TORONTO -- Alex Ovechkin says he plans on playing for Russia in the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, regardless of whether or not the NHL is participating.The Washington Capitals superstar made similar comments ahead of the Sochi Games when the NHL and NHL Players Association hadnt yet signed off on those Olympics before finally doing just that, with Ovechkin saying hed risk NHL suspension to play in his home Olympics.Asked Thursday by ESPN if he would be willing to play in South Korea regardless of the NHLs ultimate Olympic decision, Ovechkin didnt hesitate.My decision is the same, Ovechkin said. So, I dont know whats going to happen right now, but we just have to wait what they say and well see. ...Its a situation where you dont know whats going to happen. But obviously I said Im going to play.Asked again by ESPN about whether he was saying hes definitely planning on playing in South Korea, no matter NHL involvement, Ovechkin responded calmly and matter of factly:I will go there, he said.NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Wednesday in Washington that its been radio silence on the Olympic question since a meeting last year, however, all sides would likely meet during the World Cup to discuss things.The NHL has participated in the Olympics since the 1998 Nagano Games. However, according to the NHL, new IOC leadership has expressed hesitance in covering costs it has paid in the past such as travel and insurance for players. Wholesale Jazz Jerseys . -- Bryant McKinnie came out of his stance and lowered his shoulder into a practice squad player, causing a crisp thud to reverberate in the Miami Dolphins practice bubble. Jazz Jerseys 2020 . -- Cam Newton pranced into the end zone, placed his hands over his chest and did his familiar Superman pose. https://www.cheapjazzonline.com/628e-ben-poquette-jersey-jazz.html . Reassurance came from Paul Tesori, his caddie and close friend whose newborn son is in intensive care in a Florida hospital. "Paul sent me a text this morning, just told me he loved me and wanted to go out and fight as hard as I would any other day," Simpson said Sunday after doing just that. Frank Layden Jersey . Nine days before the opening ceremony, organizing committee chief Dmitry Chernyshenko said Wednesday that Sochi is "fully ready" and will deliver safe, friendly and well-run games that defy the grim reports that have overshadowed preparations. Thurl Bailey Jersey . 10 VCU 85-67 on Thursday night at the Puerto Rico Tip-Off. The Seminoles (4-0) have scored at least 80 points in each of their games. London Irish lock George Robson has been banned for six weeks following an incident in a match against Yorkshire Carnegie earlier this month.Robson pleaded guilty at an RFU disciplinary hearing to grabbing the testicles of Ollie Stedman in the second half of the Greene King IPA Championship clash.An RFU statement read: The charge against George Robson of London Irish for acts contrary to good sportsmanship, contrary to Law 10.dddddddddddd(m), was heard at the Twickenham Stoop this evening.Robson pleaded guilty and was given a six-week suspension. He is free to play again on Wednesday 28 December 2016. ' ' '