The CHL makes a controversial decision regarding Russian and Belarusian prospects
The Russian invasion on Ukraine has been the dominant story in the world, and for good reason. There has been a large impact within the hockey community, mostly affecting Russian and Belarusian players, but an announcement from the CHL will certainly elevate things to another level.
On Wednesday, the CHL will announce the exclusion of 16 and 17-year-old prospects from Russia and Belarus from the upcoming 2022 CHL draft. This story has already made waves in the hockey community and the official announcement hasn't even been made yet.
One individual who is particularly opposed to the idea is player agent Dan Milstein, who represents a large percentage of Russian players playing in the NHL. Here's what Milstein had to say on the matter on Wednesday:
At 3pm EST the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CHL) will announce that Russian and Belorussian 16 & 17 year old children would be banned from the upcoming draft. I am Ukrainian born and want peace. I do not believe banning teenagers for something they do not control is the answer.
Milstein makes an exceptional point, and to take it one step further, for a lot of these young players who are afraid of the potential consequences that they could face due to the actions of their President, being drafted to play hockey in North America could have been a way out for them.
To me, I really don't see the merit of banning kids from playing a game, regardless of where they come from. I can see what the CHL's position is. Nobody supports this war. But, should the kids be punished for something beyond their control?
POLL |
MARS 2 | 343 ANSWERS The CHL makes a controversial decision regarding Russian and Belarusian prospects Should the CHL allow Russian and Belarusian prospects to be drafted this year? |
Yes | 142 | 41.4 % |
No | 140 | 40.8 % |
It's a tough call | 61 | 17.8 % |
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