Barrett Hayton, captain for Canada, apologized to his opponent for keeping his helmet on during the national anthem of Russia. It was following Canada’s defeat of 6-0 at the world junior hockey championship.
Due to this, couple to Russian players did not shake hands with Hayton when leaving the ice.
TSN tweeted a video showing Russian captain taking exception to Hayton leaving his helmet on during the national anthem. And then following the Russian players refusing to shake his hands in a handshake line.
Hockey Canada issued an apology for Hayton. He apologized for keeping his helmet during the national anthem of Russia following the game. he apologized to the Russia team and fans. He said he was lost at that moment.
He also said that Russia played an incredible game and he did not mean to be disrespectful. His mistake should not distract them from their win. He wishes to do better for his team and Canadians.
Hockey Canada also expressed an apology for the incident.
Hockey Canada has great respect for Russia Ice Hockey Federation, its players, management, coaches, and fans, and they expect their staff and athletes to show the same respect.
The apology further said that Barrett Hayton did not remove his helmet for the national anthem of Russia following the game against Russia at the IIHF World Junior Championship.
Hockey Canada apologizes to Russia Ice Hockey Federation, IIHF, and all Canadians.
Hayton said that he wished that Russia will accept his sincere apology through his official statement. The Russia team has said to have had accepted the apology.
Nick Robertson, United States forward, admitted that he was watching the Russia team to see if they would take off their helmets for the Star-Spangled Banner after America won by 3-1.
Maple Leafs prospect said that he was joking around but the team actually did remove their helmets.
