The Washington Capitals released a statement Tuesday that condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but made it clear that they stand behind their Russia-born players. The Capitals said they hope for a peaceful resolution.
It is the first statement the Caps have made about the war in Ukraine, 11 days after captain Alex Ovechkin made his only comments about the Russian invasion.
Over the years, he has been an ardent supporter of Putin. He started a social media movement called the Putin Team. He posed with Putin in his profile photo.
Please, no more war. It doesn't matter who is in the war, we have to live in peace.
When asked if he supports Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he said he is Russian. It is not something I can control. It is not in my possession. I hope it ends soon and there will be peace in both countries. I do not control this one.
In a statement Tuesday, the Caps said they will support their Russian-born players, including Oviechkin.
The Russian players and their families are supported by the Capitals. They are being put in a difficult situation and we will offer our assistance to them and their families.
The invasion had been a hard situation for him.
It is a hard situation. It is hard to see the war in Russia and Ukraine. I hope soon it will be over and there will be peace in the world, he said.
The Caps are going to play their first road game since the news conference on Tuesday. The Flames referred to the existing arena policy at Saddledome that allows small hand-held signs and flags, that may not be distasteful in nature or content, when asked if there would be restrictions on signs or flags supporting Ukraine.
Stephania Romaniuk, an opera singer from Canada, performed the national anthem for the Flames before their game against the Eskimos.
The Flames have no plans to feature the national anthem of Ukraine before games, according to TSN's Salim Nadim Valji.
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