The expression “sport outside of politics” has long been difficult to take seriously. Western countries have done everything possible so that not a trace of this principle remains. These changes have also affected hockey: several European federations now prohibit their players from playing in Russia under the threat of exclusion from the national team.

But the Czech Republic went further. Local sports authorities tried to remove Russian players from the Global Series matches in Prague, but were unable to succeed. The NHL suddenly stood in the way of the Czechs.

The North American League delivered a tough ultimatum to the Czech Republic. All for the Russians!

“Either we all go, or no one goes”

“Nashville” and “San Jose” as part of the Global Series were supposed to start the next season in Prague. In the Czech Republic, they were eager to see live teams with big stars in the roster, but only on one condition – without Russians. This was openly stated by the Czech Foreign Ministry, threatening not to let our compatriots into the country.

In the NHL, these words reacted quickly. Very soon, an insider appeared, according to which the deputy commissioner of the league, Bill Daly, delivered an ultimatum: either the matches will be held with the participation of the Russians, or Prague will not see the Global Series at all.

– The NHL has discussed all legal issues with the Czech Republic and does not expect obstacles. If they arise, the league will not play the scheduled matches in the Czech Republic and the clubs will play at home. The clubs have everything ready, – said R-Sport, citing its own source.

Surprisingly, American fans took this option rather positively. Soon they began to defend their players in San Jose, where Alexander Barabanov and Evgeny Svechnikov play. And the general manager of the club, Mike Greer, has already officially spoken about this.

“Either we all go, or no one goes. I firmly believe that we are a team. It’s not the fault of the players, they didn’t do anything wrong. So I don’t think they should be punished for it. We are with them, and we are together as one,” NBC correspondent Shen Pen quotes Greer.

And then Barabanov and Svechnikov were supported by their teammates.

“I think we are a team here, and if we go there, we want all of our team members to be there,” Sharks captain Logan Couture said.

The statement of one of the players of the San Jose system, the Czech forward Tomas Gertl, is especially valuable. For him, playing an official NHL match in his homeland is an exceptional chance that many other legionnaires may never get in their lives. The Czech could have lost this opportunity because of the position of the club, but he still supported it!

– We support the whole team and especially Barbie (Alexandra Barabanova). I played a lot with him last year and he’s a great guy. This is a difficult situation. It’s not the players’ fault and he shouldn’t be punished for it,” Gertl said.

Tomas Gertl / Photo: © IMAGO/Larry MacDougal / imago-images.de / Global Look Press

Unexpectedly, but American fans also believe that the matches should be held with the participation of the Russians. At the same time, they noted Gertl’s courage, because European athletes are often criticized for even a minimal connection with Russia.

– Cancel matches! The team is above politics, says joemama42069123

“This is not politics. This is genocide,” darina_vymetali said harshly.

– Awesome. The team becomes stronger together, – admires the cohesion of the “sharks” HTTerminal2027

“I hate it when politicians get involved in sports,” writes Zakman200

– Did anyone really think that hockey players would allow one of their teammates to be suspended because of where they were born? asks shawnp84

Alexander Barabanov / Photo: © IMAGO/Larry MacDougal / imago-images.de / Global Look Press

Fans who agree with Tomas were found even in the Czech Republic.

“Tomas Gertl should probably give up the Czech Internet and social networks for a few days,” writes Czech journalist Lubos Brabec.

“And why would he do it?” Mike Greer and Gertl are absolutely right,” answers Czech fan MartinP59413739.

Interestingly, such cohesion was not seen in Nashville, although Russian hockey player Yakov Trenin plays there. It is clear, however, that not all fans support the decision of the league and San Jose. But be that as it may, it seems that the NHL has achieved its goal. According to Daly, the matches in Prague with the participation of the Russians should still take place, because there are no objective reasons to doubt it.

— We have no concern for the Russian players. Everyone who needs visas already has them, – quotes the words of the San Jose Hockey Now functionary.