Since Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, many Russian-born players in the National Hockey League (NHL) have become a very controversial topic.
THE The NHL publicly condemned the country where Russia violated international law with its invasion. “Effective immediately, we are suspending our relations with our business partners in Russia,” NHL public relations said in February. “Additionally, we are abandoning any consideration of Russia as a venue for future competitions involving the NHL.”
There are at least 40 Russian-born players in the NHL this season and no players born in Ukraine. Their presence is very important to fans, like that of the New York Rangers. Artemi Panarinfrom Minnesota Kirill Kaprizov and captain of the Washington Capitals, Alex Ovechkin, who is expected to make history on the all-time scoreboard. Calgary defenseman Nikita Zadorov spoke out and pinned an image on his Instagram with the words “NO WAR”. In a post-practice conference, Ovechkin also spoke out about the invasion, saying “please, no more war.” It doesn’t matter who participates in the war. Russia. Ukraine. Different countries. We live in a world where we must live in peace.
“He’s my president, but, as I said, I don’t do politics. I am an athlete. I hope everything will be done soon,” he told NBC Sports. Ovechkin has supported Putin in the past and still has the Russian president in his ranks. Instagram profile picture. Many believe he kept the photo to keep his family safe at home.
The biggest concern for Russian players is fear for their safety and that of their families. According to ESPN Reportedly, some teams are doing things behind the scenes to help support Russian players, including obtaining visas for their family members and helping them relocate.
Last season, many Russian players refused to give media interviews after the invasion. As the University of Nevada sociology professor said Dr Dmitri Shaline in an interview with Las Vegas Journal“to speak out publicly against Putin in today’s Russia is to risk your life. » RecentlyLaws have been passed that criminalize criticism of the country’s war efforts, and those found guilty can be sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Although most have remained silent, Russian players are still experiencing revenue impacts. According to the New York Postinsurance company MassMutual decided to pull its popular commercial featuring Ovechkin from broadcast, and Canadian equipment brand CCM Hockey stopped using Russian players in its global marketing initiatives.
The NHL has also stopped all communication with the Continental Hockey League (KHL), a league primarily based in Russia with teams in Belarus, Kazakhstan and China. As stated by Associated PressThe NHL has asked its teams to cease all contact with “their KHL counterparts and Russian-based agents as part of the inter-league suspension.”
In a crucial meeting held on February 28, 2022, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) announced “the suspension of all Russian and Belarusian national teams and clubs from participation in all age categories and all IIHF competitions “.
But with this suspension, the NHL and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) are seeking a solution to allow Russian players to participate with their teams in the next World Cup of Hockey. Initially Scheduled for 2024, the event was pushed back to 2025 due to concerns from Russian players.
According to ESPN, the organizations proposed to “have Russian athletes compete under a neutral name or flag.” However, as NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly has previously stated, “other countries do not consider this satisfactory and are advocating the absence of any participation of Russian players.”
Dominik, former Buffalo Sabers goaltender and Czech sports icon Hasek insists NHL is obligated to suspend Russian players. “I want the NHL to make the right decisions that benefit both it and all the people on our planet,” he said in a statement. Athleticism. “And of course, I suppose even the greatest game in the world is not worth more than human life.”
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