I don't recall how this thread started, but I don't see where the argument
is about college players go to the Olympics and then returning to college.
It's been happening for years. As a Harvard fan, I was awfully glad to see
Scott Fusco return in '85 and '86. He was better than ever, and went on
to win the Hobey. Same for Lane MacDonald in '89, not to mention Al Bourbeau.
And I wouldn't have complained if Ted Drury had stuck around for his senior
year, but you can't have it all.
 
My understanding is that the NC$$ allows the players the year off for the
Olympics, and in fact encourages it. Former Harvard Coach Bill Cleary was
constantly quoted as saying that the Olympics should be the pinnacle of a
hockey player's career, and he constantly encouraged his players to try to
go to the Olympics--while not discouraging their return (remember: Cleary was
the leading scorer of the '60 gold medal winning team). So, I guess I just
don't see where there's any argument...