NHL players unable to compete in Winter Olympics due to rising COVID-19 cases

The NHL recently postponed 50 games through Dec. 23 due to rising COVID-19 cases in the league.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The National Hockey League has decided players will be unable to participate in the 2022 Winter Olympics due to a rising number of COVID-19 cases.

“Unfortunately, given the profound disruption to the NHL’s regular-season schedule caused by recent COVID-related events, Olympic participation is no longer feasible,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

The NHL recently postponed 50 games through Dec. 23 due to rising COVID-19 cases in the league. The NHL plans to use available dates meant for Olympic participation to reschedule postponed games.

“Our focus and goal have been and must remain to responsibly and safely complete the entirety of the NHL regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs in a timely manner,” said Bettman.

Bettman says the league looks forward to competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

NHL announces that there will not be an Olympic break, NHL Players will not be able to participate in 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Full release: https://t.co/GkHDkNgZSo pic.twitter.com/ysBmWctzjw

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 22, 2021