The Hockey Hall of Fame is planning to induct a retired Russian ice hockey player, who used to play for the Detroit Red Wings. However, there are calls to cancel the honor because the player reportedly supported his country’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is protesting the decision to honor Pavel Datsyuk, the retired NHL player and ex-Olympic champion. They find it deeply offensive and don’t want him to be inducted into the Hall of Fame or allowed into Canada for the ceremony.
The group claims that Datsyuk attended an event honoring members of the Russian army involved in the war against Ukraine. They also accuse him of being a long-time supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The UCC has brought their concerns to the Hockey Hall of Fame’s president and the federal government, urging them to reject Datsyuk’s application for a visa if he tries to come to Canada.
The Hockey Hall of Fame President Jeff Denomme defended Datsyuk’s selection, emphasizing his accomplishments on the ice and stating that it would be unfair to hold him responsible for Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Datsyuk has been invited to the induction ceremony on November 11 in Toronto, and the UCC has reached out to government officials to prevent his entry into Canada.
The NHL has taken actions against players who openly support Putin or Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This has become a challenge in the international sports community, with measures such as suspending business partnerships in Russia and allowing neutral participation for athletes from certain countries at the Olympics.
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