On Friday, July 2nd, hockey star Ivan Fedotov, who recently signed to the Philadelphia Flyers. was detained in Russia due to accusations of him trying to escape military service.
Fedotov, a star Russian Hockey goalie, led the Russian Olympic team to a silver medal in the Beijing Winter Olympics this year. Considered one of the best in the world, Fedotov was signed by the Flyers to compete for a spot on their roster.
A week before he was about to leave Russia, Russian law enforcement arrested him in St. Petersburg rink where he was filming a documentary.
He was later taken to an enlistment center, and according to a Russian news source, Fontanka, he was suspected of evading compulsory military service required of Russian men. Fedotov’s lawyer later stated that Fedotov would never commit such a crime.
On Tuesday, Fedotov’s agent said that Fedotov was later taken to a remote military base.
This event sparked major concerns over if Russian hockey players can still play in the N.H.L. as tensions in the Ukraine-Russian war remain.
Flyers’ President Chuck Fletcher stated, “We’re aware of the reports and are investigating the situation”. But if things don’t work out, Fletcher says Fedotov can still compete for a spot next year.
Fedotov, a star Russian Hockey goalie, led the Russian Olympic team to a silver medal in the Beijing Winter Olympics this year. Considered one of the best in the world, Fedotov was signed by the Flyers to compete for a spot on their roster.
A week before he was about to leave Russia, Russian law enforcement arrested him in St. Petersburg rink where he was filming a documentary.
He was later taken to an enlistment center, and according to a Russian news source, Fontanka, he was suspected of evading compulsory military service required of Russian men. Fedotov’s lawyer later stated that Fedotov would never commit such a crime.
On Tuesday, Fedotov’s agent said that Fedotov was later taken to a remote military base.
This event sparked major concerns over if Russian hockey players can still play in the N.H.L. as tensions in the Ukraine-Russian war remain.
Flyers’ President Chuck Fletcher stated, “We’re aware of the reports and are investigating the situation”. But if things don’t work out, Fletcher says Fedotov can still compete for a spot next year.
