Russian teams have been barred from many international sporting events, but some Ukrainian protesters say individual athletes should face restrictions too. In Ottawa, demonstrators called for NHL star Alexander Ovechkin to be banned from Canada.
Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals were in town to play the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday. Outside the Canadian Tire Centre, members of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress held signs calling for him to be barred.
Mike Ryndzak, a member of the group, said it was unacceptable for Ovechkin to support Russia while the war in Ukraine continues. “It’s a war. Destruction and devastation is going on as we speak and for them it’s business as usual,” he said.
The congress has also called on Canada to deny Ovechkin entry, arguing that his public support for Russian President Vladimir Putin amounts to promoting genocide against Ukraine. The group cites a section of Canada’s Criminal Code that makes advocating genocide a criminal offence.
The protest followed Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement that Russian and Belarusian junior players would not be permitted to compete in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship, scheduled for Western Canada later this year.
Ovechkin said young players should be allowed to take part, adding that fans want to see top prospects who could become future NHL stars. He also said the decision was not up to the players.
Asked about the protest outside the arena, the 41-year-old said he had only heard about it that morning and didn’t know what to say. He added that protests happen around the world.
Ovechkin has faced criticism from Ukrainian supporters in sports media for his public backing of Putin. In September, ESPN reporter Robert Klemko questioned him about appearing in a pro-Putin advertisement and asked whether he would support a genocide carried out by Russia. Ovechkin replied that he hoped it would not come to that.
There are 58 Russian players currently in the NHL. Among them is Ottawa defenseman Artem Zub, who played significant minutes in the Senators’ 3-2 loss to Washington on Tuesday. The teams are scheduled to meet again in April.
