US plans for possibility of NHL boycott

The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) said on Tuesday it has discussed a Plan B with USA Hockey should the National Hockey League decide not to send professional players to the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games.

The NHL has participated in five consecutive Winter Games but its participation in South Korea is in doubt after the International Olympic Committee said it would no longer cover players' costs, which have been estimated at around $10 million.

"We have had discussions with USA Hockey about a Plan B if that does not happen," USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun said.