Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/85550
BY NAME HERE "IT'S NOT SO EASY AS SIMPLY SAYING LET'S GO TO THE OLYMPICS. FOR US IT WAS A DIFFICULT BALANCING ACT" — GARY BETTMAN, NHL COMMISSIONER Right now plans are in a holding pattern. That means that USA Hockey will hold off on naming a support staff or head coach for at least the foreseeable future. Still, Jim Johannson said that all the uncertainty has not put anyone behind the proverbial eight ball – yet. "Basically we are operating under the premise that an agreement will be worked out and in all likelihood NHL players will be participating in the Games," said Johannson, who has served as team leader for the previous three U.S. Olympic Teams. "We haven't really channeled any efforts or planning toward non-participation, but at 24 the same time we figure that we'll know that far enough in advance that we will have this season and over the course of the summer to work out all those arrangements." And while the staff is still a long ways from being named, USA Hockey knows that Burke is once again ready to answer the call if asked. license and drive the bus." As usual, there's little doubt that Burke means what he says. Just being a part of the American effort is enough for the Edina, Minn., native. "I've said this many times, and you have heard me teased about it, but when I was asked in 1993 would I take the team to the World Championships in Germany my answer to Art Berglund was I would fold towels," Burke said. "… If they need me to drive the bus in Sochi I will get my Class A "If you do something for your country you don't do it for the title," he said. "Whether its GM, assistant GM, whatever capacity, player development, whatever it is doesn't matter." In the meantime, as the rest of the hockey world waits for word to leak out behind the closed doors of the NHL labor negotiations, Burke patiently waits right along with them. N OCTOBER.2012 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM PHOTOS BY Xxxxxxxxxxx