Today’s announcement that players from the National Hockey League will be available to compete in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games was well received at USA Hockey headquarters in Colorado Springs.
 
“We couldn’t be more pleased,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey and also a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee Board of Directors. “I commend all involved in coming together to make this happen. The sport of hockey is the real winner today.”
 
“It’s great news for everyone involved in the game, particularly the fans,” said Ron DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey. “Now that an agreement is in place, we can fully turn our attention to preparation for the Games.”
 
The men’s ice hockey competition at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games will run from Feb. 12-23. Team USA is coming off a silver medal performance at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and will likely have the core of that team back in Sochi.
 
“We’re excited about the news today,” said Jim Johannson, assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey and a two-time Olympian as a player. “Having the best players in the world compete for the Olympic gold medal is great for the sport and something I know our players are very excited about.”
 
USA Hockey will conduct a Men’s National Team Orientation Camp at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex, practice facility of the NHL’s Washington Capitals, Aug. 26-27. Approximately 40 of the top men’s players in the United States are expected to be invited.
 
“The camp will give us a chance to get our players, coaches, management and team staff together in preparation for Sochi,” said Johannson. “We’ll have more details surrounding the camp to announce in the weeks ahead.”