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Home News Cyclocross Poised to Bring Cycling to the Winter Olympics

Have you ever tried to run up a slush-encrusted staircase, as fast as you can, carrying a bicycle? Then tried to ride back down it? Soon, you might be able to do it to train for Olympic cyclocross.

In the Italian Alps, Cyclocross World Cup organizers will make an Olympic bid with the series next race. The hosts will leave the compacted snow untouched for the race, which kicks off on December 12 in Val di Sole, Trentino.

As a rule, all Olympic Winter Games sports must take place on snow or ice. At the moment, conditions in Val di Sole make it an opportune venue. Situated just below the Vermiglio Cross Country Ski Center at 4,173 feet above sea level, deep early-season snow currently covers the track. Weather reports indicate that over a foot more might fall before race day.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) sanctions the Cyclocross World Cup. The governing body first discussed it as an Olympic sport with the International Olympic Committee in 2014. If its current bid ends in success, the 2030 Olympics would be the earliest Games to feature cyclocross.

In cyclocross, competitors run numerous laps around a short track (1.5 to 2 miles) with multiple terrain features and obstacles. Pavement, tree slaloms, grass, stair sets, and steep hills are common. The sport is most popular in countries with strong road biking traditions like France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Thanks to the northern temperate locations that host the most races, sloppy weather is a typical race-day reality. Cyclocross bikes are similar in design to lightweight road bikes, but they have knobby tires and more clearance for mud and snow buildup, among other off-road-specific design elements.

WatchFabio Wibmer absolutely tear up the slopes in this chase-style mountain bike edit. He drops in off a helicopter, hits features in the terrain park, and even deploys a parachute. Oh yeah, and it's all on snow. Read more

Christian Mannaert, the owner of Belgian bike race organizers Flanders Classics, described the Val di Sole course in Cycling Weekly.

Sometimes the track is more icy, sometimes more snow, he said. We expect more snow, but it wont be a problem because the locals are experts at preparing the snow. The track has two parts: theres a more technical track at the beginning and then on the other side of the river, theres a really steep hill. That will be very challenging because its a straight line to the hill.

Will Olympic cyclocross become a reality? The December 12 race figures to be a rowdy trial run. If youre psyched to tune in, you can catch all the 2021-22 UCI Cyclocross World Cup action at flobikes.com.

Whether youre bombing down a hill or racing through some singletrack, having the right tools for the job is essential. And thats why mountain bikers need to make sure theyre using the best mountain bike gloves they can get their hands on. Read more

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Cyclocross Poised to Bring Cycling to the Winter Olympics - GearJunkie

The NHL Board of Governors wrapped up its December meetings and after Day One saw news about the finalized sale of the Penguins to Fenway Sports Group and employee training programs to combat abuse, there was plenty more to get to on Friday.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly met with reporters to discuss the 2022 Olympics, next seasons salary cap, and the Coyotes situation.

The NHLs stance on player participation is well known, but when the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement was made, a promise was made by the league to the union to work out a deal with the International Olympic Committee and International Ice Hockey Federation. An agreement was hammered out, but COVID-19 concerns and a whole host of issues have raised further concerns about going to Beijing in February.

There has not be a finalized announcement yet on what would happen if a player tests positive for COVID-19 in China. The Beijing Olympic Committee is expected to reveal details about how long a potential quarantine would be and if the person would be able to leave the country.

Ultimately, this is going to have to be a players decision, unless we jointly agree with the [union] to the contrary, Bettman said. And so thats why, for all the reasons [provided], I am concerned.And probably more.

It has been a reported that positive tests could lead to a three-week quarantine period in China and the inability to return him. This would affect not only national teams but also NHL teams upon conclusion of the Olympics.

I actually find it difficult to believe that a player would want to go understanding he was risking being in China for an extra three weeks, Bettman said.

Well see in the next month if players publicly express their concerns about one. One player who has already withdrawn is Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner, who is eligible to play for Sweden. He announced last week that he will not play in the tournament due to mental health concerns.

I dont think this is going to be the ideal Olympic experience in terms of the lockdowns in the Olympic village and everything else thats going on, Bettman said. But again, we made a promise to the players and Im going, to the best of our ability, to adhere to it understanding that there may be promises and consequences that nobodys going to like, but we made a promise.

