During a phone call on a Tuesday, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the possibility of organising hockey games between players from both nations, according to the Kremlin. However, the White House’s summary of the conversation did not include any mention of hockey, and the NHL was only made aware of the proposal after the call had concluded.
In a statement to the Associated Press, the NHL confirmed they had recently learned of the discussions and stated that they were not involved in them, thus refraining from further comment. An inquiry sent to USA Hockey for a response went unanswered.
This conversation comes as Trump continues to engage with the sport, having previously called the US team during the 4 Nations Face-Off last month before their final match, which ended in a close loss to Canada.
The current dynamic between the US and Russia in hockey is complex. Trump’s comments regarding Canada have led to some backlash in international tournaments, such as when the US anthem was booed in Montreal. Putin is well-known for his passion for hockey, having attended significant games, including the unforgettable 2014 Olympic match where the US triumphed over Russia in a shootout.
The historical rivalry between the US and Russia in hockey dates back to the iconic “Miracle on Ice” in 1980, when the underdog US team defeated the heavily favoured Soviet Union at the Winter Olympics. More recently, Russia, competing as the Olympic Athletes from Russia due to doping issues, won gold in men’s hockey at the 2018 Games, which marked the first Olympics since 1994 without NHL participation.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the International Ice Hockey Federation has banned Russian teams from all its tournaments, and a decision regarding their participation in the 2026 Milan Olympics is still pending. The NHL has continued to include Russian players, like Alex Ovechkin, who is pursuing Wayne Gretzky’s career goals record.
Looking ahead, plans are in place for a World Cup of Hockey in 2028, but it remains uncertain whether Russian athletes will be able to compete. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged the significant contributions of Russian players to the league while addressing the ongoing geopolitical issues. Union executive director Marty Walsh expressed hope for the return of Russian players in upcoming tournaments, recognising their exceptional talent and the non-political nature of the NHL itself.
In the past, teams from the NHL and KHL have faced each other in various matches, including notable events like the Premiere Challenge in 2010 and exhibitions against the Soviet Red Army in the 1970s.