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CCM to no longer use Ovechkin and other Russian players for marketing purposes

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Cooper Godin
March 1, 2022  (2:56 PM)
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CCM Hockey have announced that they will no longer be using Alexander Ovechkin and other Russian players in their global marketing due to the invasion of Ukraine.

In a statement, CCM chief executive Marrouane Nabih said, "We are very sad to witness, like the rest of the world, what is happening in Ukraine. Although Mr. Ovechkin is not responsible for the Russian government's actions, we took the decision to not use him (or any Russian player) on any global CCM communication at this point."

Ovechkin has drawn criticism for his support of Russian president Vladimir Putin. A couple days after the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Ovechkin met with the media and was asked about his thoughts, but failed to directly condemn Putin.

"Like, I'm Russian, right?" Ovechkin said. "Sometimes some things I can't control. You know, it's not in my hands Please, no more war. It doesn't matter who is in the war, Russia, Ukraine, different countries... We have to live in peace and a great world.

He's my president, but I'm not in politics. I'm an athlete."

Source: Rick Westhead - TSN