Alex Ovechkin advocates for Russian players amid international hockey debate
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 10, 2026, 7:05 PM
Last updated Nov 10, 2026
Alex Ovechkin stated on November 10 in Ottawa that Russian athletes want to represent their country in international hockey. The Washington Capitals captain refrained from commenting on the Court of Arbitration for Sport's recent ruling that reinstates Russia in IIHF competitions. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Russia will not play at the upcoming World Junior Championship, while several countries oppose Russia's return due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Ovechkin remarked on the desire for top players to compete but distanced himself from political implications, affirming his status as an athlete.
- •Ovechkin emphasizes the desire of Russian players to represent their country.
- •The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled Russia must be reinstated in IIHF events.
- •Canada's Prime Minister Bar Carney insists Russia cannot participate in the World Juniors.
- •Hockey nations like Sweden and Finland oppose Russia's return, citing the war.
- •Ovechkin has previously expressed personal support for Putin but claims to focus on hockey.
- 7:05 PMYahoo Sports — Alex Ovechkin says Russians want to play for their country, doesn't weigh in on CAS decision
"OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Alex Ovechkin said Tuesday that athletes from Russia just want to represent their country, but the Washington Capitals' captain and NHL career goal-scoring leader declined to weigh in on the decision to allow his home nation back into international hockey tournaments.“I don’t know how it’s going to work out, but I’m pretty sure if you ask the fans, the fans want to see the best players out there,” Ovechkin said after his team's morning skate ahead of playing the Ottawa Sen
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