“I hear your voice, it gives me strength”
Former CSKA goalkeeper Ivan Fedotov, who served in the army, has been trying to stay connected with the outside world as much as possible. Through his wife, Nadezhda, he issued a message to supporters who care deeply about his situation, and Fedotov’s words were shared across social networks.
“During a tough period for us, the family and relatives can feel the support of many caring people around the world who have followed Ivan’s story. At Ivan’s request, we would like to express our gratitude,” the message began.
“I want to thank all of my fans, hockey enthusiasts, and followers for their quiet, steadfast support during this challenging time. Thank you for not letting my situation go unnoticed. Thank you to everyone who left a mark in my life with their voices and involvement. Whether in public or private circles, the professional community has offered perspective and backing.”
The note continued with a personal acknowledgment: “I can hear your voices, and that gives me strength and hope for a positive outcome.”
— A statement from Nadezhda Fedotova.
“If the decision is found to be unlawful, he will return”
Fedotov had been preparing to pursue an NHL career in the coming season and had signed a one-year contract with Philadelphia in May. The situation took an unexpected turn on July 1 when he faced detention in St. Petersburg on suspicions related to avoiding military service. Initially, he was not placed directly into a military unit, but the sequence began with a hospital stay, as his lawyer, Alexei Ponomarev, explained that the athlete experienced gastritis aggravated by stress. After being discharged, Fedotov was sent to Severodvinsk in the Arkhangelsk region for military service.
The episode sparked debate within the sports community. Many respected figures argued that he should have fulfilled his service obligations. Fedotov’s defense, however, filed a complaint with the military prosecutor’s office asking for the draft decision to be deemed unlawful and cancelled. At present, there is no court order, according to Ponomarev, though one could be issued within a week.
“We are awaiting the court’s decision. It hasn’t happened yet, but there is hope for information within a week,” Ponomarev said. “If the court finds the decision unlawful, Fedotov will be released regardless of whether he is on duty.”
The timing of the court decision remains uncertain, and experts note the broader implications for Fedotov’s future and for Philadelphia’s plans. A recent discussion with Chuck Fletcher, the club’s general manager, revealed concern about whether Ivan still had access to his phone and how the situation could affect roster decisions. The club is monitoring the situation closely, while Aleksey Ponomarev emphasized that Fedotov remained on territory controlled by a military unit in the Arkhangelsk region.
“Kaprizov postponed from the army”
Fedotov’s case has set a precedent. Media reports indicate that an unnamed Russian NHL player opted to delay his return home after the Fedotov situation, fearing a repeat sequence. The American press has also shown interest in Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota’s star forward, who encountered entry issues to the United States. He attempted cross-border entries from Dubai and from a Caribbean island but did not possess the required work visa on both attempts. As highlighted by the media figure Shumi Babaev on a Russian broadcast, Kaprizov has recently undergone surgery and will need to return to the United States for rehabilitation and ongoing medical care.
On the military front, Kaprizov’s status remains a point of discussion, with the player placed on a student deferment. Babaev noted that Kaprizov is currently in rehabilitation in Germany and will travel to the U.S. after recovery to prepare for the season with local medical staff. The deferment is backed by documentation that allows him to delay service under these circumstances.