The National Hockey League’s Columbus Blue Jackets canceled the Russian Heritage Evening that was slated to take place during a regular season game against the Washington Capitals. The cancellation was reported by Match TV through Alexander Braverman, one of the organizers of the event.
A primary reason for the decision was protests from Ukrainian organizations in Ohio, who characterized the upcoming event as a political action rather than a neutral celebration.
Braverman explained the impact clearly, saying that the dances of the previously approved children’s group were canceled first, which left the children who had been preparing for the performance disappointed. He noted that the planned photo with the actors was subsequently scrapped as well. In his words, the organizers felt the event had been turned into a political action, and he expressed strong outrage over the development.
Earlier reports had suggested the night could include gifts for fans and a photo opportunity with Kirill Marchenko, the Russian Columbus forward, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event.
The game between Columbus and Washington was scheduled for the night of December 13, with the starting whistle at 3:00 a.m. Moscow time, a detail that reflected the international framing of the event and its timing for fans and participants in different time zones.
Previously, Dominik Hasek had criticized Columbus over its attempt to organize a Night of Russian Heritage, highlighting the controversy surrounding such initiatives and the scrutiny leaders faced when cultural displays intersect with political sensitivities.
In the wake of the cancellation, the episode underscored how cultural events tied to national heritage can become flashpoints within American sports venues, where local communities and advocacy groups influence decisions that teams must make about games, ceremonies, and fan experiences. The incident serves as a reminder that sports settings often reflect broader geopolitical tensions, and organizers must balance tradition and expression with the potential for political interpretation by audiences and stakeholders alike.