Russian player’s induction into Hockey Hall of Fame ‘deeply offensive’: UCC

The planned induction of a Russian ice hockey player, formerly of the Detroit Red Wings, into the Hockey Hall of Fame is spurring calls to cancel the honour over the athlete’s reported participation in an event endorsing his country’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is protesting the selection of retired NHL player and ex-Olympic champion Pavel Datsyuk, calling plans to honour him “deeply offensive.”

The UCC said in a Facebook post earlier this month that Datsyuk should not be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame nor allowed entry into Canada to attend the ceremony later this year.

The group, citing Russian media reports, said Datsyuk attended an event in February to honour members of the Russian army who participated in the war against Ukraine. It also accused the retired player of being a “long-standing” supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Datsyuk’s evident participation in an event honoring individuals involved in the genocide of a nation signifies his endorsement of Russia’s invasion, the terror Russia has brought to Ukrainian cities and towns, and the systemic, brutal atrocities that Russia has committed against Ukrainian civilians,” the UCC said in an Aug. 8 statement on its website.

The UCC has taken up its complaint in letters to the Hockey Hall of Fame’s president as well as the federal government.

Jeff Denomme, Hockey Hall of Fame president and CEO, told Global News that Datsyuk’s selection is “reflective of his individual accomplishments on the ice” and it would be unjust to hold him responsible for Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

“To be clear, the Hockey Hall of Fame condemns the Russian Federation’s actions in Ukraine. But we do not hold Mr. Datsyuk responsible for those actions, and