Hasek, Fetisov Throw Down; War of Words Between Former Red Wings Over Russian War

Dominik Hasek and Viachelsav Fetisov are two legendary former Detroit Red Wings. Both were multiple Stanley Cup champions in Detroit and each is enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

When it comes to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, these two famous hockey stars share absolutely nothing in common.

Hasek was recently invited to Strasbourg, France. There, he was given the chance to speak to the European Parliament about the Russia-Ukraine war.

After our great meeting in Strasbourg this week, the hockey legend Dominik Hasek and I are totally on the same page – as long as the barbaric onslaught against #Ukraine continues, this is no time for #OlympicGames and friendly competition with the aggressors #Russia and #Belarus. pic.twitter.com/SmvEaiHVNP

— Sandra Kalniete (@Kalniete) July 13, 2023

The ex-Detroit goalie offered the suggestion that Russian athletes be given some form of asylum by other nations if they are willing to condemn their country’s attack on Ukraine.

“In the current situation, every Russian athlete is an advertisement for the Russian war,” Czech website isport.blesk.cz is reporting Hasek telling journalists following his address. “It doesn’t matter at all if he internally disagrees with it, or on the contrary supports (Russian leader Vladimir) Putin.”

Hasek, who has visited Ukraine to see the conditions in the war-torn nation, believes that offering something similar to refugee status is the only way to protect the safety of these Russian athletes.

“We know very well that any Russian who condemns the war and Putin’s actions will not only be bullied but will probably go to court and be convicted,” Hasek said, believing that making a public anti-war declaration would open the door for Russians to return to international sporting competition, perhaps as part of a refugee team.

Fetisov Critical Of Hasek

A deputy of the Russian State Douma, former defenseman Fetisov is also a stout defender of Putin and Russia’s military action against Ukraine. He was quick to counter Hasek’s EU address. He was quck to be pointing to the fact that at one point during his playing days Hasek was earning a living in Russia. During the 2010-11 season, Hasek was tending goal for Moscow Spartak of the KHL.

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“Dominik himself played with us, if I’m not mistaken, and he received a good salary for this,” Fetisov told Athletistic.com. Why does he deny others the opportunity to play and earn money It’s kind of nonsense. Let him return the money he earned here, then everything will be fair.”