Russian star Alexander Ovechkin was booed by Calgary Flames fans Tuesday night as the Washington Capitals visited the Scotiabank Saddledome.
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Ovechkin has long been considered a strong supporter of President Vladimir Putin. Asked about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ovi told reporters that he opposed “all wars” and that Putin was “its president, even [s’il] not interested in politics”.
Remember that Alberta is the second largest home of the imposing Ukrainian diaspora in Canada.
The Capitals, which also include Russian athletes Evgeny Kuznetsov, Dmitry Orlov and Ilya Samsonov, were slow to issue a statement to position themselves in relation to the conflict.
That reaction finally came hours before the game against the Flames.
“The Washington Capitals join the National Hockey League in condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the deaths of innocent people. We hope that this conflict will be resolved peacefully as soon as possible.”
Having a Russian superstar as their headliner for 17 years, the team from the American capital has, however, also offered its support to its Russian athletes and their families abroad.
“We realize that they are placed in a delicate situation and we offer them our assistance.”
The “Caps” will complete their Alberta trip on Wednesday when they visit the Edmonton Oilers.