Winnipeg Jets players react to NHL decision to not participate in Olympics

The Jets have quite the international roster and a number of players could have been asked to wear an Olympic uniform next year in South Korea.  With the recent NHL revelation that they would not be participating in the 2018 games a few Jets players gave their thoughts following morning skate in St. Louis including Blake Wheeler, Patrik Laine and Mark Scheifele.

Blake Wheeler:

“I think all of the players are disappointed.  It’s a unique opportunity to showcase our sport.  The stage probably doesn’t get any bigger as far as we’re concerned.  You don’t get as many people to pay attention, people to watch as you do at the Olympics.  It’s too bad.  Real good opportunity wasted.”

– Wheeler has worn the American uniform in the World Juniors (2006), World Championships (2011), Olympics (2014) and World Cup of Hockey (2016).

Patrik Laine:

“I think it’s unfortunate to see that the NHL said no and I think everybody that is playing here would want to go to represent their country in Olympics.  It is always huge for every country to be a part of it and it is unfortunate to see that.”.

– Laine has worn the Finnish uniform in the Ivan Hlinka Memorial (2014), World U18 Championship (2015),  World U20 Championship (2016), World Championship (2016) and World Cup of Hockey (2016).

Mark Scheifele:

“Obviously I’m disappointed.  NHL players going to the Olympics is obviously a pretty big thing to the players.  A lot of guys look forward to that their whole lives, obviously to win a Stanley Cup, but to win a Gold Medal as well, to have the opportunity to, so I was definitely very disappointed to hear that news.”

– Scheifele has worn the Canadian uniform in the World U18 Championship (2011),  World U20 Championship (2012), Canada-Russia Challenge (2012), World U20 Championship (2013), World Championship (2014), World Championship (2016).

You can listen to the full scrums here.

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