Germany's ice hockey captain speaks out in favor of Russia's participation in the World Cup

Germany's NHL star Moritz Seider is in favor of the Russian national team returning to the Ice Hockey World Championships next May. “At the end of the day, we want to have the best players on the ice,” the Detroit Red Wings defender told the “Augsburger Allgemeine” with a view to the World Cup in Germany.

The 25-year-old explained that he would “in principle” be happy if Russia were part of the World Cup. “If not – in the past few years it was fine too.” Seider led the national team onto the ice at the last World Cup. He is the best German defender.

Seider hopes that Germany will remain hosts

He understands that “there is a political dimension” behind the issue, said Seider. "That's why I'm glad that we don't have to make this decision. Of course you just hope that such a decision doesn't decide whether you lose a World Cup or not."