Tampa Bay Lightning captain Stephen Stamkos expressed disappointment at the National Hockey League (NHL) refusal to release players to the Beijing Olympics. The words of the hockey player were quoted by The Athletic correspondent Joe Smith.

“This is disappointing. I grew up with a dream to win the Stanley Cup, and I succeeded. I grew up dreaming of playing for the national team and winning the Olympic gold medal. Probably now I will not have the opportunity to do it, ”said the 31-year-old Canadian hockey player.

In Beijing without Ovechkin. Why Even NHL Stars Don't Want to Go to the Olympics Hockey

On Tuesday December 21st, hockey journalist Frank Ceravalli reported that the NHL and the players' union (NHLPA) have agreed to withdraw from the Beijing Olympics. Later this information was confirmed by the ESPN TV channel.

Stamkos holds Tampa Bay's record for total goals, power play and season. In 2010 and 2012, he won the prize for the best sniper in the NHL regular season. Two-time Stanley Cup winner (2020, 2021). As part of the Canadian national team, he won the World Cup and the silver medalist of the World Championship. He has never competed at the Olympics.

The Winter Olympics will take place from 4 to 20 February.

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