Photo credit: RMNB
Alex Ovechkin may have just one more chance to play in the Olympics, but Russia's ban could take that chance away.
Russia has been banned from the Olympics and international hockey tournaments for years, depriving fans of some thrilling matchups. With the 2026 Winter Olympics only 18 months away, the IIHF is set to decide on Russia and Belarus's participation next May, which will determine the fate of Russian hockey before the NHL's return to the Olympics.
Veteran Russian superstar Alex Ovechkin has spoken about the ban, expressing his desire to compete for Olympic gold but acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
"In theory, yes, but you see what is happening with our team now. They are not allowing us to participate in the World Championships or the Olympics, so I don't know how this will all happen.»
With the ongoing war, it's unclear when Russian teams will be allowed back into competition. At 38 years old, this may be Ovechkin's last chance to win a prestigious gold medal. Although there's still time for things to change, it doesn't look promising, as all signs point to the ban continuing, meaning Ovechkin and other Russian NHL stars may miss out on this major event again.
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