Surprising NHL owner honours Ukraine, will make financial contributions among other measures
February 24th was the modern era "invasion heard around the world" as Russia officially declared war on Ukraine. Minutes later Ukraine was hit with the first wave of missile strikes.
Along with sanctions announced across the board condemning the Russian invasion, a number of sports have dropped Russian backed sponsors, national teams and athletes.
The latest team to do it: The Ottawa Senators in conjunction with their owner Eugene Melnyk.
Melnyk, of Ukrainian heritage, has announced that for the remaining home games the Sens will play three national anthems. The Canadian anthem, the United States national anthem and the Ukrainian national anthem. Melnyk also announced that the Ottawa Senators would also donate a portion of their upcoming 50/50 proceeds to humanitarian and aid efforts to the Ukrainian people, help out in the Ukrainian community in Ottawa, Offer up the Canadian Tire Centre so it may be used to help out, outlining such things as using the home of the Sens to help with clothing donation drop-offs, medical aid drop-offs and other items Ukrainian people may need in this time of crisis.
Say what you will about Eugene Melnyk as an owner, but in this instance, as a person, what he's pledging to do is extraordinary.
Opinion: The actions of Russia should absolutely be condemned, as they have been throughout parts of the world. I'm the type of person that tries to look on the bright side even in the darkest of times, and what I'm seeing throughout Canada is heartwarming, uplifting and healing as we try to do everything we can to offer support to the innocent civilians of Ukraine caught in an unimaginable circumstance.
| POLL | ||
Are you surprised about Melnyk's commitments? | ||
| Yes | 37 | 50.7 % |
| No | 36 | 49.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
