GM Ilya Kovalchuk insists in separate plane for Russian men's hockey team to fly to Olympics
Russia is taking its gold medal chances in men's hockey at the Olympics in Beijing very seriously. As proof, the team was supposed to fly with other Russian Olympic athletes to Beijing Wednesday. However, prior to takeoff, general manager Ilya Kovalchuk insisted the team have a separate plane all to themselves.
Kovalchuk's reasoning was that he did not want to risk any members of the team contracting COVID before reaching Beijing. According to reports out of Russia, his request was granted, although not everyone was happy about it. Russian Olympic Committee President Stanislav Pozdnyakov was supposed to be on the same shared flight with the hockey team. He was said to be "indignant" that a separate aircraft had been requested.
With NHLers not participating at the Olympics in Beijing, Russia, which will play under the name ROC, has a very good chance of defending its gold medal that was won at the previous games in 2018. Kovalchuk appears set on ensuring that happens and is taking every possible precaution.
Kovalchuk has never officially announced his retirement from hockey. There is some speculation the 38-year-old will return to the KHL next season as a player.
Source: Championat
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APRIL 28, 2026
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