A new controversy is stirring in the world of hockey after reports surfaced about a possible hockey series between the United States and Russia. Ukrainian-American and Ukrainian-Canadian groups are now urging the NHL to reject the idea, calling it disrespectful and harmful, especially while Russia’s war in Ukraine continues.
The situation has drawn strong opinions, international concern, and questions about how sports and politics should mix.
U.S.-Russia Hockey Series: What Happened?
According to a report released by the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to former U.S. President Donald Trump on March 18. During the call, Putin suggested organizing hockey games between American and Russian players—a throwback to the Cold War-era sports rivalries.
Trump reportedly supported the idea, though no official U.S. government confirmation followed. The NHL later clarified that it had no involvement in those talks and refused to comment further, calling it inappropriate at the time.
NHL Responds Carefully, But Pressure Grows
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said he found out about the proposed series through news reports. He avoided speculating and simply referred to the league’s earlier statement, saying, “It is what it is.”
But many aren’t satisfied with the NHL’s neutral stance.
Thirty-one Ukrainian-American and Ukrainian-Canadian organizations have now signed an open letter asking Bettman to firmly reject any collaboration with the Russia-based KHL (Kontinental Hockey League). They called the proposal “deeply offensive” given the current war in Ukraine.
The Letter’s Message to the NHL
The letter claims that agreeing to such a series would:
- Damage the NHL’s reputation
- Help reintegrate Russia into global sports circles
- Contradict the NHL’s own values
- Upset millions of fans around the world
It also reminded the NHL of its own actions taken in 2022, shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine. At that time, the league condemned the invasion, ended business relationships in Russia, shut down Russian social media channels, and said no NHL events would be held in Russia in the future.
The letter adds, “To organize such an event with Russian officials would mean ignoring—and even supporting—Putin’s crimes.”
The Broader Concern: Sports as Political Tools
This isn’t just about hockey. Many experts believe Russia has used sports in the past to improve its image globally, especially when facing international criticism. Daniel Balson, a member of the U.S.-based nonprofit Razom for Ukraine, said sports can be used as a soft power strategy.
The United Nations has also weighed in. In 2022, the UN’s commission investigating the war in Ukraine stated that war crimes were committed by Russian forces.
While Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov recently said the hockey series idea was only “hypothetical,” the fear is that even discussing such games could send the wrong message.
Putin Congratulates Ovechkin
Adding to the tension, Russian President Putin recently congratulated Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin after he became the NHL’s all-time goal scorer. Putin called it a “real celebration for fans in Russia and abroad,” highlighting once again how Russia tries to tie sports success to national pride—even during wartime.
As tensions continue in Eastern Europe, the idea of a U.S.-Russia hockey series has sparked international criticism and concern. Ukrainian communities are asking the NHL to clearly stand against such events, fearing it would send the wrong message during an ongoing war. The NHL now faces growing pressure to choose between neutrality and taking a public stand. With sports and politics once again crossing paths, the league’s next move could shape its global image for years to come.
