The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing are fast approaching, but potential NHL athletes remain largely unaware of COVID protocols when they arrive at the competition. It would be reasonable to assume that China and the International Olympic Committee have provided all the information necessary for the athletes.
However, a report from the Toronto Star revealed that part of the IOC’s protocols could require an absurd 5-week quarantine period if an athlete tests positive (keep in mind that the Games will only last 16 days, from February 4th to the 20th).
It is not easy to be isolated for 35 days from your team in Communist countries. This has led many NHL players to question whether participating in the Olympics is worthwhile.
Robin Lehner of the Vegas Golden Knights, who is a native from Sweden, already stated that he has declined an invitation by his country to play for them. The possibility of remaining isolated so much could adversely affect his mental well-being, he said.
Reality is what you see [has]Lehner stated via Twitter that much has been written about the impact it will have on my mental health. “My well-being [has to]be first. Being locked down, not knowing what will happen if you are positive for COVID-19 (or any other disease) is unacceptable. [too]It is a big risk. Sweden will have a great team…”
Frankly, it’s surprising that more NHL players have not followed in Lehner’s footsteps. While competing in the Olympics truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity, there has to be a point where players realize that the ridiculous pandemic-maneuvering and fear-mongering they must absorb in order to play is not worth it (especially considering that the NHL is already taking a three-week hiatus from it’ sown season to make Olympic participation possible). It wouldn’t be enjoyable or fun to have this as a consequence of testing positive regardless of vaccination status.
Gary Bettman, NHL commissioner, isn’t forcing players to choose one direction or the other, but he said that if players want to continue to play, he would do whatever it takes.
“We have concerns, and we’ve expressed those to the Players’ Association, and we’ve seen that a number of players are now expressing concerns,” Bettman said. While we will have to watch how the final outcome plays out, I believe there are still a few open questions and that the Players’ Association has some concerns. However, ultimately we will honor [the agreement], as we promised the players we would subject to the scheduling caveat, to move forward and let them play if that’s really want they want to do.”
I hope that the IOC, China, and other countries will get it together to let athletes know what they can expect.
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