The NHL is projecting a record $5.2 billion in hockey-related revenues for this season, which means, as expected, the salary cap ceiling will increase to $82.5 million in 2022-23. Between the new U.S. televisions deals and the expansion fee from the Seattle Kraken, business is starting to rebound for the league 21 months after the COVID-19 pandemic began to have an effect on the league.

Teams have had to work under a $81.5 million cap ceiling for the past two seasons, but will likely see another $1 million bump for next season.

A flat cap world will only last a few more seasons at this rate, according to Bettman. The NHL projects that the players will have paid off their $1 billion escrow debt to the 32 owners by the end of the 2023-24 season. If that happens, a significant rise in the cap ceiling will likely happen for 2024-25.

We could have recouped [the debt] it sooner but it would have required more from the players, so we smoothed it out, Bettman said. But our projections in that regard are holding pretty well, so the system is working as both it was intended and projected.

The Coyotes were in the news this week after the City of Glendale said the team owed money on bills and was threatening them with eviction from Gila River Arena. Glendale city manager Kevin Phelps told the team they owed $1.3 million in taxes, including $250,000 to the city.

Humor error was blamed and the situation was rectified, according to the team.

Theres no issue with the Arizona Coyotes, Bettman said. Its clear that the City of Glendale has either an agenda or an edge in the way theyre dealing with the Coyotes. I think there was miscommunication. All of the outstanding obligations have been brought current.

If Mr. Bettman and others want to believe that not filing 17 monthly tax returns was due to human error, then so be it, responded Phelps to The Athletic. As a reminder, this was the same excuse the team used when they failed to pay some of their employees in a timely manner. Glendale does not have an agenda. We just want assurances that the team pay all of their obligations to the city in a timely manner. Our approach is based on our actual experiences with the team. Perhaps the league will be willing to guarantee that the city is fully paid by June 30th, 2022.

A report by Katie Strang on Thursday said the team still owes $2.7 million in rent and expenses despite this weeks payments. Bettman would only say the franchise is fine andthe Coyotes arent going anywhere.

Sean Leahyis a writer forPro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line atphtblog@nbcsports.comor follow him on Twitter@Sean_Leahy.

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NHL BOG meetings: Olympic decision, cap expected to rise, Coyotes situation - NHL

The NHL currently plans on sending players to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China, with an early February break in the schedule. For some Olympic mens hockey teams, most roster spots are no-brainers. That said, theres room to move. Players can work their way off or onto Olympic rosters. In some cases, a fringe player could end up being key.

PHTs Olympic Stock Watch monitors ups and downs for players for the U.S. mens ice hockey team, Team Canada, and other countries hunting for medals.

Click here for the first Olympic Stock Watch from early November. Our last Olympic Stock Watchwas headlined by Troy Terry and Steven Stamkos.

Unless otherwise noted, stats come from before Thursdays NHL games.

In the grand scheme of things, people expect a turnaround for the Islanders. At least compared to sprawling teams like the Canadiens, Canucks, Flyers, and Senators. But for Islanders fighting for especially competitive roster spots at the 2022 Winter Olympics, this slump could really hurt.

Often, its unfair to allow a teams struggles to undermine a single players 2022 Winter Olympics chances. That seems especially pertinent to the Islanders underrated defensive duo of Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock.

But this really has been a tough season so far for Mathew Barzal.

Arguably, Barzal set expectations too high, too early with his captivating Calder campaign from 2017-18. As tantalizing as his 85-point explosion was, hed likely take a more contained presence in exchange for team success.

Over the past three seasons, Barzals RAPM charts argue that hes found a nice balance: quality offense without the sort of defensive lapses that would earn too much Barry Trotz ire.

So far this season, that balance is off.

Importantly, note that the sample size is small. Dont take this as some broad statement about Barzals overall all-around abilities.

Instead, graphics like Evolving Hockeys RAPM charts can provide quick snapshots, even in small sample sizes. In this case, Barzals RAPM chart reads more like those candid photos of people screaming down the scariest drop of a roller coaster.

Again, no reasonable person would argue that Barzal cant rebound and that hes not a first-line center.

But Team Canadas 2022 Winter Olympic choices translate to the usual buffet of overflowing options. Sure, its nice to dream about Barzal fully unleashed with forwards who can bury the beautiful chances hed surely set up.

