Hall-of-Famer Scott Niedermayer on the Olympics and Drew Doughty
- Updated: November 23, 2017
Since 1998, it’s given NHL fans an ulterior motive to tune in. It may not have been necessarily better or worse than the NHL but for two weeks every four years, fans would unite with those they are regularly at odds with, or separate themselves from those they usually cheer on the same team with. That may be the case again this coming February, but it won’t be the same as, for the first time in 24 years, the NHL will not participate in the Winter Olympics.
Speaking as a fan, this decision left me feeling gravely disappointed. As a Canadian, like fans from the United States, Sweden or Russia, I am confident in saying that I will be standing behind my native country in the quest for Olympic gold. With that said, however, given that NHL fans have become so accustomed to root for their favourite players — regardless of which country they represent — there will surely be a large void felt come February.
One of the most decorated players at the international level — in addition to his NHL success — is Hall-of-Fame defensemen Scott Niedermayer. Last Monday at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, my colleague Jeff Duarte and I had a chance to catch up with the four-time Stanley Cup champion, who expressed his thoughts on the NHL’s decision not to participate in this February’s Olympics.
“Well, as most players are, they’re probably disappointed. At the same time, players that have been around understanding the business side of the NHL,” the former blueliner said. “The league is a business, the owners own it for business purposes and the players are involved in the business as well. I mean we have contracts and it’s a professional job that we do, or used to do [laughs] and I think a lot of guys understand the complexities of the issues.”
Following the 2014 Games in Sochi, it seemed as though the National Hockey League would be in full-force when it came to preparing for the Pyeongchang Games four years later. After all, as successful as the 2014 Winter Olympics were, the game didn’t need any extra publicity in hockey-hungry Russia. South Korea, on the other hand, would be an ideal location to promote the game. After all, while the KHL has expanded to nearby China, nothing would help hockey leave its mark on the region than showcasing their world’s best players on the grandest international stage. Unfortunately, that will not be the case.
As Niedermayer continued, he took an objective approach to the situation.
“Some sports are lucky that they can have their players go to the summer games and their season is in the winter and the fall, so they don’t have to address these issues in the middle of the season,” the four-time all-star said. “I think I’ve been around long enough to understand both sides of the argument. It’s disappointing, especially for the fans. Me as a fan now, I know I’d love to watch the best players [in Pyeongchang] competing against each other. I would love to see that happen and I’m disappointed that that’s not going to happen.”
Scott Niedermayer accepting the Conn Smythe trophy from Gary Bettman in June 2007.
(Photo credit: Mark Avery/AP)
While his professional career was impressive enough, Scott Niedermayer has represented his native Canada at countless tournaments. He donned the maple leaf at the World Juniors, the World Championships and even the World Cup of Hockey. But, it can be argued that, when it comes to representing your country, no honour is greater than the Olympic Games. Niedermayer took part in two different Games, having the privilege of helping Canada win gold on both occasions — first in 2002 and again in 2010. We asked Niedermayer which of the two tournaments were his favourite.
“I think it would probably be in 2010 just being at home,” Niedermayer stated. “I mean, I’m from B.C., playing that close to home, representing Canada and squeaking one out in the gold-medal game was a heck of a lot of fun. A little bit of nerves too but a lot of fun.”
One of Niedermayer’s teammates that February was a 20-year-old blueliner by the name of Drew Doughty.
While he would enjoy amazing success in the years since 2010, the Vancouver Games were a significant stepping stone for Doughty as he celebrated his sophomore NHL season with an Olympic gold medal. This was en route to helping his Los Angeles Kings end their eight-year playoff drought.
Niedermayer, who was just a few months away from retirement at that juncture, shared his impressions of Doughty and how watching the youngster play made him feel.
Drew Doughty celebrating his first Stanley Cup victory in 2012.
(Photo credit: Dave Sandford, NHLI via Getty Images)
“It made me feel old,” Niedermayer chuckled. “But it was exciting. It’s always neat to see the young guys come up and now he’s gone on to, obviously, be a big reason for the Kings’ success, winning a couple of Stanley Cups [in Los Angeles] and obviously a great player. It’s fun just to see that new excitement. You change. As a rookie, you come in with your eyes wide open and then as a veteran, you’ve bit around a bit. So, it’s nice to see young guys come in and feed off their enthusiasm for the game.”
It goes without saying that countless hockey fans are disappointed that the NHL will not be going to Pyeongchang this February. That isn’t meant as a detriment to those who will be competing but let’s call a spade a spade: Men’s Olympic hockey will not be showcasing the best players in the world in 2018. Scott Niedermayer is among those disappointed hockey fans. Still, we will nonetheless support our respective countries in just a few months time regardless if the rosters features NHLers or not.
As far as encouraging words go, few — if any — mean more than coming from a decorated athlete such as Scott Niedermayer.
While he may not necessarily need it, Drew Doughty has received the greatest endorsements from some of the game’s most prominent figures. You can add Scott Niedermayer’s name to the top of that list.
They may have been on opposite sides of the heated SoCal rivalry but Niedermayer and Doughty share the same level of passion. For both, that passion has transformed into a winning attitude that has brought each of them so much success, cementing their respective statuses as two of the game’s greatest defensemen of all-time, much less of their eras.
Niedermayer, though, may have some competition in due time. While he may be regarded as one of — if not the most — decorated player of all-time, his former adversary may have something to say about that. After all, keep in mind that Drew Doughty already has two Stanley Cups, two Olympic gold medals, World Junior gold, a World Cup of Hockey and a Norris Trophy to his name — and he’s still just a couple of weeks shy of his 28th birthday. Not too bad at all.
Whichever way you look at it, though, Drew Doughty, like Scott Niedermayer, is on the fast track to the Hall of Fame. I only wonder if he can go back to junior and try for a Memorial Cup.
Stay with us at Calisportsnews.com as we will keep you up-to-date on all things Los Angeles Kings and the rest of the LA sports teams! All Cali, All the time
Related Posts
About Ryan Cowley
