Alexei Dementiev, a prominent hockey agent, has addressed recent remarks by Vyacheslav Fetisov regarding the upcoming World Hockey Championship. Fetisov, a two-time Olympic champion, previously stated he would not watch the 2026 Championship, saying, “I don’t even think about watching it. And I advise no one else to. I don’t see the point when we’ve been cynically pushed out of everything. What is there for us to see?”
In response, Dementiev acknowledged Fetisov’s right to his opinion, noting, “Everyone has the right to their own opinion, especially someone as accomplished in hockey as Vyacheslav Fetisov. However, I will still watch the games when possible, particularly the key matches. It’s important for me to keep track of trends, tactical developments, and the emergence of new players. Observing other teams’ performances with a critical eye provides opportunities for growth.”
When asked about the competitiveness of this year’s championship, Dementiev expressed optimism: “With the NHL players who have expressed interest in participating, it promises to be highly competitive. Think back to the Olympic final—that was hockey at an extraordinary level. Every move showcased skill and strategy, and I believe all players should watch that game for inspiration.”
