Presidents Donald Trump of the United States and Vladimir Putin of Russia recently discussed the potential of hosting a series of hockey games featuring players from each of their nations. These talks took place during an extended phone call between the two leaders, according to the Kremlin’s account. The idea, proposed by Putin, entails organizing matches in both the U.S. and Russia with athletes from the NHL and KHL circuits. Trump reportedly agreed to maintain communication on this topic, as well as other issues brought up during their discussion, which primarily focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
While the Kremlin highlighted the sports-centric aspect of the dialogue, the U.S. White House’s summary omitted any mention of hockey-related conversations. The NHL itself only became aware of the proposal post-discussion, acknowledging the lack of prior involvement through a brief statement. Meanwhile, USA Hockey did not immediately respond to queries.
This initiative marks another sporting venture for Trump, who previously reached out to the U.S. team during last month’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, resulting in a close 3-2 overtime defeat to Canada. His comments during that event stirred some controversy, leading to boos when the American anthem played in Montreal, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions with Canada.
Putin’s affinity for hockey is well-documented, with the sport being one of his favorites. He was notably present for the epic Russia-U.S. game during the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where the Americans clinched victory in a dramatic shootout thanks to T.J. Oshie. The fierce ice hockey rivalry between the two countries has deep historical roots, famously reviving memories of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” when an unlikely U.S. squad triumphed over the dominant Soviet team in Lake Placid.
Recent years have seen a complex landscape for international hockey collaborations, with Russia facing bans from the International Ice Hockey Federation following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This exclusion extends to discussions about Russia’s participation in future events like the 2026 Milan Olympics. Meanwhile, Russian players continue to make their mark in the NHL, such as Alex Ovechkin, who is in pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s career goals record.
The NHL and its Players’ Association are gearing up for an anticipated World Cup of Hockey in 2028, although Russia’s participation remains uncertain. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged the ongoing geopolitical challenges but expressed hope for resolution well before the competition. Similarly, Marty Walsh, the union’s executive director, voiced a desire to see Russian athletes rejoining global events, contingent on navigating the intricate global political landscape.
Historically, matchups between NHL and KHL teams have occurred, with the most recent being the 2010 Premiere Challenge featuring the Carolina Hurricanes and SKA Saint Petersburg, along with the Phoenix Coyotes versus Dinamo Riga. The shared history of international exhibitions between North American teams and Russian squads dates back decades, earmarking a significant legacy in hockey.
