“NHL will be SVO’s advertisement”
Czech former goaltender Dominik Hasek used his Instagram page to criticize NHL leadership for allowing Russian players to continue in the league while the country faces the ongoing special military operation. The remarks appeared in the wake of a wider debate about how the league balances sport and geopolitics, with Hasek framing the issue as one of influence and accountability. Reports on social media coverage of his post noted the contention surrounding this stance.
“Unfortunately, I have to write that this will be the third season in which the NHL will once again turn into a huge advertisement for the Russian special military operation. The league will again be responsible for many lives lost and injured.” — Hasek expressed in a posted message. His words were linked to concerns about how the NHL is perceived during times of conflict and how players from Russia are treated within the league’s broader ecosystem.
“Waste Material Words”
Hasek’s critiques toward Russia drew sharp counterpoints from Russian hockey circles. Fedor Kanareikin, a respected former Spartak coach and honored figure in Russian hockey, dismissed the stance as a mere personal opinion and suggested that jealousy could be a factor given the success of Russian players in the NHL. Kanareikin urged a look at past financial matters tied to Spartak and Vyacheslav Fetisov, who remarked that the public comments should be weighed against other realities. Kanareikin labeled the remarks as waste material, indicating that rhetoric does not drive lasting change.
– said Kanareikin. The exchange highlighted the friction between supporters of Russia’s hockey program and critics who argue for different career and financial considerations within the sport.
Hasek criticized in Czech Republic
Within the Czech Republic, Vyacheslav Fetisov called on Hasek to address the money he earned during his time with Soviet-era clubs in Russia. Czech observers also noted that Tomas Vychodil, a former Czech football player, criticized Hasek for his stance on visa policy toward Russian players, a controversy reported by Match TV. The broader reaction illustrated how sports figures in different countries weigh in on the ethics of player movement and international competition during tense political times.
“If he doesn’t like something, let him come and return the money he earned while playing for Spartak in Russia.” Vychodil added that Hasek’s earlier push to limit visas for Russian players raised questions about a person’s intent and empathy toward fellow athletes. The remarks reflected ongoing debate about how public figures should navigate political disagreements within the realm of sport.
What is Hasek not happy with?
Hasek repeatedly criticized the Czech government for not enforcing a legal ban on local athletes competing in Russia. He also opposed the participation of Russian hockey players in international competitions since the start of the special military operation. Hasek pressed NHL leadership, specifically asking for a ban on Russians attending games, and his communications were noted by Spor.cz as a significant part of the public discourse surrounding the issue.
“The first time he gave me a short reply, saying it was based on US law and the NHL had a different view on the situation. He did not respond to a longer follow-up letter,” the account attributed to Hasek described. These exchanges underscored the friction between political considerations and the governing bodies of sport.
Refuses to refund money
Despite presenting a principled stance against Russia, Hasek also faced questions about money earned during his time with Spartak. In 2010, he spoke about his decision not to refund earnings, arguing that he played in the KHL during a period when Russia was described by him as relatively democratic. He stated that the club owed him nothing and that his contract work had been completed fairly. He maintained that the situation in Russia had changed since then, which influenced his view on financial settlements tied to his playing career.