The KHL sequel to the Helsinki Jokers speaks out about the war started by Russia.
The hockey club Helsinki Jokers ‘supporters’ association Eteläpääty published on Tuesday bulletinwhere fans demand the Jokers leave the Eastern Hockey League KHL.
The reason for the demand is Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The Jokers released on Tuesday their own bulletin In connection with the continuation of the KHL period. The club is not leaving the season pending on the basis of binding agreements and an employer obligation.
– As the situation is also exceptionally difficult, we do not feel that the Jokerit as a sports club is the right party to strongly outline their views on the situation, the Joker’s press release says.
There has been an active public debate around the Jokers in the past, for example in relation to Belarus. The team did not fly to the away game for the season opener in Minsk in the fall of 2020 due to the political situation in Belarus.
The conversation resurfaced in 2021 as a new away game trip to Minsk awaited the Jokers. This time, the team traveled to Belarus, although there was great concern about the country’s political situation in the West.
Ex-pucker’s words
Joker’s first playoff opponent is Moscow’s Spartak. Emil Hansson / AOP
Thus, according to current information, the Jokers do not intend to interrupt or leave KHL in the middle of the current agreements, but criticism of this point is growing in Finland.
Russian ex-hockey player, representing the Soviet Union on the national team Alexander Kozhevnikov comments on new discussions about Jokers.
– Let them go, it won’t hurt and Spartak will get to the next round, or he will be replaced by a replacement team, Kozhevnikov said according to the Russian Champion.
The Joker playoffs are set to resume on March 1 against Moscow’s Spartak if there are no changes to the match schedule or the Joker does not withdraw from the spring playoffs.
– Many people hope that the Jokers will leave, they are always causing problems. They are bustling with their own rules, Kozhevnikov would say.
The Jokers are one of the few “western teams” in KHL, so the Helsinki club is an easy target of ridicule and anger at Russia’s discus.
The Jokers play in KHL for the eighth season. The Russian-funded club has an agreement with KHL for the time being.