Look at PHTs Team Canada Olympic Projections from before this season. Every PHT staffer (myself included) listed Barzal on Team Canadas projected roster. However, three of the four rosters including Barzal as an extra forward, and one had him in a lineup on the equivalent of a fourth line.

In other words, Barzals grip on an Olympic roster spot was already tenuous. With troubling two-way numbers and so-so offense (14 points in 21 games), Barzals season only dents his chances.

That said I wouldnt fault Doug Armstrong one bit if he was merely too enticed by Barzals game-breaking talent.

On Nov. 9, The Athletics Arthur Staple noted (sub. required) that Team Canada may consider one of Adam Pelech or Ryan Pulock. Staple identified Pelechs chances as the strongest, picturing the wildly underrated defenseman as the 2022 edition of Marc-Edouard Vlasic.

Judging by PHTs staff picks, Pelech was by far the more likely Olympic consideration.

So far this season, Barzals struggled more prominently than those two Islanders defensemen. In their cases, its been more about missing time with injuries.

That said, for a seemingly all-defense consideration like Pelech, this bumpy start could really hurt. What if Team Canada merely searches for someone who can fit that Pelech role, but whos been healthy and on a more successful team?

(For what its worth, Id still have Pelech on Team Canada.)

No, its not really fair to blame all of the Flyers failings on Carter Hart. That said, his seasons been up and down. His .911 save percentage and almost even GSAA argue that he hasnt been able to overcome his teams failings. Team Canada might look at that and ask, What if we need a goalie to bail us out?

Most simply, hes also on a personal six-game losing streak.

Overall, Im not too concerned about Sean Couturiers chances of making Team Canada. Once you get past explosive scorers like Connor McDavid, youll want two-way options. Couturier justifies most of that hype.

But he hasnt been immune to the Flyers struggles. Consider where he ranks in xGAR this season, via Evolving Hockey:

Big picture, thats nothing to panic about. Again, though, its important to remember that Team Canada enjoys a ludicrously deep array of options. Hence, the nitpicking.

Generally, JVR was already a dark horse Olympic candidate. He didnt make any of the PHT staff lists.

But its worth noting that, on last seasons disappointing Flyers team, James van Riemsdyk enjoyed a heck of a season. With 43 points in 56 games, JVR tied for the team lead in scoring.

In this latest disappointing Flyers season, van Riemsdyks been a big disappointment, too. Hes only scored six points in 24 games, and its not as though his power play time dropped too dramatically.

When things are clicking, JVRs nose for the net can make him a rare weapon, especially on the power play. Things are not clicking.

James OBrienis a writer forPro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line atphtblog@nbcsports.comor follow him on Twitter@cyclelikesedins.

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Olympic Stock Watch: Will top Flyers, Islanders fall with their teams? - NHL

Daunte WrightThe Story

The officer who shot Daunte Wright isnow on trial.

In April, then-officer Kimberly Potter shot and killed the 20-year-old Black man during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Police said Wright was pulled over for his expired license plate tags and then noticed there was a warrant for his arrest. Body-cam footage showed a struggle as officers tried to handcuff Wright. Potter repeatedly yelled "Taser! before grabbing her gun instead of her Taser and shooting Wright, killing him. Potter, a white 26-year veteran of the police force, resigned and is now facing manslaughter charges. Opening statements began yesterday.

The prosecution said Potterviolated her oath to protect, and instead of protecting life she took one. They reminded the jury that she was a seasoned professional who was training another officer at that time. (Read: that she shouldn't have mistaken her Taser and her gun, especially since they have different weights and sit on different sides.) And that she apparently didnt call for help after shooting Wright. Potters legal team said she made a mistake. They blamed Wright for not complying with police. And accused the media of smearing her when she "had to do what she had to do." She has pleaded not guilty and faces at least a decade in prison if convicted.

The trial is expected to wrap up by Dec 24th. In the meantime, the mostly white jury is in the same courtroom where Derek Chauvin was convicted for the murder of George Floyd. Potter, along with other witnesses, is expected to testify. The prosecution bears the burden of proof and will need to convince the jury that Potter acted recklessly. Depending on the outcome, the prosecution says it could ask for a longer sentence.

