Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin takes a shot during a power play during the first period of an NHL Hockey game against the Dallas Stars, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
‘We just want to play’ Ovechkin says on Russian participation at IIHF events
Nov 10, 2026 | 9:53 AM
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OTTAWA — Washington Capitals star forward Alexander Ovechkin said Russian athletes just want to represent their country, but he didn’t weigh in on the decision to allow his countrymen back into IIHF tournaments.
Ovechkin took questions from reporters in Ottawa today ahead of the team’s matchup against the Senators.
Asked about the Canadian government’s decision not to grant entry visas to Russian players ahead of the upcoming world junior hockey championships in Alberta next month, Ovechkin said fans want to see the best athletes in the worlds competing.
Russia has been banned from playing in international hockey tournaments since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
