Four Nations tournament rules

[JimmyH]

I understand that Russian players are banned from competition due to NHL's deference to IIHF stance on current events?

To me it is a disappointment because I enjoy watching many guys who would have been on the Russian team and I think they would be quite good if they were allowed to play. Secondly, I am disappointed because this decision has been characterized by both IIHF and NHL as a means of leveraging international political outcomes (ha). This is as unrealistic as it is annoying to me since I do not enjoy thinking about governmental affairs when I watch hockey.

If NHL/IIHF could alter this decision in time for the tournament I think it would make lots of fans very happy, myself included.

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[Rec T]

Well, this won't last long

It's also FAR too late to add another team to the tourney...

 

[OilersFanatics505]

Also the IIHF isn’t involved in this tournament correct?

 

[MNRube]

Russia should be in. Keep politics out of sport, IMO.

This tournament is a bit of a farce but I’m still super excited to watch. I’ve been starved for any sort of best on best and this is closest thing we got, so I’m just going to enjoy it

 

[JimmyH]

Also the IIHF isn’t involved in this tournament correct?

They introduced the notion of excluding team Russia and NHL adopted the stance

 

[JimmyH]

Well, this won't last long

It's also FAR too late to add another team to the tourney...

I know, but again, I don't particularly enjoy the mixing of hockey and politics. My view is that the league's job ends at the organization of pro hockey competition and here they are going in the opposite direction by precluding many top players. I can understand why, but I really disagree with it and wish it could be changed.

 

[Faterson]

OMG, the cluelessness around here. You really don't understand Sweden and Finland (and Czechia, etc., etc.) would then not participate, and rightfully so? Also, don't confuse "politics" with war. Next time a bomb lands on your house, killing your family members, would you appreciate if I told you, "Well, that's just politics, you know – let's focus on hockey!"