President Donald Trump “supported” the idea of organized hockey games between American and Russian players during a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a Kremlin release of the call.
The comments came as part of a lengthy call between the world leaders centered around the current conflict in Ukraine.
“Donald Trump supported Vladimir Putin’s idea to organize hockey matches in the USA and Russia between Russian and American players playing in the NHL and KHL,” the release read.
Russia and Belarus have been banned by the International Ice Hockey Federation from all international tournaments and competitions after Russia invaded Ukraine in Feb. 2022.
The NHL attempted to sidestep making any comment on the news in a statement released to multiple outlets.
“We have just become aware of the conversation between President Trump and President Putin,” the league said. “Obviously, we were not a party to those discussions and it would be inappropriate for us to
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