Athletistic/Hockey. Olympic hockey champion Andrei Kovalenko shared his opinion on the NHL’s decision to hold a tournament for national teams without the participation of Russia. This competition is scheduled to take place in February 2025.
“I don’t think anything good about such a tournament. First of all, I am offended for the generation of Russian hockey players who, due to double standards, lose the opportunity to feel the taste of international matches .
I doubt the NHL will become addicted to this format. The absence of the Russian national team, especially in the current situation, is a serious commercial blow for the league. I suspect that the NHL will not resist in this matter and, if possible, will remove this project that has no intrigue.
In 1998, this would never have been a dream. Even two or three years ago, no one would have believed in such a collapse of world tournaments. And now it looks like this situation is going to last for a long time. However, I would not be surprised if everything changes very quickly – and in just a few months common sense will return to both the IIHF and the IOC,” Kovalenko said according to Russia-hockey.ru.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that the NHL was close to agreeing on the final details of the national team tournament. Only four teams will participate: Canada, the United States, Finland and Sweden. The competition is intended to temporarily replace the World Cup, which is inappropriate to hold without the participation of the Russian national team.
Source: Sport
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