Russian hockey players have visas and can go to Prague for NHL games – ČT sport – Czech Television
“This is a private event, they have visas, so from the state’s point of view there is no reason not to let them in. National security is certainly not threatened by their presence. And I’m not even mentioning that, in addition to Schengen visas, they have American long-term work visas and live in the USA,” said Pojar.
Former goalkeeper Dominik Hašek tried to prevent the participation of Russian hockey players in NHL matches in Prague because of the war in Ukraine. The Olympic champion from Nagano and two-time Stanley Cup winner turned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which sent a letter to the NHL management asking the players not to go to the Czech Republic.
Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (Pirates) said on Monday that Russian hockey players should not have Schengen visas, but if they already have valid visas, they should be allowed into the country.
San Jose has forwards Alexander Barabanov, Yevgeniy Svečnikov, Daniil Guščin, Timur Ibragimov and defender Artemij Kňazev in the squad. So far, only Svečnikov and Guščin have taken part in the training. Nashville has goaltender Jaroslav Askarov and forwards Jakov Trenin and Yegor Afanasjev.
San Jose general manager Mike Grier has already stated that the team in Prague will either play with Russian players or not at all. After the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, the NHL did not limit the participation of Russian hockey players in the league.
On the contrary, after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, most sports federations banned Russian athletes from participating in their events. As individuals and with a neutral status, cyclists can compete and tennis players can play. Next week, some Russian tennis players will appear in the Czech Republic at the WTA tournament in Ostrava.