By Matthew Clark
Since the commencement of the February 22, 2022 Special Military Operation in Ukraine the Western dominated International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has banned Russian players from representing their nation in international play. This arguably counter productive measure has cast an illegitimacy on any international ice hockey tournament. Russian hockey players are amongst the most skilled players in the world. For example Russian born and trained Alexander Ovechkin, right winger for the National Hockey League (NHL) Washington Capitals, is on the verge of setting the NHL record for most goals in a career.
From the time Russians first picked up a hockey stick they have displayed a love, and talent, for the game. A whole nation of players, young and old, transitioned from the game of bandy to ice hockey. Bandy is played on a frozen soccer field between two teams consisting of skating players controlling a small ball using curved sticks. Each side tries to score on their opponents net which is positioned at either end of the field. This game produced great skaters, yet was limited on physical contact. Once they took to hockey Russians kept the skating skills while adding the physical contact so common to Canadian hockey. A Russian proverb on ice hockey goes, "Cowards Do Not Play Hockey."
Ice Hockey first started to make inroads in Russian during the 1930's. Most Russians at that time still opted to make Bandy their winter game of choice. Nevertheless ice hockey became increasingly popular at the community level. By 1946 a national ice hockey body had been set up. That same year a national championship was held. A national team was initiated that year as well. Quickly the Russians accepted international challenges, mostly against Czechosovakian teams. By 1954 the Soviets/Russians decided the team had acquired a high enough calibre to enter the World Ice Hockey Championship tournament which was held that year in Sweden. The decision turned out to be an accurate one as the Russians emerged victorious over their opponents with a record of 6 wins and 1 Tie. Impressively they beat the perennial champion Canadian team by a score of 7-2. After a 5-0 loss to Canada in the 1955 championship the Soviet/Russian ice hockey team captured gold at the 1956 Winter Olympic games in Italy. Seven years of frustration followed this feat as the Canadians repeatedly entered very stong squads year after year.
In 1958 Anatoli Tarasov assumed the role of head coach of the Soviet/Russian outfit. Tarasov's teams were known for their speed, endurance, and highly skilled play. Noone appeared to be able to thwart the Russian juggernaut. Starting in 1963 gold was achieved in 9 straight World Championships as well as three consecutive Winter Olympic games. Under Tarasov's guidance many great players such as Alexander Yakushev and Vladislav Tretiak were developed. These players and others like them continued to lead Russia into International ice hockey dominance through the 1970's and 1980's.
Starting in the 1980's Russian players migrated to the National Hockey League in North America. This trend has continued ever since that time. Players such as Alexander Molginy, Pavel Bure, and of course Alexander Ovechkin have thrilled audiences with their high calibre of play. These players are evidence that the Russians can compete favourably at any level of ice hockey anywhere around the globe.
Banning the Russians players from representing their nation in international tournaments is a nonsensical action. It does nothing to remedy the situation in Ukraine while it deprives hockey fans from watching a skilled ice hockey team. A team which wins a major international series without Russian participation cannot reasonably consider themselves a legitimate champion. Therefore these tournaments are flawed.
One day the Russians will return to international ice hockey contests. When that day occurs there will be many winners, chief among them being the game of ice hockey, and it's fans!
Reference:
history of russian hockey-part1
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