KOSICE, Slovakia – On Friday afternoon, IIHF President René Fasel spoke with members of the media in Kosice prior to the USA-Canada game. His thoughts on a variety of topics…

About the 2011 IIHF World Championships thus far

“It’s a very special atmosphere. We actually have two home teams with the Czechs and Slovaks. I’ve been in Bratislava, but from everything I’ve heard and read in the media things are going well here in Kosice. It’s always interesting to be at the second venue when the home team is not here.”

“This is a hockey place. They love the game here. Tonight’s USA and Canada game is sold-out and also USA and Sweden (Thursday).”

When Asked to Give a Percentage of the Likelihood that NHL Players will Compete at the 2014 Sochi Olympics

“I made a guess once and Gary (Bettman) was not so happy. I think the players would love to play but then it will be a situation between the NHL and NHLPA. We have a good chance, but I won’t give you a percentage. I want to keep Gary happy. This is their decision and I really hope they will come.”

“The relationship with the NHL is good. Donald Fehr (Executive Director of the NHLPA) will come to Bratislava I believe on Thursday and also Bill Daly (NHL Chief Legal Officer) to speak to the congress. Hopefully I will go to the Stanley Cup Finals and also the NHL awards in June.”

On Status of International Women’s Hockey and Improving the Level of Competition Heading Toward Sochi 2014

“I was actually just at the world championships in Zurich. It’s a different game. Even though there is not body checking, there is some body contact. I was impressed by the results there, the Finns trying to get Canada, Switzerland was good and the Russians are showing promise too. There was big passion there. In Russia, it will be competitive. It still needs a little time.”

When Asked About the Possibility of Changing the Format for the Men’s Olympic Tournament in Sochi 2014

“That’s funny, because I think every Olympics we change it. It shows we are very flexible. The format of the Vancouver Games, for me, was excellent. We have to discuss this with the NHL, IOC and within our federation.”