OTTAWA – Ukrainian Canadians are set to protest outside Ottawa's Canadian Tire Centre on Tuesday as the Washington Capitals, featuring star player Alex Ovechkin, take on the Ottawa Senators. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress has organized a demonstration titled "No War Crimes in Hockey," aimed at condemning Ovechkin for his support of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The protest also aims to bolster calls for the Canadian government to impose sanctions on Ovechkin due to his ties with the Kremlin. Two petitions in the House of Commons, sponsored by Liberal Members of Parliament Yvan Baker and Bardish Chagger, have been tabled to advocate for measures that would prevent Ovechkin from entering Canada.
Ovechkin, who is recognized as the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, appeared in a campaign advertisement for Putin's ruling United Russia political party in September, standing alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. In response to public outcry, the Capitals stated that Ovechkin was asked to be part of the video during his summer stay in Russia, where he lives with his family during the off-season.
In the past, Ovechkin has openly voiced his support for Putin, initiating a movement known as the "Putin Team" in 2017, claiming that he was merely expressing his patriotism. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, he called for a cessation of hostilities but also acknowledged his relationship with Putin, emphasizing that while Putin is his president, he considers himself an athlete rather than a politician.
Ovechkin's visit to Canada comes amid a separate controversy regarding Russia’s potential return to international hockey. On October 30, the Court of Arbitration for Sport decided that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) must reinstate Russia, which has been excluded from international competition since the onset of the Ukraine invasion.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has made it clear that Russian players will not be permitted to represent their country at the upcoming world junior hockey championship scheduled for December in Alberta. The situation escalated after Norway reported that the IIHF had informed them that Russia would replace them in the men’s under-20 tournament.
Countries like Sweden and Finland have reiterated their stance against facing Russia as long as the war continues. However, the IIHF has yet to formally announce any alterations to the lineup for the world junior championship.
Tuesday's game in Ottawa marks the first time 41-year-old Ovechkin returns to Canada after announcing his intention to retire at the conclusion of his 22nd NHL season.
This developing story continues to raise significant public and political discussion, reflecting the broader complexities surrounding international relations, sport, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
