Russian players seek extra security after death threats
PUBLICATION
O. EngFebruary 28, 2022 (1:36 PM)
TSN insider Darren Dreger reported early this morning that some Russian-born NHL players have been facing threats and security concerns since the outbreak of war in Ukraine. In an interview he did with renowned player agent Dan Milstein, Dreger reports that some players are fearful for their lives.
"He has raised concerns of «real threats» to his Russian based clients both in-person and on Social media to the NHLPA and NHL clubs with Russian born players."
David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period chimed in as well and added that some teams are also taking presumptive measures after death threats were hurled at their players via Twitter and Instagram direct message.
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"Heard last night some Russian players have received serious death threats via DMs."
The Russian and North American rivalry in hockey is historically brutal. Just a few days ago, on Feb. 22, we celebrated the 42nd anniversary of the �Miracle on Ice' where the US managed to beat a heavily favored Soviet squad to advance to the gold medal game.
There was also the Summit series played between Canada and the Soviet Union in 1972. The eight-game series was held in both countries with four games each. As this series was played during the Cold War, political and nationalist tensions were on high alert.
In today's NHL, these disagreements are less heard of but not isolated. In this heightened state of alert, it's important to remember that death threats, insults and hateful comments are not a part of the game nor human kindness. It's important to separate the government and the people, especially in a country like Russia.
"Dan Milstein is asking for additional security for his players in North America", says Dreger.
Per TSN, Milstein's NHL clientele includes Nikita Kucherov, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Alexander Romanov.
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