Mike Eruzione isn’t happy that NHL players won’t be in the 2018 Olympics
"I would've said go play."
Even though he was a member of the most celebrated amateur hockey team in U.S. history, Mike Eruzione doesn’t think the recent news of the NHL opting not to participate in the 2018 Winter Olympics is a good thing.
“This might sound crazy,” Eruzione began, “but I’m not happy with it. I saw how frustrated these guys are and how disappointed they are, and the bottom line is they take a great deal of pride when they have an opportunity to compete representing their country on the largest stage. It is a little frustrating that these guys aren’t going to get that opportunity that some of them have already experienced, but some have [only] dreamed of having the opportunity to do.”
Eruzione, now 62, was the captain of the U.S. men’s 1980 Olympic hockey team that won gold in the Lake Placid Games. The “Miracle on Ice,” as it became known, showcased what many saw as the apex of amateur athletes competing on the “largest stage.” The U.S. team, composed exclusively of college and non-NHL players, famously defeated the vaunted Soviet Union team 4-3 on its way to winning the gold.
Yet Eruzione doesn’t think the circumstances can ever be the same, even if the U.S. reverts to using amateur players:
Well, I think there are two things you have to think about. First of all, in 1980 there were maybe only one or two Americans playing in the National Hockey League. So I think we were the best available players at the time. The only other country that was an amateur country were the Canadians. All the European countries were [composed of] professionals. We played in a era that was very, very different than today.
On the advice he would’ve given NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Eruzione was straightforward.
“I would’ve said go play,” Eruzione explained. “I think it’s a great opportunity to showcase the skill level of talent all over the world. Not just Team USA or Team Canada.”
Eruzione also isn’t positive that the ruling won’t still be reversed, saying that he isn’t “convinced that this is over.” He acknowledged that it’s a long shot, and that “like any negotiations, I think both parties have to give in a little.”
The NHL officially announced on Monday that it was done trying to reach an agreement with the IOC, the IIHF, and the NHLPA over the Winter Olympics (scheduled to be held in PyeongChang. NHL players have played in the past five Winter Games.
The full interview starts at 21 minutes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlU1T2XYDaE
