QMJHLer suspended for discrimination against Russian player

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Josh tupper
March 8, 2022 (7:36)

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On Monday afternoon, the QMJHL announced a suspension to Shawinigan's Lou-Felix Denis for discriminatory comments made to Gatineau's Evgenii Kashnikov. Denis will be suspended 5 games for comments made towards Kashnikov during the game on March 6.

Since Russia's attempted invasion of Ukraine began, there's been significant media and fan pressure to condemn the actions of the Russian government, notably on Alexander Ovechkin. In addition to this however, there have been multiple reports from players and player agents of discriminatory comments towards Russian players, even of Canadian junior leagues banning Russian players entirely.

Dan Milsten, the agent for 80% of Russian players in the NHL, spoke to Greg Wyshynski on March 1, saying:

We pride ourselves in North America that we have the best league and best players. But now you're discriminating, just because they're born in Russia. People view German Nazis more favorably � and quote me on this � than Russians this week.

Discrimination against players, or people, based on their nationality is always unacceptable, and the NHL and junior leagues should penalize players for these actions. However, with larger political implications at play, the leagues may be forced to take actions in accordance with sanctions against the Russian government.