After reports of the illegal acquisition of a military ID, clouds gathered over Kirill Kaprizov. Although representatives of the Russian hockey player immediately denied this information, he nevertheless decided to leave for the United States. But the attacker unexpectedly failed to do this – and for a very ridiculous reason.

In Minnesota, they worried in vain for the safety of their hockey player in Russia. The club itself blocked his way to America!

What happened at Kaprizov?

“Either he stole, or they stole from him, but there was some kind of bad story there” – a phrase that absolutely accurately characterizes Kaprizov’s situation right now. After the scandal with the goalkeeper of the Russian national team and Philadelphia Ivan Fedotov, who was unexpectedly sent to serve in Novaya Zemlya, the incident with Kirill began to be treated with special attention. And even tried to link the two cases.

Ivan Fedotov / Photo: © KHL / Andrey Golovanov

According to one version of the media, while playing for Salavat Yulaev, Fedotov bought a military ticket through the former police officer Farit Samigullin, who was detained in the spring for helping athletes evade military service. The goalkeeper was not alone in the list of “clients” of the detective: other well-known hockey players, including Kaprizov, are on it.

However, this information was soon refuted by several sources at once. According to the father of the hockey player, Cyril is a student, therefore he has a deferment from the army. Although her term expired in June, Kaprizov had to submit an updated certificate to the military registration and enlistment office.

Minnesota did not want to let Kaprizov go to Russia

After the name of Kaprizov surfaced in connection with the Fedotov case, Minnesota fans frankly panicked. And they even began to talk in social networks about whether the “savages” would be able to withdraw his multimillion-dollar salary from the salary ceiling if the forward was not released from Russia.

The question of the return of Russian hockey players to their homeland after the end of the season worried many in the NHL. Several GMs of teams where the Russians play spoke to their players about how much they need to travel to Russia right now. Including such a conversation took place with the general manager of Minnesota Bill Guerin and Kaprizov. Apparently, the hockey player made it clear to the general manager that he misses his family and friends.

What should I have said to that? Say you can’t go home? It is logical that they want to go home, they want to see their families, no matter what. And I don’t blame him,” Guerin retold their dialogue.

Now he probably regrets that he did not persuade Kaprizov to stay.

Photo: © REUTERS / Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports

Kaprizov was expected in the USA, but was not allowed into the country

A few days ago, information appeared in the media that the hockey player nevertheless flew to the United States. But he never made it to Minnesota. The Athletic reported that he was denied entry to the country, twice. First, Kaprizov flew to Dubai, from where he tried to return to America, then he tried to “break through” through the Caribbean Islands. And again refusal.

According to an insider, the reason may be the lack of a work visa. And without it, as you know, they won’t even put you on a plane in the USA. Last season, when American embassies around the world were not functioning at full capacity due to covid, European hockey players were allowed to come to North America without a visa. Apparently, this year the exception was canceled.

It turns out that, worried about the safety of the hockey player in Russia, Minnesota did not make sure that his return went smoothly. Instead of taking care of his visa in advance, the club and its fans threw a tantrum on social networks … Did the “savages” just parted ways with their star in advance – and simply didn’t give a damn about his problems?

However, in defense of the club, we can say that returning overseas in July is a rather rare step for foreign hockey players who prefer to relax and prepare for the season at home until the start of training camps. It is quite possible that the “savages” simply did not have time to resolve Kaprizov’s visa issue. Now, when it has become clear that no one is going to forcibly keep the player in Russia, it’s time for the club to stop panicking and get down to paperwork.