Canada, Russia open as 2014 Sochi Olympic Hockey favourites

It may have taken a while, but the NHL finally confirmed that its players will be able to take part in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, which opened up the door to announce the NHL 2013-2014 regular season schedule.

Many figured it was only a matter of time before the NHL officially announced that its players would play in the Olympics, even though NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the decision “was in many ways a difficult one” Friday. Difficult giving up the revenue involved with his stars going to compete in an international competition instead of playing regular season games, more like it. Luckily, pressure from fans and the NHLPA forced the NHL’s hand.

“The players are very pleased that an agreement has been reached that will allow the world’s best hockey players to compete at the Winter Games in February,” said Don Fehr, NHLPA executive director. “Having the opportunity to wear their nation’s sweater in Sochi is something the players look forward to.”

Team Canada will look to defend its gold medal in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and early odds have them listed as +230 co-favourites with Russia. Sweden checks in third on the odds board at +400 followed by USA at +600. Canada is slotted in Group B for the tournament along with Austria, Finland and Norway. Russia is in Group A with the United States, Slovakia and Slovenia. Group C consists of the Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland and Latvia.

The NHL’s regular season, also released today, will take a break on Feb. 9 until Feb. 26. The Olympic hockey tournament is set to run from Feb. 12 and have its gold medal game on Feb. 23. Canada opens tournament play Feb. 13 against Norway, followed by games against Austria on Feb. 14 and Finland on Feb. 16.