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 The NHL has not yet committed to send its players to Korea for the
2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, focusing for now on its eight-team
World Cup of Hockey that will return later this year after a 12-year
hiatus.
But Lundqvist, who won Olympic ice hockey gold with Sweden in 2006
and silver in 2014, feels sending NHL players to the Olympics is a
great opportunity for growing the game.
"It's the best and biggest stage for hockey," the 33-year-old goalie
told Reuters after a photo shoot at the Central Park skating rink to
promote a Tag Heuer watch. "You get people to watch hockey that
don't normally watch. I experience that every time after an
Olympics.
"It's just a good platform. If you can get Asia more involved in
hockey to grow the sport, I think it's a great opportunity."
The National Hockey League has participated in the past five Winter
Olympics, including two in Europe and one in Asia, but have concerns
about going to Pyeongchang due to the lengthy break that would
interrupt the league's regular season.
The Sept 17-Oct. 1 World Cup in Toronto appeals to the NHL as it
helps expand its international presence while, unlike the Olympics,
giving the league full control of an event along with a new revenue
stream.
But for Lundqvist, swapping the blue jersey of his NHL's New York
Rangers for the Tre Kronor at a major multi-sport event is something
too special to pass up.
"Being at the Olympics is just an amazing feeling to have, with all
the other athletes there, and the energy that's there," said
Lundqvist. "To see them in action, it's so inspiring.
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"I love it, it's very pure. It's all about the sport."
But for now, apart from focusing on getting his Rangers in position
to make a run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Lundqvist is excited to
represent Sweden at the World Cup of Hockey.
The tournament will feature the traditional power nations of Canada,
the United States, Russia, Sweden, Finland and the Czech Republic
along with a team of players from other European countries and a
North American team made up of players 23-and-under.
"It will be exciting. I think it will be a great tournament," said
Lundqvist. "The best players will be there. Every time you represent
your country in a big tournament you're very proud.
"Growing up, that was what I always dreamed about, playing for your
country, putting that yellow jersey on," he added. "It's just a good
feeling."
(Editing by Frank Pingue)
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