CNN —After missing the previous two Winter Games, National Hockey League players will return to the Olympics for the first time in more than a decade. The NHL, along with the National Hockey League Players Association and the International Ice Hockey Federation, have agreed to allow players to participate in the 2026 and 2030 Olympic Games. “We think this is a great stage for best on best, the best on best in obviously what we believe is in the best sport,” Bettman added. The 2026 Olympic Games are scheduled to be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. In addition to participating in the 2026 Olympics, the NHL also announced a new four-team international tournament that will pit Canada, the United States, Sweden, and Finland against each other in 2025.

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Persons: Gary Bettman, Bettman, ”, Marty Walsh, “ Organizations: CNN, National Hockey League, Olympics, NHL, National Hockey League Players Association, International Ice Hockey Federation, Cortina d’Ampezzo, “, Team Canada Locations: Milan, Italy, Sochi, Russia, Beijing, PyeongChang, South Korea, Canada, United States, Sweden, Finland