He wants to go to the NHL and refused to serve
Russian military arrest national goalie Fedotov
Because he refused to renew his contract with CSKA Moscow and wants to play in the NHL, Russia’s army has drafted Olympic goalie Ivan Fedotov (25). Is he now threatened with being sent to the war front?
Published: 10:00 a.m
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Updated: 10:11 am
Fedotov was apparently arrested for refusing military service. This is reported by several media from the USA such as the “New York Times” or the specialist magazine “The Hockey News”. They cite Russian sources. Freelance ice hockey journalist Aivis Kalnins writes on Twitter: “From what I’ve researched, they tried to force Ivan Fedotov to sign a new contract with CSKA, otherwise he would have to join the army. There are no human rights in Russia.”
Fedotov last played for CSKA Moscow, whose players are considered military personnel. During the Soviet Union, the hockey club was even an official part of the army. Today it is owned by the Rosneft oil company, which in turn is majority owned by the Russian government. A move to the Philadelphia Flyers, which Fedotov is seeking, might be seen as a violation of Russian law, writes the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Olympic goalie and best KHL witcher
Fedotov was number 1 in goal for the Russian national team’s last appearance before the start of the war and led the team to Olympic silver at the Olympic Games in Beijing. He also had an outstanding season in the KHL, winning the Gagarin Cup with CSKA Moscow and being named the best KHL goalie. This aroused the desire of the Philadelphia Flyers, who drafted Fedotow in 2015 and have now offered him a contract for the 2022-23 season.
Fedotov was reportedly taken to the Russian Military Registration and Enlistment Bureau. It is not yet known what will happen to him next. Should he even be sent to the war front, as is secretly feared? The Russian newspaper “Fontanka” denies that this intention exists. However, Article 328 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation states that “escape from military or alternative civilian service” can be punished with up to two years in prison.
Do NHL stars have to stay in Russia?
Apparently Fedotov fell ill following his arrest. He is said to have been taken away from the military recruitment office with an ambulance, and corresponding images are circulating on social media. According to the newspaper “Fontanka”, the 25-year-old spent the night in the hospital. Fedotov’s agent Igor Paraschkin said in a first statement: “I can’t comment on the situation at the moment. I should know more tomorrow.” Chuck Fletcher, general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers, said of the irritating news: “We are currently trying to get an overview of the situation. I can’t say more at the moment.”
Perhaps Russia is simply not interested in sending its top athletes to the USA in the wake of the war in Ukraine and the resulting sanctions from the West. Fears that even the big NHL stars like Alexander Ovechkin (Washington) or Andrei Wassilewski (Tampa) might not be able to return to their organizations in the fall have existed for some time.
A total of 57 Russians played in the NHL last season. Most of them have returned to their home country following the season, although their clubs have urged them to stay in North America. Deputy NHL Commissioner Bill Daly says: “If Russia refuses to let you leave the country, then there’s not much we can do.”
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