NHL’s Russian players allowed to enter Czech Republic

The Czech government announced last week that all Russian NHL players, especially from the Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks, were not welcome to play their season opener games in Prague. However, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed Thursday that the teams would be allowed to play in Prague for two Global Series games.

The ban came amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As confirmed by Czech Republic Deputy Foreign Minister Martin Smolek, the move was communicated via a letter to the NHL.

“We can confirm that the Czech Foreign Ministry has sent a letter to the NHL to point out that, at this moment, the Czech Republic or any other state in the (visa free) Schengen zone should not issue visas to the Russian players to enter our territory,” Smolek said.

Now that entry has been allowed, the Predators and Sharks are gearing up for their matchup at Prague’s O2 Arena on October 7-8. Before that, both teams will travel to Europe this weekend for practices and exhibition games in Germany and Switzerland.

The tour will be the first since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2019. Sharks general manager Mike Grier said he had prepared to pull out from Global Series before the ban was lifted in solidarity with his Russian players.

“We’re a team, so if they say some guys can’t go, either we all go or no one goes,” Grier said.

“We’re a group. It’s not the players’ fault. They didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t think they should be punished for it. We stand with them, and we’re all together as one in here.”

The NHL is clear with its stance in regard to Russian players. Via The Associated Press in May, league commissioner Gary Bettman insisted the league welcomes all players regardless of their country of origin.

“Our players play for their NHL teams, no matter where they’re from. At this particular point in time, the Russian players are in an impossible situation,” Bettman said.