Itsnot the first timean officer has mistaken their Taser for a gun. This time it ended in the death of a young father. And Americans are yet again calling for justice in the police killing of a Black man.

The Beijing Winter Olympics. Yesterday, Australia, Canada, and the UK joined the US-led diplomatic boycott of next years games in China. Earlier this week, the Biden admin said its officials RSVP'd no to the Olympics. The reason: Chinas years ofhuman rights abusesagainst Uyghur Muslims that the US gov has called a genocide. Now, three more countries are saying theyll support their athletes from the comfort of their home country. And otherscould join in. New Zealand officials are alsoditchingthe games but for COVID-19 reasons. Chinas promising to retaliate against the US though it didnt get into specifics.

Pfizer. Yesterday, the pharma giant said a third shot can put up a fight against the highly-mutated variant. At least56 countrieshave reported omicron cases since South Africa first flagged it last month. And scientists have been scrambling to learn about the variants transmission, severity, and whether it evades vaccines. Now, Pfizers initial research shows its booster can provide a person with 25 times the antibody protection againstomicron. And that while two doses are less effective, they can still prevent severe disease and death. But this is all lab data, only time will tell (read: coming weeks) if vaccines hold up IRL.

PS:There's still a lot we don't know about omicron. Buthere's what we do know

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO). Last month, a video surfaced showing the congresswomansuggestingRep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) was a terrorist. Omar, who is Muslim and wears a hijab, condemned Boebert. And has called on House leaders to take action against Boeberts hateful and dangerous language. Especially since Boebert's apparently continued her anti-Muslim rhetoric. Now, Rep. Ayanna Pressleys (D-MA) introducing a resolution to strip Boebert of her committee assignments (ring a bell?). But whether that moves forward is up to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

Better.com.

Skimmd by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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Daunte Wright, The Beijing Winter Olympics, and Better.com | Daily Skimm - theSkimm

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Sapporo expected to announce cost cuts to land 2030 Olympics - Daily Union

Last September, the NHL, the NHLPA and the IIHF finally reached a deal that allows the NHL players to participate in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. The deal, however, had several conditions and one of them was the NHLs right to withdrawn from the participation until January 10, if the COVID-19 situation got worse.

The latest NHL news has added some concerns about the NHLs possible participation in the Olympics. Just yesterday it was announced that the league postponed the New York Islanders games at least through Tuesday. Since last week the Isles had several key players unavailable due to COVID-19 protocols, including their captain Anders Lee and top defenceman Ryan Pelech. According to the press release, the NHL decided to postpone their games due to the possibility of additional cases due to spread.

The Islanders are not the first team whose games were postponed due to COVID-19 protocol within the team. Earlier in November, three of the Ottawa Senators games were postponed as a result of 10 players entering COVID-19 protocols. Drake Batherson, who was one of those players, remains in COVID-19 protocol and is expected to return on December 1. Currently several players from other teams are also unavailable due to COVID-19, including the Arizona Coyotes Carter Hutton, the Carolina Hurricanes Ethan Bear and the Detroit Red Wings Danny Dekeyser.

The newly discovered Omikron variant of COVID-19 in South Africa is also adding some concerns. Recently the first cases were confirmed in Australia and Czech Republic. The new strain is reportedly more transmittable and has already outcompeted other variants in South Africa in a short period of time.

As of now, the NHL is planning to participate in both the Winter Olympics and the All-Star game, which is scheduled for February 5 in Vegas right before the start of the the Winter Olympics. The players expected to play in Beijing will head to China on charter flights. The league is also developing special protocols for players at the All Star game in Vegas.

In case of potential withdrawn, Hockey Canada has already arranged a shadow team to replace the NHL players if necessary. Some other hockey federations, including the Russian Ice Hockey Federation, are also working on this possibility.

Curently several Tampa Bay Lightning players have been confirmed to play in the Winter Olympics: Nikita Kucherov, Andrei Vasilevskiy (Russia), Victor Hedman (Sweden), Ondrej Palat (Czech Republic), and Erik Cernak (Slovakia). Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point, Ryan McDonagh and Jan Rutta are amongst potential candidates.

The Syracuse Crunch have suffered a loss by the Rochester Americans. Simon Ryfors and Gabriel Dumont scored for Syracuse.

The Orlando Solar Bears have earned a shootout win against the Norfolk Admirals.

The full results of previous gameday.

