Ukrainian Canadian Congress protests Ovechkin in Ottawa

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress organized a protest outside the Washington Capitals’ game in Ottawa on November 10, calling for Alex Ovechkin to be barred from Canada over his support for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The demonstration took place outside the Canadian Tire Centre before the Capitals played the Senators. A photographer estimated that about 10 people attended.

The Congress has argued that Ovechkin’s public support for Putin and his political party amounts to promoting genocide against Ukraine and violates Canadian law. That is the organization’s allegation; the reports provide no legal ruling establishing a violation. The group’s appeal to bar Ovechkin from Canada was made last month, before the rally.

Asked about the demonstration, Ovechkin told reporters he had heard about it that morning and did not know what to say. He added that protests were taking place around the world. Ovechkin, the Capitals’ captain and the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, was in Ottawa for the team’s game against the Senators.

The protest coincided with debate over Russian athletes’ return to international hockey. The Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned the International Ice...