Jeff Groves, The Advocate Team USA goaltender Robert Esche eyes the puck while Chris Chelios takes a shot during training camp at Nationwide Arena for the World Cup of Hockey Championships.

COLUMBUS -- By all accounts it is both the best time and worst time for the NHL's greatest stars to be preparing to play in the World Cup of Hockey.

On one hand the hockey world is awash in negativity because there is a strong possibility that a portion, or even all, of the 2004-05 NHL season could be lost to a lockout that will happen when the current collective bargaining agreement expires Sept. 15. On the other hand, the players are happy they can focus on playing rather than the uncertainty that awaits.

"Maybe the great hockey we see over the next three weeks might motivate both sides to get a deal done," says the USA's Doug Weight of the St. Louis Blues.

This tournament, not held since 1996 primarily because NHL players participated in the 1998 and 2002 Olympics, could be the most exciting international tournament in hockey history.

It features the NHL's top athletes playing for their home countries in a tournament played under NHL rules. With the possible exception of Germany, it is not unreasonable to suggest every team has a chance for a gold medal, although Russia will be without several top players, including Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, because of disagreements with the nation's hockey federation.

Some argue this competition is a better test than the Olympics because it's played when players are fresher. Also, teams get quality practices before the tournament - which they don't have before the Olympics, which occur in the middle of the NHL season.

But no one denies the event's natural buildup and rhythm has been somewhat undermined by lack of progress in the CBA talks.

Even in Canada, where hockey is part of the culture, enthusiasm isn't as overwhelming as usual.

"In Canada there has been much more attention in the newspapers, television and radio about the possible lockout," said "Hockey Night in Canada" analyst Harry Neale. "To be honest, the World Cup has taken a back seat to bad news about the season probably not starting and Canada's inability to win many medals at the Olympics. But once the games start, it will be a big time event in Canada."

American players say there really hasn't been much discussion about the labor situation in the dressing room. Right wing Bill Guerin, a vice president in the NHL Players Association, said he was thankful the tournament has given him something to remove his focus from the looming conflict. "We can worry about that after the tournament," he says.

Maybe the American players are better prepared for having the tournament's excitement muted by labor unrest because their international successes traditionally don't garner much attention.

Beating Canada in Montreal for the 1996 World Cup title was considered one of the great moments in U.S. hockey history, but that tournament had more impact in Canada and Europe than the USA.

"We are never going to be like a basketball dream team, or like football," Weight said. "It's a little disheartening maybe, but I love competing for my country. When we won in 1996 we didn't have enough people to hold a parade, but it felt like we had a parade."

In some respects, the Americans have a better situation than normal because the city of Columbus has paid considerable attention to the team's training camp. Practices have been well attended, and their days in Columbus have been marked by receptions and TV coverage. The city even designated the corner of Front and Nationwide avenues as Team USA Boulevard.

"We see it as a feather in our cap to have Team USA training in the hockey hotbed of Ohio," said Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Doug MacLean. "And it doesn't hurt for the best players in the world to think Columbus is a pretty good place to play."

MacLean says Columbus fans are excited about the two pre-tournament games in the city, including Monday's 3-1 win against Canada before 14,817 fans. Friday, the USA will take on Russia in Columbus.

Joe Schirtzinger, 25, of Columbus, who attends about 20 to 30 Blue Jackets games a season, estimates half the people in Columbus are aware the USA is training there, noteworthy considering Ohio State football is about to start.

The potential for a lost season did not dampen his enthusiasm.

"You get to see all the stars together. I'm watching (Joe) Sakic, (Jarome) Iginla," he said. "Where else would you see that many stars at the same time?"

The belief is that the World Cup might take fans' attention off the CBA the way it has for players.

"This (tournament) is a nice little cocoon for the players," U.S. coach Ron Wilson said. "When players are having problems off the ice, they like to get to the rink to get their mind off their problems. This is their playground."

One irony about the lack of progress in CBA talks is owners and players are working together to make this tournament happen. Any profit will be split evenly between the NHLPA and NHL.

Though gloom prevails on both sides, not every player subscribes. "I'm an optimist," the USA's Craig Conroy said. "People said for sure there was going to be a baseball strike, and they settled."

Labor strife overshadows upcoming championships

"Maybe the great hockey we see over the next three weeks might motivate both sides to get a deal done."

-- Team USA's Doug Weight.