Tavares: Participating in Olympics is something special
While the world's best summer athletes continue to captivate the world in Rio, the thought of doing the very same in 2018 is already on John Tavares' mind.
Related: Tavares committed to winning Cup with Islanders
The New York Islanders' forward had the luxury of capturing gold with Team Canada at the 2014 Olympics, and while the NHL's participation in the 2018 Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea remains uncertain, Tavares is adamant he would like to attend.
"For sure. I would love to go. I’d love another opportunity," Tavares told Sportsnet.ca. "I think it’s great for the game. As players, we love to represent our country. We don’t see best-on-best very much. It’s great the World Cup of Hockey is coming back, but at the same time the Olympic Games is something special.
"As a hockey player, winning the Stanley Cup is the ultimate achievement. But as an athlete, participating in the Olympics is something specially regarded. Representing your country there is something we’d love to do again. There’s hurdles that need to be overcome, but it’s a lot of fun."
Related: Bettman: NHL participation in 2018 Olympics not a current priority
While Tavares did receive a medal in 2014, a knee injury forced him to miss the final two games of the tournament, so being able to to get the full experience would mean a lot to the 25-year-old.
"I’d love a little redemption, to be part of that, to play in those games, those intense moments," said Tavares. "I missed being in the locker room between periods or even skating warmup before the game, being in the battles on the ice. Those are things that are special. You want to have an impact out there. I’m looking forward to having that opportunity this time around."