Two members of the U.S. Men’s Olympic hockey team have been told by the International Olympic Committee that they must cover or remove slogans from their goalie helmets. Starting goalie Ryan Miller has “Miller Time” on the back of his helmet and the words “Matt Man” somewhere else. Jonathan Quick has the words “support our troops” on his goalie mask.
According to an I.O.C. official the slogans violate rule #51 which bars advertising, demonstrations and propaganda from being worn by any olympic athlete. A team U.S.A. official speaking off the record said Miller will comply with the rule and cover the “Miller Time” words considering it could be viewed as an endorsement for Miller beer. But the goalie told the Associated Press that he would not remove “Matt Man”. The words are a tribute to his cousin, Matt Schoals who died from cancer. Miller, the starting goalie for Buffalo and perhaps the brightest star on the U.S. team, has a foundation devoted to raising money for cancer research in memory of his cousin.
When asked if Miller was going to remove the “Matt Man” from his helmet, the team official clammed up saying we’ll all know soon. The U.S. team plays it first game in the 2010 Olympics today at noon P.S.T. against Switzerland.
Backup goalie Jonathan Quick is not dressing today so his “support the troops” helmet won’t get near the ice. The team official wasn’t sure what quick planned to do, but did add that he doesn’t see a problem with the message, it can be viewed as a political statement. He says it’s absolutely not propaganda.