As Russia World Juniors debate intensifies, protesters target Alex Ovechkin at Ottawa game
Demonstration outside Ottawa game
Protesters gathered as Ovechkin faced the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday. The game was his first in Canada this season, and the article describes it as his final season in the league. Before the game, Ovechkin responded to the demonstrations by saying, “I don’t know what to say.” The article identifies him as an outspoken supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Calls for a ban
Mike Ryndzak, a member of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, said Ovechkin playing in Ottawa was “absolutely not acceptable.” He told CBC that the war and devastation were continuing while, in his view, hockey carried on as usual. The UCC called last month for Canada to ban Ovechkin and other supporters of Russia’s actions against Ukraine. The article refers to the organization’s appeal as a call to bar supporters of Russia’s “genocide against Ukraine.”
World Juniors participation uncertain
The demonstration came weeks before the World Juniors are due to be held in Alberta. Whether Russian athletes will take part remains uncertain, according to the article. Prime Minister Mark Carney initially said Russian athletes would not be permitted to play. The article also notes that NHL legend Wayne Gretzky discussed the possibility of Russian athletes being barred from international tournaments, including the World Juniors.
Key points
- Protesters demonstrated in Ottawa during Alex Ovechkin’s game against the Senators.
- Ovechkin said he did not know what to say about the demonstrations.
- The Ukrainian Canadian Congress has urged Canada to ban Ovechkin and other supporters of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
- Russia’s participation in the upcoming World Juniors in Alberta remains uncertain.