NHL who put the dream of gold on ice even the stars wished to play in the Beijing Olympics 2022 but nothing positive from management of NHL and NHLPA who issued the joint statement on Tuesday to withdraw from the games. On the other hand Covid-19 cases rise in Canada because of new Omicron variant also worry sign for the athletes, their families and fans before participation in Beijing Olympics 2022 but the Canada’s Olympics team doctor is confident about the safety of the players.
“I did not think that we could do this safely… I would not be confidently saying, yes, we can get a team in safely and get them out safely” Dr. Mike Wilkson said as quoted in his interview by Toronto Star.
The Canadian team who’s 371 athletes participated in Tokyo Summer Olympics 2021 have not any positive during or after the games is now participating in the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 from 4 to 20 February 2022.
Dr. Mike Wilkson observation based on the previous outcome of measures taken by the IOC during Tokyo Olympics 2020 and Protocols set for Beijing Olympics 2022 for all the participants including staff, athletes, media persons and all related to stay in Bio secure bubble.
The Canadian Olympics Committee already told the entire team members of Olympics and Paralympics to complete the required double vaccinated before boarding to Beijing also will encourage if they get booster vaccine.
The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) issued the following statement in reaction to the National Hockey League’s (NHL) decision to withdraw from participating at Beijing 2022:
“Today’s announcement by the NHL is undoubtedly disappointing for some hockey fans. However, given the recent changes to the NHL schedule, the Canadian Olympic Committee understands the decision.
There is an extraordinarily deep talent pool in Canadian hockey. We’re excited to rally behind the men’s team as it steps on to the ice for its first game on February 10th, attempting to win its fourth consecutive medal. And, together with fans from across the country, we will be cheering for Canada’s incredible women’s team as it competes for its seventh consecutive Olympic medal and fifth gold.
We know that the top Canadian NHL players were excited to wear the Team Canada jersey, and we hope to see them get that opportunity once again in 2026.”
– David Shoemaker, CEO and Secretary General, Canadian Olympic Committee
