Aftershocks of Russia's invasion of Ukraine continue to rumble through the hockey world.
CCM Hockey, an equipment manufacturer, told TSN, a Canadian network, that it will stop using Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin and other NHL Russian players in its global marketing initiatives.
Evgeni Malkin uses a CCM stick, although he was not specifically mentioned in an email company executive Marrouane Nabih sent to TSN.
"We are very sad to witness, like the rest of the world, what is happening in Ukraine," Nabih wrote. "Although Mr. Ovechkin is not responsible for the Russian government's actions, we took the decision not to use him (or any Russian player) on any global CCM communication this point."
Ovechkin has become a lightning rod for criticism in hockey circle in recent days because of his close, long-standing ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. That includes starting a social movement called "Putin Team" five years ago.
Malkin has not spoken publicly since the invasion, but Ovechkin, who is Washington's captain, answered questions at a press conference last Friday.
Pressed about his support for Putin, Ovechkin told reporters, "He's my president, but I'm not in politics. I'm an athlete."
He also pointed out that the decision to invade Ukraine was not his.
"Sometimes, some things I can't control," Ovechkin said. "You know, it's not in my hands. ... Please, no more war. It doesn't matter who is in the war. Russia, Ukraine, other countries. ... We have to live in peace and a great world."
