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Ivan Fedotov in the jersey of the Russian national team at the Olympic Games in Beijing
Photo:
Matt Slocum/AP
Russian national ice hockey goalkeeper Ivan Fedotov has been arrested in Saint Petersburg.
Russian media confirm the arrest and report that Fedotov refused military service and is said to have been taken to the Russian army's draft office immediately after leaving a training hall.
The Russian online newspaper Fontanka was the first to report it.
However, other sources say the arrest is related to Fedotov's upcoming move to the NHL.
The goaltender was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2015 but continued to play in Russia.
In the coming season (starting on October 11) he is supposed to switch to the best ice hockey league in the world and go on the ice for Philadelphia. He signed his contract with the Flyers in early May.
There is no official statement from the Flyers, but Chuck Fletcher - general manager of the club - released the following statement: "We are aware of the reports and are investigating the situation.
We have no further comment to make at this time.”
Should Fedotov stay with CSKA?
Should Fedotov be prevented from moving to the United States, the case could become a political issue.
Relations between the NHL and the Russian ice hockey league KHL have been strained since the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine.
The NHL has prohibited communication with officials, players or agents.
The NHL draft will be held next week, and 18-year-old Danila Yurov is one of the most promising talents who could venture into the NHL.
In the case of Fedotov, there is speculation as to whether the allegations of alleged conscientious objection to military service could be used to force him to re-sign a contract with his previous club CSKA Moscow.
Fedotow won the silver medal at the Olympic Games in Beijing with the Russian national team in February.
In the KHL he was awarded as the best goalkeeper last season.
Fedotov is not the only athlete who has clashed with the Russian authorities.
WNBA player Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia earlier this year and has served time on alleged drug-related charges.
Griner's trial began this week.
Critics fear that Russia could make a political example of her.
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