Team USA learn fate as Winter Olympic ice hockey draw throws up the most awkward tie possible
The USA and Denmark will settle their differences on the ice on Valentine’s Day.
No, not in Greenland, but the brand-new Santagiulia rink built for the Milan Cortina Games, which was branded dangerous in December.
Donald Trump wants to take over Greenland[/caption]
After weeks of frosty diplomatic relations over the territory, the two nations have been put together in a Winter Olympic warm-up on February 14.
President Donald Trump has said that he will seize the territory “one way or the other” and threatened trade tariffs on eight European countries.
A performance of the Star-Spangled Banner before the recent NBA London showdown between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic was interrupted by a heckler shouting ‘leave Greenland alone.’
Cheers rang out in the arena, and a diplomatic row will spill over onto the sporting stage once again next month.
The players are trying to play it down, however, meaning a repeat of the Four Nations violence is unlikely.
Danish Carolina Hurricanes star Nikolaj Ehlers said it would be a “proud moment” and a “lot of fun” to take on Team USA. “
He added that the team would “do everything we can, and battle as hard as we can — and I think if we do that, then good things will happen”.
Ottawa Senators goaltender Mads Søgaard swerved the debate entirely, simply saying he was “proud to represent my home country.”
Ice hockey is no stranger to matches taking place in fraught political climates.
The 1980 Winter Olympics played host to the “Miracle on Ice” as the USA’s plucky squad beat the dominant Soviet Union.
GettyBoos were heard during the American anthem in London[/caption]
GettyOlympics chiefs face a race against the clock to get the ice ready[/caption]
Organizers race to complete Milan ice rink
With weeks to go until the Games begin, the Santagiulia arena is still not complete.
The capacity has been reduced from the planned 16,000 and a hole opened up on the ice during a test event.
Both the NHL and NHL Players’ Association issued a joint-statement insisting they were confident the venue would be ready.
“While challenges are inherent with new ice and a still-under-construction venue, we expect that the work necessary to address all remaining issues will continue around the clock,” they said in a statement.
“The NHL and NHLPA will continue to monitor the situation, standing ready to consult and advise on the work being done to ensure that the local organizing committee, the IOC and the IIHF deliver a tournament and playing conditions befitting the world’s best players.”
Canada is the gold-medal favorite in the men’s tournament with Sidney Crosby looking to inspire a first triumph since 2014.
Team USA is expected to be the strongest outfit in the women’s tournament.
