In Washington, D.C., activists and civil society organisations have launched a petition calling on the National Hockey League (NHL) to refuse any contact with the pro-Russian Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). This follows a decision by the mayor of the US capital, Muriel Bowser, to officially proclaim 11 April as "Alexander Ovechkin Day" to celebrate his sporting achievements as captain of the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). However, the decision has sparked outrage among the Ukrainian community, who insist that such a commemoration is unacceptable at a time of war.
This was reported by the Ukrainian Cultural Front DC.
"We believe that we, the people of Washington, as hockey fans and supporters of the Great 8, are gathered today at Capital One Arena to celebrate Ovi's amazing achievement and to thank him for dedicating his entire career to the Capitals and being an integral part of what makes Washington, D.C. a city of champions.C. a city of champions; therefore, I, the Mayor of the City of Washington, DC, do hereby officially proclaim April 11, 2025, as "Alexander Ovechkin Day" in Washington, DC, and encourage all Washingtonians to join in the celebration," read the Mayor's proclamation.
"What a shame! Washington is supporting a supporter of dictator Putin, Alexander Ovechkin," commented Marina Lvovskaya, one of the activists, on the mayor's decision.
In response to the announcement of 'Ovechkin Day', the Ukrainian Cultural Front DC issued a statement condemning the mayor's decision as inappropriate against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine and Ovechkin's open support for Vladimir Putin. The activists called for a petition to be signed to boycott the NHL's potential cooperation with the KHL.
"As hockey fans and supporters of the NHL, we urge the league to take a clear stand and reject any friendly games or partnerships with Russia's Kontinental Hockey League (KHL)... International organisations such as the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) continue to suspend Russian teams from competition - and we believe the NHL should do the same. Restoring ties with the KHL would undermine the message the league sent in 2022 and set a dangerous precedent now. We urge the NHL to continue to stand on the right side of history, to be true to its values, and to reject any cooperation with the KHL while the war in Ukraine continues," the petition reads.
According to reports, the day after Ovechkin scored his 895th goal, breaking Wayne Gretzky's record, more than 30 Ukrainian-American and Canadian NGOs signed an open letter to NHL leadership demanding a public response and refusal to have any contact with the KHL.
It should also be noted that the letter came in the wake of reports of a phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, in which the idea of holding games between American and Russian hockey players was discussed. Although the NHL has officially stated that it was not involved in the discussions, activists are insisting on a clear position from the league.
"We urge you to abandon any cooperation between the NHL and KHL or any competition between players of the two leagues. Such initiatives will forever tarnish the reputation of your organisation, contribute to the broader reintegration of the Russian Federation into global sports organisations, undermine the NHL's own stated values, and alienate millions of hockey fans," the letter reads.
According to Daniel Balson, Director of Public Affairs for Razom for Ukraine, the NHL's current response is insufficient.
"Our letter simply asks the NHL to state clearly and publicly its opposition to such cooperation. While NHL and KHL players would supposedly be playing together on the ice, Russian bombs would be raining fire on Ukrainian civilians," he summarised.
Despite official statements that the NHL is not involved in any negotiations with the KHL, the lack of a clear condemnation from the league's leadership raises more and more questions. Representatives of the Ukrainian community insist on an immediate public denial of any cooperation with Russia in the field of sport.
Author: Inna Mikhno