NHL players said they were disappointed at not having the chance to compete at the Beijing Olympic Games, as national governing bodies began the hectic work of filling out their Olympic rosters without the league's top stars.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said Wednesday that the league's players would not compete in the men's ice hockey tournament at the Games due to COVID-19 concerns.
"I've dreamed of that for a long time, so (it's) disappointing," Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy told reporters on Thursday. "I honestly think it was unanimous that every single guy was going to go if given the opportunity."