More than two dozen organizations are urging the National Hockey League (NHL) to reject any potential on-ice matchups with the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), Russia's top hockey league. The request is directly linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine. These groups believe that any collaboration with a Russian sports league would be insensitive and send the wrong message given the current circumstances.
The call to action comes at a time when a prominent Russian NHL player is being celebrated for his accomplishments. This creates a delicate balance for the NHL, which must consider both the achievements of its players and the broader geopolitical context.
The organizations argue that engaging in games with the KHL would be seen as tacit support for Russia and its actions in Ukraine. They emphasize the importance of isolating Russia on the international stage, including in the realm of sports. The NHL has not yet released an official statement regarding the request from these groups. It remains to be seen how the league will respond to this growing pressure.
Groups Urge NHL to Reject Games With Russian Hockey League
Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, a coalition of organizations is pressuring the National Hockey League (NHL) to avoid scheduling games against teams from Russia's Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). The groups argue that such matchups would be inappropriate given the current geopolitical climate and Russia's actions in Ukraine. This call comes as a prominent Russian NHL player receives recognition for his achievements, creating a complex situation for the league. The NHL has yet to comment on the request.
Source: Read the original article at NBC