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.
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I honestly don’t get this line of thinking. This would’ve made the 72 Series impossible.
And the Miracle on Ice.
Or any of the great Canada/Russia moments.
There is value, culturally, in beating the big bad Russians in front of the world.
Unless we’re actually arguing that what Putin is doing in Ukraine is MORE offensive than what the Soviet Union was doing throughout the Cold War… but it’s not.
EDIT: Just realized who I was quoting, and of course it’s understandable that you have this position - not even saying you’re wrong. Only that there’s value in taking the opportunity to punch the Russians in the nose when it presents itself.