Players deserve the Olympic option

Tim Kutkuhn, Boise, Idaho

I am addressing this correspondence to Mr. Rich Duryea whose letter I just read in the recent issue of THN.

Mr. Duryea states owners have every right to object to their players participating in the Olympics so I ask: what’s next? Are we going to deny their participation in the World Championship, from playing in other leagues during lockouts, even from using snow blowers? (Sorry Joe Sakic).

Owners do not own the players, they pay them a salary (like every other business owner) to play for their team, so they can bring in fans and make money from ticket sales and concessions.

I feel players have every right to make the decision regarding their participation in any event not associated with the NHL or its affiliates.