Henrik Lundqvist is looking forward to playing in the rebooted World Cup of Hockey, but the Swedish goalie hopes the tournament does not ultimately spell the end of NHL participation in the Olympics.
The NHL has not yet committed to send its players to South Korea for the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, focusing for now on its eight-team World Cup of Hockey that is to return later this year after a 12-year hiatus.
However, Lundqvist, who won Olympic ice hockey gold with Sweden in 2006 and silver in 2014, feels sending NHL players to the Olympics is a great opportunity to grow the game.
“It’s the best and biggest stage for hockey,” the 33-year-old goalie told reporters after a photo shoot at the Central Park skating rink to promote a Tag Heuer watch. “You get people to watch hockey that don’t normally watch. I experience that every time after an Olympics.”
“It’s just a good platform. If you can get Asia more involved in hockey to grow the sport, I think it’s a great opportunity,” he added.
The NHL has participated in the past five Winter Olympics, including two in Europe and one in Asia, but have concerns about going to Pyeongchang due to the lengthy break that would interrupt the league’s regular season.
The Sept. 17-Oct. 1 World Cup in Toronto appeals to the NHL, as it helps expand its international presence while, unlike the Olympics, gives the league full control of an event along with a new revenue stream.
However, for Lundqvist, swapping the blue jersey of the NHL’s New York Rangers for the Tre Kronor at a major multisport event is something too special to pass up.
“Being at the Olympics is just an amazing feeling to have, with all the other athletes there, and the energy that’s there,” Lundqvist said. “To see them in action, it’s so inspiring.”
“I love it, it’s very pure. It’s all about the sport,” he added.
However, for now, apart from focusing on getting his Rangers in position to make a run in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Lundqvist is excited to represent Sweden at the World Cup of Hockey.
The tournament is to feature the traditional power nations of Canada, the US, Russia, Sweden, Finland and the Czech Republic, along with a team of players from other European countries and a North American team made up of under-23 players.
“It will be exciting. I think it will be a great tournament,” Lundqvist said. “The best players will be there. Every time you represent your country in a big tournament, you’re very proud.”
“Growing up, that was what I always dreamed about, playing for your country, putting that yellow jersey on,” he added. “It’s just a good feeling.”
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