Nicklas Lidstrom calls for boycott if Russia returns to international hockey

Nicklas Lidstrom, legendary defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings, has expressed strong opposition to Russia's potential return to international hockey. In a statement to Swedish Hockey News, Lidstrom suggested that Sweden should boycott international tournaments if Russia participates. This comes after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that the International Ice Hockey Federation must allow Russia back into its competitions. The IIHF had banned the Russian Ice Hockey Federation since February 2022 due to the invasion of Ukraine. Despite Lidstrom's stance, Anders Larsson, chairman of the Swedish Hockey Federation, stated that Sweden will not boycott events in which Russia participates. Viacheslav Fetisov, Lidstrom's former teammate, supports Russia's return but insists they should play with national symbols.

• 9:00 AMYahoo Sports — Red Wings Icon Calls For Boycott if Russia is Allowed to Return to International Hockey