KHL players no longer banned from playing for Slovakia national team

A change in policy from one of the top European hockey nations.

Last week, the Slovak Ice Hockey Association ruled that players who spent time in the Kontinental Hockey League are now permitted to play for the Slovak National Team.

This is a change of pace from how the federation has viewed athletes who have played for the top league in Russia, as there is ongoing sensitivity towards the country’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022.

According to a release from the SZL’H, 52% of the clubs voted in favor of KHL players participating in international events, with 38% voting against the motion.

Over the past three IIHF Men’s World Championships, players from the KHL have not appeared with the Slovak National Team. That has also been the case for other nations, as many believe that those who play in Russia should face the consequences.

That opens the door for the team to pick from a cast of talent for the upcoming Olympic qualifying tournament, with Slovakia hosting one of the tournaments at the end of this month in Bratislava. Notable players under KHL contract include former NHLers Tomas Jurco, Adam Ruzicka, and Christian Jaros, as well as goaltender Patrik Rybar. Each of which has played for the national team in the past, and are going to be highly considered to be named to the team.

The tournament will be held from August 29 to September 1. The winner will clinch a spot in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo and Mlian, Italy. Slovakia will face Kazakhstan, Austria, and Hungary.

Since the invasion, the International Ice Hockey Federation has banned Russia and Belarus from competing in tournaments, including taking away a world championship and World Junior Championship in 2023. The governing body is upholding the ban through the 2024-25 season.