In a candid interview on the YouTube channel Slippery Ice, the French forward Stefan Da Costa discussed his decision not to join the French national team this season. The reason, he explained, is tied to the ongoing resumption of play in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He framed the choice as a straightforward one, grounded in his understanding of how the hockey world operates and his own career priorities.
Asked whether remaining in the KHL presented a challenge, Da Costa answered with clear restraint. He noted that obstacles or friction were not part of the equation for him. The only disappointment, he said, came from not being able to represent France on the international stage because of his commitments in Russia. He described the federation’s decision as disappointing and even frustrating, yet he emphasized the importance of loyalty to club and country. Even so, the national team remains a significant arena for him, and he acknowledged the emotional weight of investments made over the years in that jersey.
Observers have noted a broader trend in the league, with a decline in foreign players and clubs following last season. The upheaval surrounding the Ukraine conflict has prompted many expatriate players to leave Russia, and some federations have voiced opposition to competing in the KHL. For example, Latvia enacted legislation restricting its athletes and coaches from taking part in events hosted in Russia or Belarus. Against this backdrop, Avtomobilist Motorsport’s performance has been in focus, particularly after a recent playoff setback to Metallurg. The dynamics of international participation and league composition continue to shape the landscape of professional hockey in the region, adding layers to a storyline that blends personal choice with national and geopolitical considerations. Slippery Ice notes that Da Costa’s stance reflects a broader wave of players weighing national duty against the realities of playing in the KHL, a balance that remains fragile amid evolving international sports policies.