Hudáček caught in the KHL for several years until the 2017/2018 season. Last year he started in Riga, but then transferred to Sparta. The Slovakian goalkeeper has a clear opinion on the criticism of players who will play in Russian clubs. “The situation connected with the political struggle has nothing to do with us athletes,” he said in an interview with Šport daily at the end of July.
In addition to Hudáček, other Slovak goalkeepers Patrik Rybár and Adam Húska, defenders Christián Jaroš and Michal Čajkovský and forwards Adam Liška, Samuel Buček and Michal Krištof also work in the KHL. More foreigners in the KHL are only from Canada and the USA.
The Slovak Hockey Association decided last week that players from the KHL will continue to be able to represent Slovakia. The union justified the decision by saying that the players do not violate any agreements or laws. He also stated that it is unacceptable for hockey players working in the KHL to be subjected to hostility or attacks because of this.
The partners of the union, including the company’s long-time sponsor Orange Slovensko, immediately opposed it. Now the Ministry of Education has strongly objected and threatened sanctions. “We will open a contract on the provision of a state contribution to the union, which also includes the purpose of representing Slovakia, and we will address the legitimacy of the costs for these players,” Nový Čas quoted the ministry’s statement as saying.
