Redhawks Report

An appalling and idiotic decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)! Russia continues its horrific war of aggression against Ukraine. The country must therefore absolutely not be welcomed back to international ice hockey championships. Those of us who work in the sport constantly talk about respect, responsibility and standing up for one another. We encourage our players to look out for others and protect those who come under attack. Those words must mean something both in our dressing rooms and on the global stage. Ukraine is part of the hockey family too. What message are we sending them when the country waging a war of aggression against them is welcomed back into the fold while the atrocities continue? If we do not draw the line here, ice hockey will become a stage where Putin can portray Russia as accepted once again. We also need to guarantee the safety and security of everyone involved in major championships. This could become extremely difficult if Russia is allowed to participate. Now the leaders of the hockey family, with the Swedish Ice Hockey Association leading the way, must show backbone and the courage to refuse to participate if the CAS decision is implemented. They must stand up for Ukraine and make their opposition crystal clear for as long as the war of aggression continues. /Erik Granqvist