Last week, the NHL kicked off its regular season in Prague with two Global Series games featuring the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils. The event highlighted Czech hockey legends, with Jaromir Jagr performing the ceremonial puck drop for the first game on Friday, and Patrik Eliáš, the all-time leading scorer for the Devils, being actively involved throughout the week, even dropping the puck for the second game.

However, one prominent figure was notably absent: Dominik Hašek, a Hall of Fame goaltender who led the Czech team to Olympic gold in 1998 and is regarded as one of the greatest players in Sabres history. Hašek chose not to participate, nor was he involved in any promotional events leading up to the games. The reason for his absence stems from his outspoken criticism of the NHL’s decision to allow Russian players to continue playing while Russia, under Vladimir Putin’s leadership, wages war on Ukraine. Hašek expressed his frustration in a statement on his X account, condemning the NHL’s stance. Hours before the ceremonial puck drop, Hašek spoke to The Athletic to explain his ongoing concerns.

“My motivation is strong,” Hašek stated. “What’s happening in Russia now, this imperialist war against Ukraine, is not unlike what Hitler did in the 1930s. We cannot let history repeat itself. My goal is to inform people worldwide about the dangers and help prevent the spread of this war. Saving lives is my top priority.”

Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, the NHL has condemned the invasion and severed ties with Russian business partners. However, Hašek remains critical of the league for not engaging in further dialogue, despite his efforts to communicate with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. Hašek has gone as far as suggesting that the league should pay Ukraine in reparations and has been vocal about his disapproval of Russian athletes’ participation in international competitions, such as the Olympics. In his view, allowing Russian players in the NHL indirectly boosts Russia’s morale during its war effort.

Although Hašek empathizes with the difficult position Russian players are in, especially regarding their safety and that of their families, he believes they should publicly denounce the war. He recognizes that this isn’t easy, especially for players with ties to Russia, but insists that the NHL should take steps to encourage such actions.

Hašek also touched on the role that former players, who are no longer dependent on the league, could play in speaking out. Reflecting on his own actions, Hašek admitted to a personal misstep when he participated in a Sabres game event last season, which he later apologized for, calling it a mistake that went against his principles.

Despite his firm stance, Hašek remains connected to the hockey community, meeting with former colleagues from his time in Buffalo and working on media projects related to his career. Nonetheless, he maintains his decision not to participate in this year’s NHL events, as he views them as indirect endorsements of the Russian war effort.ment for the Russian war.”