The NHL commissioner praised the arrangements for the games in Tampere.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman praised Tampere’s arrangements and the Nokia Arena profusely. AOP / USA TODAY Sports
Washington Capitals superstar Alexander Ovechkin is one of Vladimir Putin’s most famous fans. For example, a hockey player has pictures together with the tyrant on Instagram.
The player has never condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
Iltalehti asked NHL commissioner Gary Bettmann in Tampere whether he sees the close relationship between Ovechkin and Putin as a problem.
– Aleksandr Oveshkin and other Russian NHL players play for NHL teams. They don’t play for Russia. Many of the Russian players are in a difficult situation, they have family in Russia, the big boss stated.
– I don’t know what Ovechkin’s relationship is with Vladimir Putin.
Russians to the World Cup?
The entry of the Russians to join the club in the World Cup is still open. AOP / USA TODAY Sports
Ice hockey’s top tournament, the World Cup, is scheduled to be held in February 2024. In this world situation, Russia cannot be included in the tournament under any circumstances.
– We haven’t said anything about the Russians other than that we are thinking about the situation.
– The matter is under investigation, added another big boss of the dollar league Bill Daly.
– This is one of the many things we discuss with the NHL players’ association regarding the World Cup, Bettman added.
Kudos to Finland
Bettman gave Finns high praise for the organization of NHL games.
– This is our second great visit to Finland. People from Denver and Columbus have praised the arrangements here, in a country where we know hockey is a big deal. Bettman says.
The game arena also received praise.
– The Nokia Arena is a fantastic building. The finest in Europe, so I’ve heard, and there’s no reason to doubt it. Friday’s game was great, Mikko Rantanen’s hat trick will certainly be remembered. The public was very involved, the hockey boss said.