Quote:
Originally Posted by Huntingwhale
I'm fairly certain that the Russian war is the reason for canceling the tournament. Russia is obviously on everybody's #### list and pretty much banned on most, if not all, major sporting events. There is a big difference between NHL players born in Russia playing on North American teams under contracts, versus a tournament that would very clearly have the Russian flag represented and would rub most people the wrong way.
Rather than go through the entire ordeal of having a tournament without Russia, the league basically decided to say F it and avoid the conversation that goes with that decision. From a PR standpoint, it is easily the best decision.
FWIW I am not against banning Russian-born NHL players at all. But I would be extremely disappointed if Russia as a flag-bearing team was allowed to participate in this tournament. Sucks because I do enjoy watching their national hockey team, but it's the right choice to exclude them.
|
If it is simply to do with their country name and flag, they could have a team with their logo as a photo of the Earth or something. Give them Draisaitl, Hischier, and Kopitar, and let them be a "rest of world team". Although, I suppose some people would think that's a gimmick.