 2 in their lifetime. That's their dream, something they give their life for and practice very, very hard.

I can understand for this initiative to come from some politicians but from fellow athletes... that's just cruelty as such. Bad people.

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JeffFromSchool t1_jbo5jxp wrote

NHL players give way more of a shit about getting their name on the Stanley Cup than winning an Olympic gold...

They didn't even put up a big fight when the NHL decided they aren't stopping the season for the Olympics anymore.

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Waterwoogem t1_jbovpnb wrote

In general yes. But those that show skill in early stages do try for the Trifecta: World Championship Gold(whether through Jr or not), Stanley Cup and Olympic Gold.

Certainly a lot harder with the rule change

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Contundo t1_jbo7jcd wrote

That’s largely because hockey isn’t a large sport across the world. When it comes to many other sports, olympics is the highest level.

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JeffFromSchool t1_jbo9bfz wrote

It's certainly bigger than basketball... Which is another that the players care less for the Olympics than their own league.

All of North America and most of Europe play hockey. That's already like 80% of the top medalling countries at the Olympics

If it's a major US sport (half of which are featured in the Olympics), the Olympics aren't the highest stage.

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PoliteIndecency t1_jboho82 wrote

I'm a rabid hockey fan and I can tell you right now basketball is bigger than hockey on the world stage.

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stephenlipic t1_jboly4e wrote

I think they meant global player base not necessarily financial backing which is what I’m thinking you’re talking about.

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Contundo t1_jbob76r wrote

You’re just picking sports that is big in North America. And somewhat in Europe. Athletics sports is where it’s at in Olympics. Basketball and hockey is fluff.

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JeffFromSchool t1_jbodnlq wrote

The ratings for each competition don't agree with you lmao

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dragunityag t1_jboe9ji wrote

And we all know the Olympics is about curling anyways.

I don't know how watching people sweep ice can be so damn captivating but I know I'll watch it anytime I see it on.

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Waterwoogem t1_jbow0vu wrote

Those 2am Live Curling Matchups just hit different.

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Contundo t1_jboe7l0 wrote

Ratings don’t reflect how high level the sport in Olympics is.

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JeffFromSchool t1_jboewbc wrote

You were talking about which sport are fluff and which are "where it's at". Ratings are a pretty good indication of which sports more people care about

The Olympics doesn't care about the "athletic" sports as you think they do. Don't they regularly think about getting rid of wrestling, which is probably the most quintessential Olympic sport?

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Contundo t1_jbofm83 wrote

You’re the one who started with popularity. No one in basketball and hockey cares much about basketball and hockey olympics. They could stop being Olympic sports and no one would give a shit. Unlike 400m which actually matters to the athletes.

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vslsls t1_jbo3r85 wrote

There are more important things in life besides sports. They'll live unlike some Ukrainians.

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besieged_mind t1_jbrjnrv wrote

I agree. Lives of some Ukrainians are not going to be saved this way. One life is not going to be saved.

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MFoy t1_jbomdya wrote

The NHL can't legally kick all of the Russians out of the league, it would be a massive violation of US labor law.

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[deleted] t1_jboyowu wrote

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[deleted] t1_jbp2zd6 wrote

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Winter-Protection594 t1_jbowlwq wrote

I fail to see how Russians in hockey benefits Canada? Is no Russians were in the NHL, that would literally just open up more spots for talented Canadians.

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Strat0BlasterX t1_jbp06es wrote

Or players from other countries….

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Winter-Protection594 t1_jbp31r1 wrote

Yes, that would be true. But the comment I replied to specifically mentioned Canadian, so I specifically mentioned Canadians.

I’m sure your country is great at hockey, but wasn’t mentioned in the original comment.

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kingnoodle30 t1_jbqvipq wrote

I’m sure there’s some good old boy type Canadian hockey fans who want this.

So many feel like the All Time Goal record MUST belong to a Canadian, not a Russian.

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PrepubescentGhost t1_jbnuo48 wrote

It also feels really hollow, when people act like Russia is the only country right now that is doing something atrocious.

I fail to see how banning Russian athletes from competition is going to in any way "teach Russia a lesson" - but, OK, if we're going to go that route then what about, say, China? Aren't the atrocities being carried out by that country worthy of this same kind of outcry?

I mean, let's say they're banned from competition. Are we to view this as some kind of compassionate, righteous victory for humanity, some triumph for the downtrodden... while representatives for China (to use that other, earlier example) play on?

What about that part of humanity? What of all the other downtrodden?

If we're going to apply this sort of thing to representatives for one, the same considerations should go for all others.

I'm all for calling out Russia. But, just Russia? For a global competition?

Something's missing.

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ChrisInBaltimore t1_jbnzwt7 wrote

Few things:

  1. It is 2023. I think any “civilized” nation involved in anything that even smells like Genocide should be held accountable and yes banning from international sport may be one avenue to holding them accountable.

  2. My point was more that this is a bit hypocritical of Canadians. They want Russians banned but then 15k+ fans are cheering as Russians score goals and chasing scoring titles.

  3. I don’t know that barring anyone is the right move, at the same time. We have a lot of Russian players in the NHL that probably plan to never return to Russia. Banning them does seem like the wrong move and it’s a slippery slope. Again just calling out the hypocrisy here.

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[deleted] t1_jbo64xx wrote

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[deleted] t1_jbo6ph7 wrote

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