Alexander Kozhevnikov, a two-time Olympic champion, weighed in on Dominik Hasek’s recent public remarks, suggesting that the former Czech national ice hockey team goaltender would benefit from professional psychiatric evaluation. Kozhevnikov shared his perspective in interviews, emphasizing concerns about Hasek’s mental health and the potential need for treatment. He speculated that such issues might be more easily addressed with access to appropriate care in different countries, noting his belief that Hasek has displayed troubling patterns of behavior. According to Kozhevnikov, the rhetoric surrounding Hasek’s statements could be interpreted as delusional by medical professionals, and he urged a closer look from specialists rather than accepting the public discourse at face value. He described Hasek’s public conduct as inconsistent, saying that the person may be prone to hostility in one moment and contrition in another, which, in his view, signals a deeper problem. Kozhevnikov insisted the concerns are serious enough to warrant professional assessment rather than casual dismissal. He also claimed that many regular observers initially ignored what he viewed as warning signs, which, in his assessment, underscores the need for timely treatment and expert guidance. This framing is presented as Kozhevnikov’s personal interpretation, rather than a medical diagnosis, but it reflects a broader conversation about the responsibilities of former elite athletes when speaking on health matters.
Hasek subsequently apologized for his appearance during the opening game of the National Hockey League season between the Buffalo Sabres and the Chicago Blackhawks on January 18. He characterized the incident as a major misstep and expressed regret for the situation. The apology came after Hasek’s public remarks in which he addressed Russian players and officials and tied the broader geopolitical context to the participation of Russian athletes in international events.
In the aftermath of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Hasek voiced strong opinions about the role of Russian players in the NHL and international competition. He remarked that, given the events in Ukraine, no athlete from Russia would be able to participate in certain international tournaments. This stance was conveyed in a statement directed at Russian hockey players and officials on January 9. The comments appeared to respond to criticisms voiced by other prominent former players about the level of performance at the 2024 World Junior Championship without the participation of the Russian team.
The discussion touches on broader concerns about the influence of political events on sports and how public figures from the hockey world address those dynamics. While some observers may focus on the tactical and athletic implications of such statements, others call for careful, measured discourse that respects the complexities involved in international competition and athlete eligibility. The episode also notes Hasek’s past as a standout player, including his time with Spartak and his reputation as one of the fastest and most influential players in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) era.