Dominik Hasek Sounds the Alarm After NHL Announces European Tour Amid Russian-Ukrainian Conflict
The NHL announced recently their plans to hold a series of NHL contests in three European cities:
The NHL Global Series initiative started in 2017 and has seen the NHL grow its worldwide audience. Generally, it is a tremendous positive for the NHL & the sport of hockey.
However, in light of recent global events it's nearly impossible to separate politics from sport, and for some, the acceptance of Russian & Belorussian athletes to perform amidst the Russian war in Ukraine is distasteful, to say the least.
Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Dominik Hašek has been outspoken about the subject:
Now, the heralded netminder plans to appeal to the Czech government should the Prague-hosted matches take place. Citing the Russian war in Ukraine, he detailed his course of action in a long Twitter thread:
"The NHL San Jose Sharks - Nashville Predators match should take place in Prague in October. If the NHL (given the situation) wants to allow any Russian player to play in this match, I will consider it an inexcusable act.
If that were the case, I would do everything I could to ensure that this match does not take place in our country. I will appeal to the government of the Czech Republic, the event organizers, potential partners and the public.
In the event that the match is still held, so that it is ignored by as many public as possible and condemned worldwide. Let us realize that with the public participation of Russian athletes in events, we are doing a huge advertisement for the Russian country and its actions.
We advertise the Russian military's aggression against a democratic country, killing tens of thousands of Ukrainians and committing crimes against humanity.
The NHL match in Prague should be a celebration of world hockey and must not become an advertisement for Russian crimes in Ukraine. That would be disrespect from the NHL for the Ukrainian country and its people. And it must not happen!
Ukraine does not deserve it, nor do NHL fans and players. And that includes the Russian ones, for whom I also want the best with this attitude. Not even the greatest game in the world is more than human life. I believe the NHL will make the right decision."
The war in Ukraine has waged on longer than many people expected, resulting in growing support for Ukraine.
Do you agree with Hašek?
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 23 | 234 ANSWERS Dominik Hasek Sounds the Alarm After NHL Announces European Tour Amid Russian-Ukrainian Conflict Do you agree with Hasek? | ||
| Yes | 133 | 56.8 % |
| No | 101 | 43.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
| G | A | PTS | ||
| Vladislav Namestnikov | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Nino Niederreiter | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Nikolaj Ehlers | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Noel Acciari | - | - | - | |
| Mason Appleton | - | - | - | |
| Morgan Barron | - | - | - | |
| Anthony Beauvillier | - | - | - | |
| Michael Bunting | - | - | - | |
| Kyle Connor | - | - | - | |
| Sidney Crosby | - | - | - | |
| Dylan DeMelo | - | - | - | |
| Haydn Fleury | - | - | - | |
| Matthew Grzelcyk | - | - | - | |
| Connor Hellebuyck | - | - | - | |
| Alex Iafallo | - | - | - | |
| Tristan Jarry | - | - | - | |
| Erik Karlsson | - | - | - | |
| Rasmus Kupari | - | - | - | |
| Kristopher Letang | - | - | - | |
| Adam Lowry | - | - | - | |
| Complete stats | ||||
| STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Jets | 19 | 16 | 3 | - | 32 | |
Wild | 19 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 29 | |
Hurricanes | 19 | 14 | 5 | - | 28 | |
Devils | 22 | 13 | 7 | 2 | 28 | |
Capitals | 19 | 13 | 5 | 1 | 27 | |
Golden Knights | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Maple Leafs | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Rangers | 18 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 25 | |
Panthers | 20 | 12 | 7 | 1 | 25 | |
Flames | 20 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 25 | |
| Conference | Cumulative | ||||||