Matthews, Marchand voice desire to play in Olympics

Players across the National Hockey League have been making it clear for a while that they want to participate in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Py-eongChang, South Korea.

You can add Maple Leafs phenom rookie Auston Matthews and Boston Bruins star Brad Marchand to that list.

“I think it’s important,” Matthews said of NHL players taking part. “I think everybody likes the idea of the Olympics for sure. I remember always watching them growing up and to play in it would be a huge honour. I’ve represented my country at the NTDP (U.S. national team development program), world championship and world junior and it is always pretty special to put on your country’s jersey,” said Matthews.

Marchand was asked if he’d be disappointed if it’s determined NHL players won’t be going to South Korea.

“I think anyone would be,” Marchand said. “For athletes to get themselves to that level where they can have the opportunity to play in the Olympics, and then for someone to take it away from them, I don’t think it’s really fair, but that is a long ways away.”

Marchand has represented Canada four times, but not in the Olympic Games. He figures to be a shoo-in to go if the NHL sends its players in 2018.

And it would be difficult for the United States to leave Matthews at home.

“Playing for your country in the Olympics and best on best, there is no better event. There is none,” said Leafs coach Mike Babcock, who has coached Canada to backto-back Olympic gold medals.

“I think it is important, but I don’t own any (NHL) teams.”