The Ottawa Senators goaltender Matt Murray was placed on waivers and the Senators have claimed Adam Gaudette off the waivers.

The St. Louis Blues placed forward James Neal on LTIR.

Artemi Panarin was fined $5,000 for throwing a glove at Brad Marchand.

The Montreal Canadiens are planning some changes in their head office.

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Lightning Round: Is the NHLs participation in the Olympics in danger? - Raw Charge

When it comes to making the Olympics, Steamboat Springs Nordic skier Noel Keeffe is on the bubble. The University of Utah athlete and U.S. Cross Country Development Team member doesnt have any schedule World Cup starts before the Olympics, but that doesnt mean hes out of the running for a chance to go to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Im obviously going to race as hard as I can, Keeffe said. And do my best in the U.S. but it really comes down to how the world cup team performs.

There will be 296 cross country athletes competing in Beijing, 148 per gender. How many athletes from each country can go is determined by quota allocations, which countries earn by performing well at the World Cup level.

As of November 26, eight females and five males from the United States may attend. Athletes in both distance and sprint disciplines are chosen based on their five best competition results in the qualification period, between July 2019 and Jan. 16, 2022.

First U.S. Ski and Snowboard looks at World Cup finishes, which again, Keeffe doesnt have and wont have in that qualification period.

However, the next thing considered are USA SuperTour competitions, which Keeffe will compete in this winter. Then, North American Tour or Nor/Am competitions will be looked at.

If all the quota spots arent filled by World Cup athletes, Keeffe is one of the better development athletes who has a chance to be named to the team.

There are just five men on the National A and B teams, while Keeffe is one six on the development team.

The U.S. mens team is, every year, getting more and more competitive, Keeffe said. Like last year we had some of our best results ever.

Keeffe grew up competing against all the men on the national team, so hes familiar with all the athletes who are vying for an Olympic spot.

We have a super awesome atmosphere, he said. Everyone is really supportive and everyones just trying to get better together.

This past weekend proved that Keeffe and other development team members have their work cut out for them. A Team member James Schoonmaker finished seventh at a World Cup in Ruka, Finland. Two others finished in the top 30.

Meanwhile, Keeffe is in the United States and preparing for the SuperTour, which kicks off Dec. 4 in Duluth, Minn. then moves to Cable, Wisc. the following weekend. Then, hell compete at the national championships at Soldier Hollow in Utah, which serves as the Olympic Trials race, according to Keeffe.

The Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club veteran hasnt changed anything in his training going into the Olympic year. Hes skiing the same amount, even if hes switched up some of the specific things hes doing.

I figured its never good to change up what youre doing before and important season or race, he said.

Keeffe is still a student at the University of Utah, too, skiing for the collegiate team and studying material science and engineering. Olympics or not, Keeffe will be a speedy skier, a student, and is aiming for U23 World Championships in Lygan, Norway on Feb. 22-27.

To reach Shelby Reardon, call 970-871-4253, email sreardon@SteamboatPilot.com or follow her on Twitter @ByShelbyReardon.

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Cross country skier Noel Keeffe could make the Olympics, but he's got a lot of work to do - Steamboat Pilot & Today

BEN DORGER, Standard-Examiner file photo

OGDEN Crafting a successful bid for Utah for the 2030 or 2034 Winter Olympics isnt just the task of Salt Lake City, which would be the host city.

And the time to start planning isnt in 2029.

Efforts are well underway to bring the Olympics back and Ogden officials, among many others, are helping out. Getting an inventory of hotel rooms is but one part of the process and Sara Toliver, head of Visit Ogden, has been aiding in that effort, along with her counterparts at other local tourism offices around the state.

The team organizing the Salt Lake City bid needs to demonstrate that Northern Utah can provide 24,000 hotel rooms as part of the bid process, she said.

It may seem mundane, but the teams, Olympic workers and visitors whod come would need places to stay, so demonstrating that there are enough rooms for them is key. Indeed, its one of the preparatory elements singled out by Fraser Bullock, head of the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games.

We are intensely engaged. Were actually preparing a bid, he told Sports Travel Magazine, a trade publication catering to sports events organizers. That, Bullock went on, entails detailing a vision, securing accommodations and hammering out accords for use of event venues.

