Hasek criticized the new format of the NHL All-Star Game with the participation of Russians

On June 5, two-time Stanley Cup winner and Olympic champion in the Czech national team Dominik Hasek criticized the updated format of the NHL All-Star Game with the participation of Russians and called on all hockey associations to condemn the format change.

"It is the duty of all hockey associations, whose players could be part of the World Team, to condemn this latest attempt by the NHL to promote Russia as soon as possible," the iSport Telegram channel quotes Hasek as saying.

Earlier, the NHL announced that the All-Star Game will be held in 2027 in a new format. The organization announced that five teams will take part in it — Canada, Finland, Sweden, the USA and the rest of the world team, which will include players who are not part of the other four national teams.

Snow admission: when will Russia return to the international winter sports competitions

The main decisions on the participation of our athletes can be made in the summer of 2026.

Two-time Olympic champion and three-time Stanley Cup winner Vyacheslav Fetisov said on June 3 that Russian players should boycott the National Hockey League (NHL) All-Star Game if they are not allowed to compete as a team. According to Fetisov, such actions can be considered an outrage. He stressed that Russian hockey players must take a stand and be more assertive in their rights.