The winner of the Stanley Cup in Colorado Avalanche, 1998 Olympic champion Czech Milan Geyduk, shared his view on the sanctions against Russian athletes due to a special operation in Ukraine. Transmits words Denik.cz.
“Dominik Hasek is categorically against Russia’s participation in sports events, what do I think? Athletes have nothing to do with it, but in Russia sports is closely connected with politics. They say they will be allowed to fly under a neutral flag. True, many people overlook the fact that Russians often fight for medals. On the other hand, the situation in Ukraine is not good and uncomplicated. I feel sorry for the athletes,” said Geyduk.
Recall that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) decided to exclude Russian hockey players from participation in international tournaments, even with a neutral status, and in 2023 received from Russia the right to host the home junior world championship.
In early July 2022, the IIHF disciplinary committee rejected the Russian Ice Hockey Federation’s (RHF) appeal for admission to international competitions.
Representative of several hockey players, formerly of the Finnish league Simo Niiranen gave an opinionContinental Hockey League (KHL) clubs lost interest from foreign players.