Henrik Zetterberg speaks out over Russian ban from international play
Former Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg is speaking out after Russian hockey players were once again barred from international competition.
Amidst the complicated worldwide political landscape, the International Ice Hockey Federation has banned Russia from participating in the wake of the ongoing Russian offensive against Ukraine.
For the 5th straight year, Russia won't play in the IIHF World Championship; they've also not played in the World Junior Championships.
Additionally, Russia was not extended an invitation to participate in the 4 Nations Faceoff.
Former Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg, who was teammates with Russian players like Sergei Fedorov, Pavel Datsyuk and Dmitri Bykov during his NHL career, said that he feels for top current Russian stars who are unable to represent their homelands thanks to decisions they had nothing to do with.
It is incredibly sad what is happening around the world and that is unfortunately part of it. But I feel sorry for the Russian players who have the right intentions.
Henrik Zetterberg has high hopes for Team Sweden
Zetterberg, who helped Sweden win gold at the 2006 Winter Olympics and a silver medal in 2014, maintains high hopes for this year's crop of Swedish players (which include Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond) in the 4 Nations Faceoff.
But I have a slight feeling that Sweden will do well.
