Many of the world’s best hockey players will be inside Nationwide Arena Friday night for a match between the USA and Canada as the teams get ready for the World Cup of Hockey that starts next week. But comments by Columbus Blue Jackets' and Team USA coach John Tortorella have taken most of the headlines leading up to the game.
The fiery head coach is refusing to back down from his original comment that any players who might choose to sit during the national anthem would stay on the bench through the game. His statement follows San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick refusing to stand as a protest to the treatment of minorities by police.
For more on Tortorella's comments and a preview of the international match, WOSU's Steve Brown spoke with Columbus Dispatch hockey writer Aaron Portzline.
Click the play button below to hear their conversation.
