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Guest9838
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 Posted - 09/09/2009 : 12:46:31
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So Ovie's said no-one can tell him he won't be playing for Russia in 2014, suspension or not. What do you guys think the reaction will be to Ovie's comments by the league, other players and public. And do you think he should be this outspoken?
http://www.ctvolympics.ca/hockey/news/newsid=15504.html?cid=rsstsn
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Matt_Roberts85
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
936 Posts |
Posted - 09/09/2009 : 13:31:09
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I think its awesome, OV is going to be something to remember when his career is done. He is going to go down as one of the best ever for not just his play on the ice, but for being an individual and doing things his way weather people like it or not.
He loves his country enough to say "F-U NHL, im going to play for my Country". They can either say "Lets go!" and hop on his back or cry a river
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E". |
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leigh
Moderator
Canada
1755 Posts |
Posted - 09/09/2009 : 13:31:11
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If I wanted to take a vacation from my work and my employer would not let me go - then I am unable to go. If I choose to take time off anyway, then I have to be prepared to face the music, whether that is a suspension, being docked pay, termination, whatever. yes, it is my choice, but every choice has repercussions associated with it.
The real issue is that the NHL can not afford to lose a guy like Ovechkin, they need to keep him happy. In most cases the NHL can control a player if they break game rules or PR rules, but when it comes to country it is harder for them to maintain control. This becomes a bigger issue than the NHL or Ovechkin. I can't see the NHL winning in this situation but I'm confident that they'll find a way to save face. At least Ovechkin did this 4.5 years in advance so the NHL can deal with it sooner than later. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 09/09/2009 : 13:35:51
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On a personal note, I love a guy that has that much pride in his country. However, I think the decision would be infinately easier for us regular folk if we had the same number of digits in our bank account as Ovechkin does.
I guess my question on this is if this is an NHL decision or a Washington Capitals decision. I guess I am kind of comparing it to soccer, which is the most global of the global sports. It's the teams decision to release a player to go and play a Cap for their country not the league. So I wonder if this is the same???
Ultimately, I think the NHL players will be in the next Olympics so it's gonna be a moot point. |
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Matt_Roberts85
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
936 Posts |
Posted - 09/09/2009 : 15:29:31
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interesting, it would make the most sense for it to be up to the Caps, but with the NHL, who knows.... they probably dont even know.
If the NHL players arent in 2014 that would suck big time
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E". |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 09/09/2009 : 18:40:31
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Wow. All I can say is . . . wow. Ballsy move.
I think the NHL has to cave in some way to this stand, as playing hardball with the number one player in the world and number one most marketable commodity is very, very dangerous, especially considering Ovechkin as a bit of a loose cannon.
If only we all had the power, and used it, to do what we wanted when we wanted . . . sigh.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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just1n
PickupHockey Pro
282 Posts |
Posted - 09/09/2009 : 23:46:06
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Let's not forget a MAJOR point here: Ovechkin has been chosen as an official ambassador to the 2014 Sochi Olympics (here's a link: http://bit.ly/LubzC)
So obviously there's pressure from his country to be there to represent his country in the first ever Winter Olympics hosted in Russia. He'll be there. That's already been decided. This is much bigger than the Washington Capitals.
Beyond the ambassador part, I can see why he'd want to go anyways - I'm sure the Canadian players are excited to play on home soil in 2010, and the Americans were equally excited to play in Salt Lake in '02. Ovechkin wants to take this once in a lifetime chance to play in the Olympics at home. For the Russians to name him the ambassador for the Olympics despite the fact that he earns his living in the United States says a lot about how important a figure he is in Russia... |
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Ovechkin's stand on 2014 Olympics 
