Government officials from the US are making serious recommendations to North American players playing in the KHL

When Russia decided to invade Ukraine, a lot of things changed, not the least of which were their relationships with the rest of the world. Of course, that includes the hockey community. The IIHF has already banned Russia and Belarus from playing in international tournaments.

Now, things are set to reach the next level of separation, as US and Canadian officials are calling for American and Canadian hockey players who are currently playing in Russia and Belarus to abandon their current teams and leave those countries.

"President (Vladimir) Putin's war in Ukraine is a war on freedom, on democracy and on the rights of Ukrainians, and all people, to determine their own future," said Adrien Blanchard, press secretary for Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly.

"As Canadians, these are values we hold dear. Athletes who decide to play and associate with Russia and Belarus should explain their decisions to the public."




For some players who are attempting to resume their pro hockey careers, the decision to leave is not so simple, as there may not be many (if any) opportunities available elsewhere.