Toliver said she has served as a liaison between Utah Olympic bid organizers and hotel operators in getting a room count. Beyond that, though, local tourism officials see big potential if the Winter Olympics return to Utah.

Visit Ogden crafted a 10-year plan to develop the tourism infrastructure between now and 2030 in Weber County. The Olympics, or potential for a return of the Olympics, figures big.

With Utah up for the Olympics in 2030, opportunities to put Ogden on the global map are abundant, the plan reads.

Getting the local public on board, though, will be key.

Hosting such an event and doing it well is more than a function of local attractions, venues, lodging and transportation its a function of community, the plan goes on. Ensuring Weber County as a community is ready and willing to host such an event is the first step in helping to ensure a world-class experience and put Weber County on the global map.

Demonstrating that Weber County can accommodate large-scale athletic and recreation events is also part of the local strategy. Successfully hosting such events will provide proof-of-concept for the countys capability and capacity to host larger events. This proof-of-concept should help increase the likelihood of Weber County being chosen as an Olympic venue, the report reads.

Weber County already has a track record in that regard.

Snowbasin, the ski resort, and The Ice Sheet on the Weber State University campus served as venues for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. And in a Utah Sports Commission report from last year, both are identified as possible venues for future Olympic and Paralympic events Snowbasin for alpine skiing, para alpine skiing and para snowboard events and The Ice Sheet for curling and wheelchair curling.

Mindful of the possibilities, Weber County commissioners last year earmarked $150,000 to study the possibility of upgrading The Ice Sheet, a county-owned facility, with an eye to the possible return of the Winter Olympics.

Ogden Mayor Mike Caldwell, involved in the Olympic effort in Utah in 2002, is also involved in promoting Utahs bid for the Olympics for 2030 or 2034. He sits on the Utah Sports Commission Board of Directors and the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games Governing Board.

We have a very strong, very competitive bid packet, he said.

The venues used in 2002 are still standing, getting more use even, which would reduce preparation costs dramatically. The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, for one, cost Russia $50 billion, Caldwell said, and Utah can do it for a fraction of that.

Whats more, Utah has a solid base of potential volunteers, also very important in organizing an Olympic effort, and the varied venues sit in a relatively compact area radiating out from Salt Lake City, he said.

Still, other locales around the world, including Vancouver, Canada, are interested in hosting the Winter Olympics in 2030 or 2034. While local officials are eager, Utah by no means has a lock on the Olympics.

Yes, many in the state are working hard to promote Utahs bid. But nothing is for sure at this point, Toliver said.

Bullock told Sports Travel Magazine that Utahs efforts, while already underway, would likely get more intense after the Winter Olympics next year in Beijing, China, scheduled to go from Feb. 4-20.

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Weber County officials aid in bid to bring Winter Olympics back to Utah - Standard-Examiner

Which Islanders might represent their countries in the upcoming Winter Olympics?

The NHL is sending players to the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, China. Which is exciting for NHL fans around the globe.

However, the players who make the rosters for their respective countries will be a hot debate between now and when the final rosters are announced in January.

In October, the IIHF coordinated with the NHL and the NHLPA to name three provisional players for each countrys mens Olympic national team roster.

The New York Islanders did not have a player named as one of the provisional roster players. But the coaching staff is expected to include Islanders head coach Barry Trotz.

So which Islanders players might be headed to the Olympics? Here are a few options.

Russia already named Andrei Vasilevski as one of their provisional players. The other two goaltenders they take will be up for debate especially in New York but Varlamov is the best bet to be their backup.

Barzal should be a strong middle-six forward for Canada, who hope to bring home the gold medal again.

Sorokin could join Varlamov at the Olympics as Russias third goaltender, but hell have pressure from the Igor Shesterkin of the Rangers.

Will Chara get one more run at the Olympics for Slovakia? Hes been part of their roster since before some of his current Islanders teammates were born literally.

Read more:

Which New York Islanders could be headed to the Winter Olympics? - Elite Sports NY

Kearns The Utah Olympic Oval has been in Phillip Canicks life since 2012.

He has played hockey in two of the ovals leagues and now his 6-year-old son, Cooper, is in its Learn to Skate program.

The two make the trip from Cottonwood Heights to Kearns three times a week, all year-round.

The ice is always great. The facilities, for being as old as they are, you wouldnt know it, he said. Its just a great place to be.

