In an exhilarating World Baseball Championship game last night, underdog Japan emerged victorious against the USA with a 3-2 score. The climax featured a showdown between two baseball superstars and teammates, Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, showcasing the excitement of international baseball.
For NHL players, international competition has been out of reach due to Gary Bettman's policies. Players were last allowed to participate in the Olympics in 2010, and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey falls short in comparison to true best-on-best international hockey. Bettman has barred players from participating, citing injury concerns from team owners and General Managers, a decision that many view as selfish and detrimental to both players and fans.
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid spoke up on Wednesday, expressing his desire for the NHL to deliver a best-on-best competition, inspired by the captivating World Baseball Classic championship match between Japan and the United States. The final game ended with a dream face-off between Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, with Ohtani securing Japan's 3-2 win and their first World Baseball Classic title since 2009.
During a pregame interview, McDavid echoed the sentiments of impatient NHL fans, voicing his desire for a best-on-best tournament.