IOC bans Russia from 2018 Winter Olympics (formerly KHL considering dropping out of Olympics)

[LadyStanley]

Unclear what it might mean for any nationality player from KHL WRT Olympic eligibility.

Might have to call on AHL and ECHL (and NCAA, CIS, perhaps even juniors) leagues players. (Impacting NHL recalls)

Definitely something to keep an eye on.

Click to read more...

 

[Albatros]

I think the question to ask is, if we would assume that Russia really would get banned, whether they can pull off such a trick or whether the KHL would disintegrate in a split with the IIHF as teams like Jokerit, Slovan and Riga as well as many foreign players might choose to not to play along.

 

[LadyStanley]

http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/h...oycott-2018-wnter-olympic-games-adler-reports

The IOC is considering banning entire Russian team (although originally not). But there may be individuals allowed to participate (but not an official team). Sports politics and negotiations on that.

KHL seems like they'll modify their schedule to continue playing during what otherwise would have been Olympic break. So, very unclear about non-Russians availability for games if season continues (or would they be allowed to leave their teams and play for their country federation with their roster spot filled in via callup)?

A group of national Olympic committees that has been investigating the matter said it hasn’t arrived at any mutually acceptable agreement yet because it needs to investigate further individual accusations of wrongdoing that would involve Russian athletes who have been supposed to go to Pyeongchang. Only then, the group said, it could recommend punishment on case-by-case basis and make suggestions as to whether the scandal is so overwhelming that it should lead to the expulsion of the entire Russian delegation, permitting only those athletes whose records are clean to participate, but not under their national flag.

The IOC is basically investigating two individual matters: individual athletes and their use of performance enhancing drugs, and the Russian government involvement.

The government involvement came to light officially for the first time during the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Unofficially, it has been known, and often proven beyond any reasonable doubt, since the Soviet Union first took part in the Olympic Games in 1952 in Helsinki, Finland.

WADA wants full ban.

Decision expected by early December.

Just sounds like a huge headache for teams, sponsors, and fans if the schedule changes.

 

[Butch 19]

i.e. the KHL knows (a large percentage) of their players are doped up.

 

[Leafblooded]

Nhl players knew they wouldn't have to worry about it months ago

 

[alko]

NHL will reconsider their decision and will let their players to Olympics.

Then it will be like:

 

[Vancouver Canucks]

So, is Korea actually having a chance at the gold medal?

 

[Kshahdoo]

i.e. the KHL knows (a large percentage) of their players are doped up.

Lol, it's rather NHL, than KHL, because KHL players play under IIHF rules, while NHL doesn't care about any rules, but its own... KHL isn't going to play, if Team Russia won't play as Team Russia. Players don't care about the Olympics as the Olympics, they care about playing at the Olympics under Russian flag. They don't need any more money, and the Olympics won't add a lot to their careers as well. And of course, if no Russian players at the Olympics, it's only natural that the KHL will cancel the Olympic break and continue the championship.

As to teams leaving the league, out of them only Jokerit is the team to regret about, Slovan and Riga are beyond terrible and can possibly be excluded anyway. And don't be laughable, do you actually think, that players will leave the league and their big money on account of the Olympics? Yeah, look at NHLers...

 

[Garl]

i.e. the KHL knows (a large percentage) of their players are doped up.

It has nothing to do with players being doped up.
KHL will drop out of Olympics if Team Russia is banned.

 

[Syckle78]

It has nothing to do with players being doped up.
KHL will drop out of Olympics if Team Russia is banned.

Why is team Russia being banned?

 

[Kshahdoo]

Why is team Russia being banned?

It's one of the possible consequences of that doping shit.

 

[tarheelhockey]

This Olympics is such a disaster for hockey. At this point it would actually improve things if they just went back to amateur competition... otherwise we're going to be looking at a scrap pile of minor leaguers.

 

[Hanji]

i.e. the KHL knows (a large percentage) of their players are doped up.

Ironically, the KHL has a more stringent drug testing policy than the NHL.

 

[XX]

Ironically, the KHL has a more stringent drug testing policy than the NHL.

Neat and all, but that's just written policy, not what is enforced. I don't know how you can seriously expect the people that run the KHL to be straight shooters.

 

[Hanji]

Neat and all, but that's just written policy, not what is enforced. I don't know how you can seriously expect the people that run the KHL to be straight shooters.

Tell that to Danis Zaripov, one of the best players in that league. Likely would've made their olympic team.
The KHL caught him doping, banned him for 3 years. No olympics for Zaripov.

 

[LadyStanley]

Not only US and Canada have players in KHL that might be tapped for Olympics.

 

[gstommylee]

yea Russia banned foreign players form being allowed the Olympics when the IIHF has said they can will have some legal problems.

 

[Bjorn Le]

I hope they don’t. We need Olympic hockey to be as embarrassing as possible for the IOC.

 

[mouser]

Not only US and Canada have players in KHL that might be tapped for Olympics.

Like the NHL players, the big question for the KHL players would be what do their contracts say?

 

[Jussi]

Boris Mikhailov commented on this to Sport-Express: "All European are dependant on the IIHF. KHL can't block players from palying in the Olympics. If it were to happen, we'd face huge penalties and lose not only Olympic hockey but also World Championships and other international hockey. Even if the bill were to go through, it won't affect matters. Players will join their national teams and no one can stop them. Trying to do that would only cause harm."

Also said he thinks Russia will play at the Olympics.

 

[Jussi]

 

[RossiyaSport]

Just terminate the players contracts if they leave.

 

[Jussi]

Just terminate the players contracts if they leave.

As Mihailov said, there's nothing to be gained with that.

 

[Bakayoko Ono]

Tell that to Danis Zaripov, one of the best players in that league. Likely would've made their olympic team.
The KHL caught him doping, banned him for 3 years. No olympics for Zaripov.

Boom, shocking new twist.

Zaripov can return

 

[patnyrnyg]

If this happens, will all of those that were on here whining about the NHL ruining, killing, not caring about International hockey now write the same about the KHL?