A view of the Gangneung Hockey Centre in the Gangneung Coastal Cluster, host of the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games, on Feb. 28, 2017 in Gangneung, South Korea.
The following United States Olympic Committee statement regarding the NHL's decision not to participate in the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 is attributable to Patrick Sandusky, chief external affairs officer:
“We’re disappointed that the NHL has decided not to participate and feel for the players who were looking forward to the Games. That said, we’re confident USA Hockey will build the best-possible team to compete and win in PyeongChang.”
USA Hockey issued the following statements:
Dave Ogrean, Executive Director, USA Hockey
“We knew it was a very real possibility for many months and certainly respect the decision of the NHL. The good news is that because of our grassroots efforts over the course of many years, our player pool is as deep as it has ever been and we fully expect to field a team that will play for a medal.”
Jim Johannson, Assistant Executive Director of Hockey Operations, USA Hockey
“We respect the NHL’s decision and will examine our player pool options and plan accordingly. In the end, we’ll have 25 great stories on the ice in South Korea and will go to the Olympics with medal expectations.”