The thrilling World Baseball Championship game last night saw Japan, the underdog, defeat the USA 3-2. This unforgettable match concluded with a face-off between baseball legends and teammates, Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, highlighting the exhilaration of international baseball.
However, NHL players have been unable to experience similar international competition due to the policies of Gary Bettman. Players last participated in the Olympics in 2010, and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey pales in comparison to top-level international hockey. Bettman has prevented players from taking part, citing injury concerns from team owners and General Managers. Many see this decision as selfish and harmful to both players and fans.
McDavid and Allan Walsh Criticize Gary Bettman
On Wednesday, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid expressed his longing for the NHL to organize a best-on-best competition, drawing inspiration from the thrilling World Baseball Classic championship game between Japan and the United States. In a pregame interview, McDavid voiced the frustrations of eager NHL fans, advocating for a best-on-best tournament.
"That's what we've been asking for in hockey for a long time, right? Best-on-best."
McDavid further stressed the importance of such an event:
"Look, everyone is talking about baseball, 'Did you see Ohtani vs. Trout?' and that's what hockey's been missing for almost a decade now. That's what we've been asking for."
Well-known player agent Allan Walsh joined the conversation, urging Gary Bettman to address the issue.
Witnessing the iconic showdown between Ohtani and Trout at the WBC? Gary Bettman and the owners have deprived NHL players and fans of Olympics and World Cups. A generation of NHL stars has never had the chance to represent their countries in a best-on-best scenario. It's such a missed opportunity for everyone.
Would you like to see an international best-on-best hockey competition?