Renowned Soviet and Russian figure skating luminary Tatyana Tarasova recently voiced sharp criticism regarding reports that the Russian national hockey team might skip the World Cup in 2025. Her stance was relayed by RB Sports, underscoring how deeply Russia is tied to hockey as a national sport and how the international scene would feel a void without its involvement.
Tarasova remarked that the idea of excluding Russia from the World Cup would be a blow to a sport that has long been a source of national pride. She labeled moves to bar Russia from world hockey as a foolish and shortsighted approach, arguing that the country has a storied history in the game and a robust pipeline of talent that has enriched competitions across continents.
Meanwhile, Marty Walsh, president of the National Hockey League Players Association, indicated that Russian players are unlikely to participate in the February 2025 NHL international showcase. Earlier in the year, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly announced plans to stage the World Cup in 2025 with participation from teams representing Canada, Sweden, Finland, and the United States. Organizers signaled a preference for venues in Europe, aiming to create a marquee event that would bring together top talent from multiple leagues under one global banner.
The International Hockey Federation has a history of tense relations with Russian hockey. In spring 2022, the IIHF barred Russian players from international competition, even when they appeared under neutral flags. The ruling also stripped Russia of the right to host the junior world championship on home soil in 2023, a decision that reinforced ongoing debate about participation and eligibility in global tournaments. The ripple effect of those decisions continues to shape discussions about nationality, eligibility, and competitive balance in the sport.
Observers note that several veteran coaches and officials have maintained a steady stream of optimism that Russia will be invited back to international play and that the country will reclaim a place on the world stage. They emphasize that Russia’s absence would be felt not only in the standings but in the cultural and competitive fabric of international hockey, where rivalries, shared histories, and the joy of the game are carried across players and fans alike.