IIHF finalizes agreement for NHL players to compete in Olympics for the first time in 12 years, what it means

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), Nhl And the NHL players’ association ended an agreement that confirms the participation of NHL players at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. The NHL players have been in an Olympic environment for the first time since the Olympic Games in 2014 in Socii, Russia.

The agreement also opened the door for NHL players to potentially compete at the 2030 Winter Olympics, which will take place in the French Alps.

“The IOC welcomes the agreement between the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Player Association (NHLPA),” President of the COI Kirsty Coventry said in a statement. “”This agreement will lead to the participation of all the best ice hockey players in the world at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and the 2030 Winter Olympics. All parts that participated in this agreement should be recommended for this excellent result. “”

It is a reference agreement that allows NHL players to compete in a global scenario for the first time in more than a decade. We will delve into why this is such a historic announcement for sports.

NHL players have not competed since 2014

NHL players last participated in the Winter Olympics in 2014 when Canada landed on the podium as winners of the Gold Medal. That team featured great NHL players like Sidney Crosby, Duncan Keith, Roberto Luongo, Corey Perry and Jonathan Toews with most of the list since he retired.

Despite the tastes of Crosby, Perry and Toews still playing, many of the best NHL stars have not yet adapted in an Olympic environment. The star of Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews and Colorado Avalanche striker Nathan Mackinnon have never competed in the Winter Olympics, despite being in the league for several seasons.

Undoubtedly, it may have wondered to grow the NHL even more if the players in this caliber have participated in the Winter Olympics, but now even the casual fans will have the opportunity to see them in a massive stage.

With the NHL players who took a hiatus for a decade of participating in the Olympic Games, the inaugural face of the 4 nations turned out to be a showcase. It was an opportunity for the highest talent of the league to put in the sweater of his country of origin and to win -in the rest of the world of hockey.

It is certain to say that the first installment of the face of the 4 nations did not even disappoint with the representation of Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States. The first game between the United States and Canada had three fights in the nine seconds of the contest with Matthew Tkachuk and Brady Tkachuk with the tastes of Sam Bennett and Brandon Hagel. It was a game that the Americans ended up winning a 3-1 victory and the opening sequence seemed to mark the stage.

As they predicted, the United States and Canada met again in the championship game only five days later. The teams exchanged goals during the two opening periods before they were forced to decide the game in the extension. It was when Connor McDavid found the back of the net to raise the Canadians to a 3-2-hour victory dramatically.

Even casual fans were lost at the presentation of the four nations. It was an eight -day assembly of the highest talent of sport and the world of hockey could not remove the action of the heart enough. Given the success of the tournament, the same level of interest should exist in Milan next year.

The United States have the opportunity to win a gold medal for the first time since 1980

One of the most iconic moments in the history of North sports -American is the “Miracle on Ice” team that won a gold medal at the 1980 Olympic Games in Lake Placid. The United States were the last subdogs after the Soviet Union had won the gold medal in five of the six winter games before the 1980 Olympic Games.

The roof was certainly stacked against the United States. The Soviet Union had professional players who had an important experience playing together internationally. In the meantime, the North -American team consisted of amateur players with only four players with minor league experience in the United States. However, the United States, led by the legendary coach Herb Brooks, defeated the Soviet Union 4-3 in the medal round to advance, although it ended 3-2 in the third period. Mike Eruzione scored the game winner with the remaining 10 minutes in the final period. The United States defeated Finland 4-2 thanks to three goals from the third period and won the gold medal in the process.

From the iconic team “Miracle on Ice”, the United States has not won a gold medal at the Winter Olympics. In fact, the North -Americans have only landed on the podium twice since they got the greatness of Lake Placid. The United States won a silver medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics (Salt Lake City) and the 2010 Winter Olympics (Vancouver).

Although the list will not be completed until closer to the opening ceremonies, this is one of the most talented and deep groups that the North -Americans have ever had. The United States will certainly have the opportunity to take revenge on Canada and the rest of the world in 2026.