Rogge pledges support for NHLers in 2014

VANCOUVER — IOC president Jacques Rogge pledged his support for having NHL players continue in the Olympics, saying there is plenty of time for all three parties to come to a successful resolution.Rogge said he held talks with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and IIHF president Rene Fasel during the Vancouver Games and they plan to continue the dialogue after these Olympics are over."I have met with Mr. Bettman and with Rene Fasel," Rogge said. "This was not a final discussion but we agreed the three parties would sit around the table and discuss further."We still have time to find a solution. But, yes, it is the wish of the IOC and we're going to discuss to see if a solution can be found."Rogge said having the NHL players in the Olympics not only give fans the highest possible entertainment but it helps grow the game world wide."The Olympic tournament is the best possible promotion for hockey in North America," Rogge said. "Mr Bettman knows that. He understand this is a fantastic promotion for hockey."Of course, here in Vancouver it was easier, because of logistics, than it will be in Sochi (to have NHL players)."The NHL has yet to commit to shutting down for two weeks for the 2014 Sochi Olympics and Bettman said last week while there is no agreement in place there is still plenty of time to talk."From our standpoint with this tournament being in Canada it was a no brainer," Bettman said."There are more than 140 NHL players here so what you see has evolved from the NHL and we couldn't be happier about that."Some NHL owners are opposed to taking a break in the schedule for various reasons including financial and injury concerns. A new agreement between the NHL and its players' union is also needed for the Sochi Olympics.The NHL's union contract ends in September of next year the Olympics are expected to be included in the talks for a new labour agreement. Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved. More »

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