Marty Walsh, president of the National Hockey League (NHL) players’ union, expressed the opinion that Russia should return to the international arena because it would benefit the entire hockey community. His words are quoted Athletic.
“Russian hockey players did not create this situation in Ukraine. They are the majority of the people I represent. We will resolve the issue of their performance on the international stage in a positive way. I think the world would like to see [турнир c учаcтием Роccии]. The hockey world and the entire world will benefit from an all-country tournament of only the best against the best. That would be the best case scenario,” said Walsh.
A council of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) met on February 12-13, 2024 and it was decided to extend the suspensions of Russia and Belarus for another season. The organization stated that the IIHF Council will continue to monitor the situation and in May 2025 will consider the reintegration of the Russian and Belarusian national teams for the 2025/26 season.
On February 13, IIHF President Luc Tardif said that Russia has not yet lost its chance to play in the 2026 Olympics in Italy.
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