Pyeongchang organizers hope door is still open for NHL participation

The president of the organizing committee for the 2018 Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea is holding out hope that the NHL takes part.

"I don't think they made the final decision so far," Lee Hee-beom said Monday at a news conference in Paris, according to Jerome Pugmire of The Associated Press. "(There's) still room to discuss and negotiate."

Last month, the NHL announced its intent to forgo the 2018 Games, saying the overwhelming majority of its clubs are adamantly opposed to interrupting the season to go.

Lee met with IIHF president Rene Fasel at the World Championship on Monday.

"I had a very useful breakfast meeting with Rene Fasel this morning and I also met many ice hockey leaders in Europe," Lee said. "We totally agreed between IIHF and Pyeongchang organizing committee that we are in the same boat. We will cooperate with the IIHF to further develop the Olympic (hockey) venues."

He is prepared to resume discussions with the NHL, despite the league's stance.

"I'm ready to meet with their delegations wherever it is they say to do so," Lee said. "Very recently I met their delegation in Pyeongchang, not only the athletes' side, but also the labor union side. Not only in Pyeongchang, but also in New York. Nothing is concluded until the final conclusion is made."