NHL legend Dominik Hasek pushes for team owners to ban Russian players 

Former NHL goalie Dominik Hasek called for a ban on Russian players from the league. In a video from Volia Space in Paris, Hasek asked NHL team owners to stop Russian players from playing.

"The NHL should and could make a decision," Hassek said (from Volia Space). "It’s not only about [NHL Commissioner] Gary Bettman."

Hasek, a two-time Stanley Cup winner, has spoken out about the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He believes the NHL should ban Russian athletes.

"There are 31 owners of NHL teams, and I think that those people are the most responsible. They can sit in their room, and they can vote and make a decision, but they do not want to make that decision," Hassek added.

Hasek's comments followed his criticism of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He said allowing Russian athletes in the Paris 2024 Olympics supports Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Dominik Hasek also criticizes IOC and politicians for allowing Russian athletes to compete

In his video, Dominik Hasek said allowing Russian athletes to compete is more than a sports issue. He claimed it promotes Russia’s policies and war crimes, criticizing global sports groups and politicians for not acting more decisively.

Hasek, who helped Czechia win gold at the 1998 Winter Olympics, has called out the IOC, European Parliament, and French legislators.

"All of them had the opportunity to submit and approve a law or a regulation banning the entry or public appearance of Russian citizens on the territory of France," he continued. "All these people, both the IOC officials and politicians elected by us citizens, had the opportunity to stop this huge advertisement for the Russian war and Russian crimes."

Dominik Hasek added:

"You are all in a different position, and you could, and should speak up," he added. "You are not employees of anyone, and especially for the great athletes of the world. Be open."

His call raises the question of when sports become politics. That is why his appeal to the NHL proves that athletes can participate in discourses about global phenomena.