Former NHL participant Jeremy Roenick criticized Dominik Hasek for his feedback about Alex Ovechkin. Hasek had mentioned that individuals should not have a good time Ovechkin’s file due to the Russia-Ukraine struggle. He believes Ovechkin, as a Russian athlete, helps Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Roenick shared his ideas on Episode 59 of the Snipes and Stripes podcast. Roenick mentioned that Hasek’s criticism of Alex Ovechkin is unfair and has nothing to do with hockey. He mentioned that Ovechkin must be judged by what he does on the ice.
“That was so unfair and disgrace on Dominik Hasek,” Roenick mentioned. “Alex Ovechkin has nothing to do with something that is occurring on the planet. He goes and performs hockey, and he is an ideal illustration of the league.
“To have Dominik Hasek come out and do this and attempt to put a darkish mark on one of many biggest sporting achievements of all time — disgrace on Dominik Hasek.”
Roenick added that Hasek, as a Corridor of Famer, ought to know higher. He additionally mentioned that talking like this in public “taints” Hasek’s status. In response to Roenick, it was a unsuitable time to make such a remark.
“You are a Corridor of Famer, and you understand what, for those who do not prefer it, maintain it to your self,” Roenick mentioned.
“Do not put one thing like that on the social media as a result of it makes you look dangerous. Dominik Hasek is so storied, and he is among the best goaltenders of all time, however he undoubtedly tainted himself.”
Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL targets file on April 6, scoring his 895th aim throughout a sport towards the New York Islanders. The aim got here on an influence play towards fellow Russian Ilya Sorokin from his ordinary spot on the ice. It was assisted by Tom Wilson, Ovechkin’s longtime teammate.
Dominik Hasek’s assertion on Alex Ovechkin
Dominik Hasek, in his column on his web site dominik-hasek.cz, mentioned that Alex Ovechkin is representing the crimes dedicated by Russia. However he mentioned so with out naming Ovecking, referring to him as a “Russian citizen.”
“Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL aim file shall be equaled and damaged, and a Russian citizen will develop into its new proprietor. … each hockey fan would have a good time this important historic occasion,” Hasek wrote.
“On this context, it must be famous once more that each citizen, except he’s a dissident who condemns the crimes of his nation, is all the time, with out exception, an commercial for the actions of his nation.
“Subsequently, within the case of Russian residents, each athlete who will get the chance to carry out publicly is one of the best commercial for the Russian imperialist struggle and all of the crimes towards humanity related to this struggle.”
Regardless of the criticism from Hasek, Ovechkin’s file was broadly celebrated. So, Roenick urged Hasek to not combine politics with sports activities.
“Dominik Hasek, I am sorry. … Disgrace on you for saying one thing like that about Alex Ovechkin,” Roenick mentioned. “Give up bringing politics into it, Dominik. It makes you appear to be a grumpy outdated man.”
For Roenick, the main target ought to keep on Ovechkin’s exhausting work and efficiency.