Canadian hockey player stuck in Ukraine - trying to escape

PUBLICATION

Ryan
February 27, 2022 (5:03 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Since the Russian invasion started we have heard many stories shared by the Ukrainian people. Today the Globe & Mail shared a story about a Canadian hockey player who is stuck in Ukraine and is struggling to escape.

Eliezer Sherbatov who until the invasion played left-wing for HC Mariupol in the UHL, is a Israeli-Canadian. Thursday morning he said he woke up to a large blast around 5am.

It was close. Everything was fine until this morning. Then, boom!

Sherbatov was born in Rehovot, Israel but grew up in Montreal, Quebec. He played three seasons in the QMJHL before taking his talents overseas to play in some European leagues.

Wondering what to do during this crisis, some of his teammates told him to stay put. Realizing that those players are mostly Russian, he instead chose to try and make his way to Poland.

I am absolutely afraid for my life. This is no joke. I have thought about the choice I made to come here. I am having the �should have, could haves.'

I just wanted to play hockey.

I have been writing the Canadian government but I have gotten no answers. I have asked what I should do. �Is the embassy open?' �Can someone please help me?'

I get no help.

This is just another one of thousands of sad stories impacted by this war. We hope Sherbatov is able to return home safely!

MUST READ

Feb 22, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes forward Mikko Rantanen (96) prepares for a face-off against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

9 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

Elliotte Friedman Reveals Carolina Hurricanes Have Offered a Massive Extension Offer to Mikko Rantanen

Mar 30, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman PK Subban (76) warms up before playing the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

10 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

PK Subban Puts Kyle Dubas on Blast for Wasting the Final Years of Sidney Crosby's Career

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

12 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

Chilling Video Captures Brady Tkachuk Trying to Inspire his Team USA Teammates by Honouring Johnny Gaudreau

Feb 3, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) checks Nashville Predators center Fedor Svechkiv (40) into the bench during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

13 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Top NHL Insider Predicts That Brady Tkachuk Is On His Way Out Of Ottawa

Feb 8, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) looks on against the New Jersey Devils during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

14 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

Arber Xhekaj Threatens Brady Tkachuk Ahead of Game Versus Ottawa Senators

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) blocks a shot by Team USA forward Jake Guentzel (59) during the third period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

17 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Connor McDavid and Brad Marchand Make Their Feelings Known on Jordan Binnington's Heroic Game vs USA

Sep 9, 2024; Media, Pennsylvania, USA; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and former general manager Brian Burke leave St. Mary Magdalen Parish following the funeral service for Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau. The brothers died after being hit by a drunk driver while riding bicycles on Aug. 29.Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

18 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente

Brian Burke Puts American Players on Blast Regarding Their Involvement at the IIHF World Championship

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby (87) lifts the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy after winning against Team USA in overtime during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

19 hours ago | By Tom Banks