Breaking: Top official slams Bettman over Olympic decision

The fight over participation and compensation for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games and the NHL amounts to nothing more than a giant squabble over money between the NHL and the IOC. Caught in the middle of it all are the fans and the NHLPA. But, there’s also a forgotten third party, watching, waiting and wondering how it will all play out: the IIHF.

IIHF president Rene Fasel was asked by reporters today to comment on the NHL’s statement that they will not be headed to Pyeongchang, South Korea in 2018, but rebuked that statement by saying, “I never give up.” he followed that up with a phrase pointed directly at NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, saying "if Gary doesn't go, the fans won't be happy, players won't be happy, the whole world won't be happy." He’s not wrong. It’s refreshing to hear someone speak out on behalf of the fans and the players for once. It seems like the only thing discussed so far is revenue, insurance and licensing fees…hardly the concern of raving puck nuts.

The NHL maintains it will not participate in the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, but Fasel’s words and actions speak volumes. If the top ranked official in the IIHF is still holding out belief, we’re inclined to say that he may be on to something. Stay tuned, this may not be over just yet.