'Sexy' NHL urged to seduce fans with Olympics return

The International Ice Hockey Federation says the sport needs the "sexy" appeal of NHL players at the Olympics.

The North American league, the pinnacle of hockey at club level, did not take part in the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang because of its unwillingness to shut down for the duration of the Games and disagreements with the IIHF over numerous issues, including the cost of insuring players.

But speaking to China Daily in Beijing on Wednesday, IIHF president Rene Fasel reiterated that his organization wants the NHL back on board for the 2022 Games in the Chinese capital, and reckons the league would be crazy to miss the marketing opportunity that would present.