Gary Bettman replies as Dominik Hasek labels Alex Ovechkin’s son Sergei’s participation as “heinous act” linking to Russia-Ukraine controversy

NHL legend slams league for allowing Alex Ovechkin’s son Sergei to participate in the NHL All-Star week, amidst the Russian-Ukraine ongoing controversy.


<strong>Gary Bettman replies as Dominik Hasek labels Alex Ovechkin’s son Sergei’s participation as “heinous act” linking to Russia-Ukraine controversy</strong>

Dominik Hasek and Gary Bettman [Image Credit: amNew York/USA Today]

Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby participated last week in the NHL All-Star competition with Ovie’s son Sergei also taking the ice. While many have loved to see the 4-year-old skate on ice and shot a goal against HOF Robert Luongo, some have hated the scene.

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One of the most prominent people is NHL legend Dominik Hasek who voiced his opinion against the whole idea. The NHL community got divided into two as some supported Ovie while some supported Hasek. One fan even wrote that it’s a bit of a stretch to pin it on a child.

While many pointed out that Hasek was not going after the child, but the league who are promoting the spectacle, this remains a debate with no certain answer. Ovechkin’s support of Putin has brought on many challenges as the Great Eight chases Wayne Gretzky for All-Time record.

Related: “None of this is his fault” – Don Cherry vehemently DEFENDS Alex Ovechkin from fans admonishing ‘Great Eight’ for support of Putin

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Alex Ovechkin’s stance on Russia-Ukraine war brought into question once again

Alex Ovechkin and his son, and Dominik Hasek [Image Credit: Sporting News/HockeyFeed]
Alex Ovechkin and his son, and Dominik Hasek [Image Credit: Sporting News/HockeyFeed]

Sergei was accompanied by his star dad Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby as P.K. Subban commented on the little hockey Jr’s skill. Even HOF legend Robert Luongo took past a Sergei shot allowing the 4-year to have his moment.

Following their game at FLA Live Arena, Florida, Dominik Hasek took to social media to criticize the NHL’s move and for promoting such “heinous acts”. The former Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres star wrote that the NHL has “sunk to rock bottom”.

He further tweeted, “Letting Ovechkin’s son perform on the ice at the NHL All-Star is spitting in the face of approximately 500 killed, thousands injured and tens of thousands of kidnapped Ukrainian children”. “The NHL and Gary Bettman must pay for this heinous act!”

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman replied, “I don’t think he speaks either for the Czech government or people, but he’s entitled to his opinion. Which I disagree with, by the way, just so the record is clear”. Throughout the skills event, Ovie was full of smiles to have his son on the ice and play together.

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According to ESPN, he said, “It was very cool. Everybody enjoyed it. Obviously, Sergei was always smiling”. “That’s a special moment. It’s great for the game and great for both of us. And for Sergei as well.”

Ovechkin who has been in a tight spot since the war ensued stated that he had both friends in Russia and in Ukraine and it was a difficult time for him, “Please, no more war”, he said on February 2022. 

“It doesn’t matter who is in the war – Russia, Ukraine, different countries – I think we live in a world, like, we have to live in peace and a great world.” Hasek has called the NHL to suspend Russian players during this time, though as of now, no players are restricted from the league.

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