COVID-19 restrictions and intensifying diplomatic tensions may set the stage for a doubtlessly dramatic matchup through the 2022 Olympic males's hockey match ought to Workforce USA meet the squad from the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC).

The 2 groups should not scheduled to satisfy throughout common competitors, however they might sq. off through the playoffs ought to they each advance. Given the latest pressure over the state of affairs on the Ukrainian border, a recreation between the American and Russian groups may deliver again recollections of the legendary "Miracle on Ice" from 1980's Winter Video games.

Like that historic recreation from greater than 4 a long time in the past, the Russian staff would once more be the heavy favourite on this situation. Because of COVID-19-related causes, the Nationwide Hockey League (NHL) pulled its gamers from the occasion on December 22, leaving Workforce USA to place collectively a crew of largely faculty athletes with some gamers from the European professional leagues and North American minors.

Workforce USA has pulled off the large upset earlier than, although. In 1980, the Soviet Union, which had received the gold medal in 5 of the six earlier Winter Olympic Video games, was closely favored to beat their American rivals. Like this yr, the 1980 Russian staff was comprised of largely skilled gamers, whereas the American staff was largely amateurs.

Head coach Herb Brooks led Workforce USA to a 4–3 win on February 22, 1980, towards the Soviet staff. Two days later, the People took the gold medal with a win over Finland.

Men's hockey
A possible matchup in males's hockey between Workforce USA and the ROC's staff may deliver again recollections of 1980's "Miracle on Ice." On this photograph, members of the Males's Czech hockey staff observe on the Nationwide Indoor Stadium main as much as the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Video games on January 29, 2022, in Beijing, China.Getty

There are dramatic variations this yr from 1980, although. For one, the Soviet Union isn't any extra, and the Russian athletes are pressured to compete below the ROC flag on account of an ongoing ban over Russia's doping violations.

The setting is way completely different, too. Russia enjoys a powerful relationship with host nation China, whereas the US' relationship with Beijing is so strained that the U.S. is diplomatically boycotting the Olympics on account of China's alleged human rights abuses.

Examine that to 1980, when Workforce USA loved the home-field benefit of the Winter Video games happening in Lake Placid, New York.

But, the political state of affairs between the U.S. and Russia is at considered one of its most hostile factors for the reason that Chilly Battle, largely on account of Russia escalating tensions on the Ukraine border with its placement of troops there and calls for that Ukraine by no means be permitted to affix NATO. Ought to athletes from the nations meet on the ice through the hockey match, these tensions shall be tough to disregard.

The 2022 Olympic males's hockey match kicks off on Wednesday, February 9, with the ROC taking up Switzerland. Workforce USA competes for the primary time the next day towards China.

The ROC and U.S. groups seemingly will not meet in any respect, if the oddsmakers are to be believed. DraftKings named the Russian staff the betting favourite with +150 odds. The sports activities betting firm gave Workforce USA +1600 odds, which means it might be a protracted shot for the group to even qualify.