For the first time since 2014, NHL players are able to play in the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. This is the most I can remember the United States buzzing about hockey, since football, baseball and basketball fight for the front seat.

The timing could not have been more perfect. The NFL season concluded with a game in which the most memorable part was by a mile Bad Bunny’s halftime show. Now, NHL players are ready to suit up for their countries.

When people think about Olympic hockey — particularly in America — they probably think of the movie “Miracle” about the 1980 men’s team that defeated the goliath USSR. Others may think about Sidney Crosby’s “Golden Goal” in 2010 to topple the USA in Vancouver or T.J. Oshie’s 2014 shootout performance against Russia in Sochi.

However, now, when international hockey is brought up, all I can think of is: “Canada’s Shane Hollander, and Russia’s Ilya Rosanov.”

As I wrote before, “Heated Rivalry” has brought a massive amount of attention to hockey. Hell, even The Krewe of Muses is giving out “Heated Rivalry” throws. For the first time in a long time, hockey has captured people’s attention. 

That’s why having NHL players back this year could be huge for both the league and the sport itself. People are going to see the best hockey with the best players on a global stage. 

The NHL has gone to so many lengths marketing-wise to try to pull fans in. There have been more outdoor games. “FACEOFF: Inside the NHL” was released to show the ins and outs of the league’s biggest stars. Tate McRae, a pop star and Canadian herself, headlined at the 2024 NHL All-Star Game.

Yet, none of it has worked to bring in new audiences as successfully as “Heated Rivalry.” Unfortunately, hockey is still nowhere near as popular as the other three major sports in the country. 

But things are trending in the right direction. Football is over. Baseball hasn’t started yet. 

For a sport that has needed a boost among fans, this is a can’t-miss opportunity — hockey now has the spotlight it needs for both short and long-term success.