It has already become fashionable in the European sports community to break any relations with Russia. The ice hockey federations of Finland, the Czech Republic, Latvia and Sweden are even introducing penalties against their own citizens: a complete ban on being called up to the national team for KHL players. Therefore, the next such sanctions, unfortunately, are already perceived calmly.

And yet in Europe there was a country that could pleasantly surprise. In Slovakia, they decided not to follow the general trend and allowed compatriots from the KHL to play for the national team. Moreover, some of them got the first Olympic medal in the history of the country.

However, this decision could lead to the destruction of the federation: in Slovakia they threatened to cancel the funding of the sports organization.

Former achievements are forgotten

Eight Slovaks have active contracts with clubs in the KHL. And unlike other countries, in quantitative terms, the representation of Slovakia in our league has increased since last season, though only by one player. And for example, there are many times fewer hockey players with a Swedish passport: In the 2021/2022 season, 26 people played in the KHL, and only six in the current one. At the same time, in Sweden they also closed the road to the national team for the entire six. True, only keeper Adam Reideborn was included in the national team. So the position of the Scandinavians was only to demonstrate belonging to the general trend.

But the decision of the Slovak Hockey Federation to invite KHL players to the country’s main team was dictated solely by concern for the national team. Some Slovak players from our league have recently represented their country at the Olympic Games in Beijing: goalkeeper Patrik Rybar, defender Michal Chaikovsky and forward Michal Krysztof. At the same time, Rybar was the main keeper in the national team, and Tchaikovsky played in the first pair. Slovakia in Beijing sensationally won bronze medals, and the players became national heroes.

Michal Chaikovsky / Photo: © REUTERS / Annegret Hilse

And the Slovak Hockey Federation simply could not close the way to the national team for hockey players who got the first Olympic medal in the history of Slovak hockey. Therefore, sports officials calmly explained to their compatriots that hockey players playing in the KHL do not violate any laws. Moreover, they should not be criticized for their choice.

However, not everyone has a developed sense of gratitude. Partners and sponsors of the federation opposed the call to the national team of hockey players from the KHL. The Ministry of Sports of Slovakia adheres to the same position.

– We will consider the issue of providing a state contribution to the federation, which should also represent the interests of Slovakia. And we will consider the issue of the legality of expenses for these players, – Sport.cz quotes a statement.

That is, the Ministry of Sports and various sponsors want to leave the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation without money if they do not change their mind. On the one hand, they provide a choice: do what you want, but not at our expense. On the other hand, this is an ultimatum, because the federation will cease to exist without funding. And in Slovakia, there are hardly any daredevils who will take on the financial hardships of a sports organization.

Therefore, most likely, officials from the ministry will be able to lobby their position. Only they are unlikely to give up the bronze medals of the Olympic Games, which were mined by Slovak KHL players. Still, functionaries need to be accountable for the work done.

The players themselves will take any news calmly. For example, the Spartak keeper Rybar said back in early September that he was ready to say goodbye to the national team.

Patrik Rybar / Photo: © RIA Novosti / Pavel Bednyakov

– Possible non-call to the Slovakian national team? I do not think about it. Coming here was a choice for both me and my family. We talked a lot about it, and I’m in the right place for me. I don’t think about politics, but only about sports, and I am happy to play both in the KHL and in the national team, ”said Rybar.

The defender of “Siberia” Tchaikovsky adheres to the same position. The Slovak did not even think about leaving his club in the offseason and not returning to the team’s location.

– There was no option that I would not return to Novosibirsk. I immediately told the guys and the coaching staff that I would come 100%. The reaction in Slovakia to my decision to go to Russia was different. Some reacted badly, others positively. But for me the main thing is what my family wants and what I want. And we really like Novosibirsk, – said Tchaikovsky

Strengthen the national team of Slovakia can not only hockey players from the “bronze” composition of the Olympic Games in Beijing. There is also 26-year-old Avangard defender Christian Yarosh. The hockey player in recent years tried to gain a foothold in the NHL, but he often had to dust himself in the farm club. And now that he is in Europe, he would most likely receive a call-up to the national team. We should not forget about the 23-year-old forward of Neftekhimik Samuel Buchek, who recently played at the MFM-2018.

However, all Slovak hockey players from the KHL will most likely close the road to the national team. And yesterday’s heroes of the country will turn into outcasts. If only the Slovak officials did not take away medals from their compatriots.