Like all its nationals who are in Russia or Belarus, Canadian hockey players who play for a KHL team should leave these two countries, says the government of Justin Trudeau.
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The press secretary of Mélanie Joly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed in a statement sent to The Press Canadian, and of which The newspaper also got a copy, yesterday, that ” [le] government has been very clear. Canadians should avoid all travel to Russia and Belarus.”
“If they are in Russia or Belarus, they should leave now,” added Adrien Blanchard. Our ability to provide consular services could become extremely limited. »
This season, 46 Canadian players are wearing the colors of a Continental Hockey League (KHL) team and the vast majority of them play on Russian or Belarusian soil.
Of the lot, there are seven Quebecers (see down there) as well as a few former Canadians, Cédric Paquette, Mark Barberio, Jordan Weal and Brandon Davidson.
Russia, supported by Belarus, invaded Ukraine on February 24.
Canada quickly showed its support for the Ukrainians in this conflict, which has been bogged down for more than six months, in particular by imposing financial sanctions on the two belligerent nations.
The sports world has also strongly reprimanded Russia and Belarus. Athletes from both countries were banned from the Paralympic Games in early March.
Their national teams have also been excluded from many competitions held since the start of the war, including the World Hockey Championships and the upcoming Soccer World Cup.
“Athletes who decide to play in Russia or Belarus and partner with those countries should explain their decision to the public,” Blanchard added in his email.
We have heard very little, if at all, from the players playing in the KHL since the start of the conflict. The numerous calls, emails and text messages sent by The newspaper have almost all remained a dead letter.
Those who responded to us said they did not want to broach the subject, as they do not wish to discuss politics. Impossible to know if it is the choice of the athletes contacted or a directive from the league.
The example of Finland
Defender of the organization of the Canadian, Otto Leskinen, for his part, returned to his time in the KHL, in a scrum last week.
Last campaign, Leskinen played for Jokerit Helsinki in his native country. His team left the league shortly after the dispute broke out and did not return this season.
“Hockey-wise, I loved my experience in the KHL,” said the 25-year-old. But as soon as the war started, I knew it was over. Because of my principles, I no longer wanted to play in that league. »
– With Mathieu Boulay and Jean-François Chaumont
Seven Quebecers in the KHL
There are seven Quebec players playing in the KHL this season, including six who play for teams located in Russia or Belarus, the two countries involved in the war in Ukraine.
- Michael Chaput, Barys Astana striker
- Cedric Paquette, Dinamo Minsk striker
- Mark Barberio, Dinamo Minsk defender
- John Gilmour, Dinamo Minsk defender
- Devin Brosseau, Kunlun Red Star striker
- Philippe Maillet, Magnitogorsk Metallurg striker
- Jérémy Roy, Vityaz Podolsk defender
Source : eliteprospects.com