What keeps Canick going back to the venue, however, is the community it creates. A lot of good lifetime friends Ive gained from playing out here.

(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Learn to Skate instructor Cassie Gutierrez teaches a class of youths how to conduct a controlled fall on the ice, Nov. 16, 2021. Figure skating is just one of many sports to discover at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns.

The Utah Olympic Oval dubbed the fastest ice on Earth, at an elevation above 4,500 feet was built for the 2002 Winter Games. Flags from across the globe hang upon the ice rinks and running track, and the five Olympic rings remain ubiquitous images around the facility.

The space continues to host world-class races and remains a meeting point for people from all over the valley to practice sports on and off the ice.

On a given day or night, the five-acre venue can be packed with people young and old running on an indoor track, figure skating on an ice rink, playing hockey on a separate ice sheet, or gliding, slipping and stumbling on the 400-meter speedskating oval.

(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) A youth competitive speedskater races around the track, Nov. 16, 2021. Speedskating is just one of many sports to discover at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns.

Its beautiful ice, said Carolyn Krambule, who is a regular at the public skating sessions. We work with a lot of the coaches, and theyre all fantastic.

Krambules family goes at least four times a week to the ice rinks in the complex. Husband Dean plays hockey and daughter Leia is in the Learn to Skate program.

Its a great place to go, get something to do, said Krambule, before being interrupted by her daughter. Other than watching screens and playing video games.

For some, ice sports are sheer entertainment. For others, these activities and the discipline they require have deeper meaning.

(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) LeeAnn Colgan gets steadied by the hand of her speedskating instructor, Olympian Derek Parra, Nov. 16, 2021. Speedskating is just one of many sports to discover at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns.

Growing up in San Bernardino, Calif., Derek Parra found meaning in staying active.

I came from Southern California with not a lot around me to offer to a child, Parra said, especially to kind of get out of the bad neighborhood that I grew up in.

When he started speedskating, doors started to open, and stardom came. He won gold and silver medals at the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Parra now works as a trainer and sports director of the oval.

Were a beacon of the community, he said. I can only imagine what it would be like if I was a young child, in this community with this amazing facility in my backyard.

(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Learn to Skate director Amie Miyagi teaches a class of youths, Nov. 16, 2021. Figure skating is just one of many sports to discover at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns.

The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation offers scholarships to provide access to programs for those who cant afford them.

While the oval attracts a lot of regulars, it is open to anyone from first-timers to veteran winter sports enthusiasts. Like the theme to the 2002 Winter Games, it welcomes the world.

Here are six fun things to do there:

From August through March, there are public skate sessions on the 400-meter oval. There are also skate lessons for various ages and abilities. Toddlers can start as soon as they turn 3.

There are leagues for youths, men and women. The oval offers hockey skills lessons, and a learn to play hockey program recommended for children ages 4 to 12. Participants learn power skating, stick handling, passing and shooting.

A 442-meter indoor track with four lanes surrounds the oval. There also is an eight-lane, 110-meter sprint zone. High schools and college athletes grace these tracks in the colder months.

Classes are available for beginners. Students use the same stones that glided on the ice in the 2002 Winter Olympics. Curling leagues are open to learners and experienced players.

Before the pandemic, the oval hosted cosmic curling sessions at night, complete with fluorescent houses, laser lights and a disco ball

Introductory classes are offered for short- and long-track speedskating. A masters camp for competitive skaters older than 30 is on pauses due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The oval has private figure skating lessons for all skill levels, along with freestyle sessions in which skaters can play their music and practice their routines and competitive synchronized skating teams.

(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) One youth hockey player is reluctantly helped to his feet by a teammate during practice after getting knocked down by a fellow teammate at the Utah Olympic Oval, Nov. 16, 2021. Hockey is just one of many sports to discover at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns.

Parra recommends curling for people who want to avoid strapping on skates

Not only is it fun at the oval, but it is also a safe place, Parra said. And I know from growing up in a roller rink, how that changed direction in my life.

Alixel Cabrera is a Report for America corps member and writes about the status of communities on the west side of the Salt Lake Valley for The Salt Lake Tribune. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by clicking here.

Link:

6 sports to try at the Utah Olympic Oval and you need not be an Olympian to play - Salt Lake Tribune