NHL Legend Dominik Hasek Receives Death Threats from Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev
A prominent figure in the world of ice hockey, Dominik Hasek, has revealed that he has received death threats from Dmitry Medvedev, the former President of Russia and current Deputy Head of Russia’s Security Council. The threats were made in response to Hasek’s vocal criticism of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
According to a report by The New York Times, Medvedev made the threats through his assistant, who quoted him as saying that Hasek suffered from "Russophobia" and should be careful crossing the street and avoid drinking beer in unverified places. This was reported by the TASS news agency on Tuesday.
In response to the threats, Hasek took to social media to reveal that he had sent two official letters to the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the President of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). In the letters, Hasek informed them of the threats made by Medvedev and emphasised the importance of their decisions in the coming months. He also offered his assistance in creating rules to ensure that sports competitions are not used as an advertisement for the Russian war.
The Czech Republic has rallied around Hasek, with Prime Minister Petr Fiala voicing his support for the NHL legend. Fiala described the threats as "unacceptable" but "not surprising," given Medvedev’s position as a high-ranking representative of Russia. "The threats cannot be ignored because Medvedev is not a private citizen but a high-ranking representative of Russia," Fiala said.
Hasek, 60, is a highly decorated hockey player, having won six Vezina trophies as the NHL’s best goaltender, a Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP, two Stanley Cups, and an Olympic gold medal with the Czech Republic in 1998. He has been an outspoken critic of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has called for the NHL to take a stronger stance against Russian players who have not condemned the war.
In an interview with The New York Times, Hasek stated that "rules need to be set so that Russian players have an incentive to come out publicly" against the war. He also expressed disappointment that the NHL has not done more to support Russian players who have spoken out against the war.
Hasek’s criticism of the NHL has not been limited to his comments on Russian players. He also chose not to participate in the NHL’s Global Series games in Prague last October, citing concerns that the event would be seen as an advertisement for the Russian war. Earlier this month, he also spoke out when Alex Ovechkin, a Russian player, broke the all-time NHL goals record. Hasek posted a statement on social media, saying that Ovechkin’s achievement was tainted by his failure to condemn the Russian war.
The New York Times reported that after Ovechkin broke the record, Medvedev was quoted by the Associated Press as saying that Hasek’s suicide could be expected. In response, Czech Interior Minister VÃt RakuÅ¡an said that Hasek would receive protection if needed.
Hasek has thanked Prime Minister Fiala for his support, and it remains to be seen how the IOC and IIHF will respond to his letters. One thing is certain, however: Dominik Hasek will continue to be a vocal critic of Russia’s actions, and he will not be silenced by death threats.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Russia and the West, and the challenges faced by athletes who speak out against politics. As The New York Times noted, Hasek’s case is a reminder that even in the world of sports, politics and geopolitics can collide in unexpected ways.
In conclusion, the threats made by Medvedev against Hasek are a serious concern, and it is essential that the relevant authorities take them seriously. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Dominik Hasek will not be intimidated, and he will continue to speak out against Russia’s actions, no matter the cost.
The story was first reported by The New York Times.
