Russia names roster for WJC and is criticized for ignoring those playing in North America

Sergei Zubov, the head coach of the Russian Youth team for the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships, is taking it on the chin at home and abroad after naming the roster for the tournament. The roster, which you can see in full below, ignores any Russian currently playing in North America.

The choice to leave out any player currently playing in North America is being heavily questioned in Russian media, with one editorial accusing the Russian Hockey Federation of attempting to punish players that leave their home country to play hockey elsewhere. It has been noted that this is the first time in 15 years that Russia's WJC team will not include anyone playing in North America. Scott Wheeler of The Athletic called it a disservice to those players.

"Notably absent: The entire North American pool. Yan Kuznetsov (returnee/CGY), Daniil Chayka (returnee/VGK), Daniil Gushchin (SJS), Matvey Petrov (EDM). A disservice to each of those kids and the country's medal hopes," said Wheeler.

"I won't be surprised in the least if that roster finishes third in the group of death and loses in the quarters to the Finns. They'll still be competitive enough to play with USA and Sweden, but they're the clear third-best team in Group B. They better hope Askarov is lights out," he continued.

Zubov was asked why there were no players currently playing outside of Russia, but failed to really answer the question.

"...we followed the performance of Yan Kuznetsov and Daniil Chaika, hoping that they would strengthen our defensive line," said Zobov. "But in the end, we came to the conclusion that the players who passed the training camp with us are stronger in defensive actions."

"We made a choice and believe that the guys in the locker room are the strongest."

Russia has long had an issue with players leaving to continue their careers in the NHL and elsewhere, especially those it considers to be star players, or stars in the making.

I won't be surprised in the least if that roster finishes third in the group of death and loses in the quarters to the Finns. They'll still be competitive enough to play with USA and Sweden, but they're the clear third-best team in Group B. They better hope Askarov is lights out.— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) December 14, 2021

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