“Frankly, in terms of our game and our players, from wherever they’re from, if we can steer clear of geopolitical issues — not just this one, but a whole host of others that are going on — I think that’s better for the game, better for our players, and better for our fans.”
Russia and its close ally, Belarus, have been barred from IIHF events at all levels since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. They were suspended from the 2026 Olympics for violating the IOC charter.
None of Bettman, Tardif, or Walsh said Russia’s actions as a country would be the deciding factor in its hockey teams being allowed to compete.
Calling them part of the IIHF “family,” Tardif said he wants to see Russia and Belarus return to play “as soon as possible.”
Last month, the IOC recommended the IIHF consider allowing Russian and Belarussian teams in the Under-18 World Championships.
Tardif said that player security at IIHF tournaments was his concern.
“When you organize a competition for 14 days,” he said, “that’s not one game of football in one stadium. That’s more complicated.”
Walsh, the former Boston mayor in his current role since 2023, deferred on the topic.
“I think that is a decision based above my level of pay,” he said, “and it’s something that we’ll see as we move forward.”
The men were speaking hours after the IOC disqualified Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych for refusing to stop wearing a helmet with images of athletes killed in the Russian invasion.
Other tidbits from the conference:
▪ Bettman and Walsh declined to comment on possible locations for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey, saying they preferred to focus on the Olympics. The NHL is set for a two-year rotation of the Olympics and World Cup for the extended future. The NHL has said eight nations will be involved.
▪ Both the 4 Nations and the Olympics follow a three-point standings system (three points for a regulation win, two for an overtime/shootout win, one point for an OT/shootout loss, none for a regulation loss). Bettman and Walsh said there is no momentum internally to alter the league’s format.
“Obviously, we’re aware of the difference,” Bettman said. “There isn’t much discussion. … We like the way our games play out and the way our schedule plays out.”
▪ Rightsholder networks, like NBC in the United States, have an iron grip on video footage from the Olympics, which means fans are largely unable to see highlights of important Olympic moments.
“There is more flexibility than we’ve had in the past,” Bettman said. “Players are allowed to create content as participants. We’re allowed to retweet it. In some respects, we have better access than we did before. It will continue to evolve.”
Bettman said the IOC is beginning to realize that the NHL can help it make the game more visible worldwide.
“Having the access to things like Sidney Crosby’s goal in Vancouver (at the 2010 Games) is important,” he said.
Matt Porter can be reached at matthew.porter@globe.com. Follow him on BlueSky at mattyports.bsky.social.