Athletistic / Hockey. Legendary Czech goaltender Dominik Hasek appreciated the Hockey Hall of Fame’s decision to introduce Russian forward Pavel Datsyuk to its lineup.
“In November 2024, new members will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. This time, among them will be a Russian citizen – the outstanding hockey player Pavel Datsyuk. With his excellent performances and everything he has done for hockey, Datsyuk undoubtedly deserves a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame. But the induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame is a public event, and each hockey player is usually personally present at the ceremony. And here it is worth mentioning that now not every public speech by a Russian citizen is officially condemned, the SVO is automatically an advertisement for this special operation.
I do not know whether Datsyuk plans to condemn his country’s actions in the coming months and, more importantly, whether he will be able to do so. However, if Pavel does not do so, his appearance at the Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony will become a huge advertisement for the special operation. All this will lead to an escalation of the conflict and a delay in establishing peace.
“Canada and the Hockey Hall of Fame leadership must decide what is most important to them. The decision is yours,” Hasek wrote on his social media page.
Pavel Datsyuk won the Stanley Cup twice with the Detroit Red Wings. The Russian is a member of the “Triple Gold Club,” which includes players who have become Stanley Cup winners, Olympic champions and world champions. Datsyuk has played in the NHL All-Star Game four times and has received the Frank J. Selkie Trophy three times. The award is given to the best defensive forward.
Since February 2022, Dominik Hasek has been constantly criticizing Russia, its athletes, and the NHL leadership. In the summer of 2023, Hasek arrived in Ukraine. It is worth noting that Hasek and Datsyuk played together for Detroit
The official induction ceremony for hockey players into the Hall of Fame will take place in Toronto in November 2024.
Source: Sport
I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
