Czech Government Backs Hall of Fame Goalie Dominik Hasek Amid Russian Threats

The legendary netminder has been an outspoken critic of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Dominik Hašek waves to the Sabres' crowd before his jersey retirement ceremony in 2015. / Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

The government of the Czech Republic has announced its support for Hall of Fame goalie Dominik Hasek amid a feud with Russia that has resulted in the latter nation's leadership threatening him.

Hasek, 60, has been an outspoken critic of Russia's war in Ukraine. In recent comments through his assistant reported on by Russian state media, former Russian president and prime minister Dmitry Medvedev suggested (via the AP) that Hasek "should be careful while crossing roads and should not drink beer in unverified places."

"Dmitry Medvedev's threats against Dominik Hasek are absolutely unacceptable. However, they are not surprising from their author," Czech prime minister Petr Fiala said on social media, translated electronically from Czech. "This once again confirms the aggressive and dangerous nature of Russian politics."

Hasek, a six-time Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL's best goalie who played 16 seasons for four teams, is a national hero in the Czech Republic. He owns a pair of Olympic medals with its national team, including a gold medal in the Nagano Winter Games of 1998.

Výhrůžky Dmitrije Medveděva vůči Dominiku Haškovi jsou absolutně neakceptovatelné. Od jejich autora však nejsou nijak překvapivé. Není ale možné nad nimi mávnout rukou. Medveděv není soukromá osoba, ale vysoký představitel Ruska. Znovu tak potvrzuje agresivní a nebezpečnou podobu…

— Petr Fiala (@P_Fiala) April 22, 2025

Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, and though statistics remain spotty, the war is believed to have killed hundreds of thousands.

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