Reportedly, Philadelphia Flyers goalkeeper prospects evaded military services in Russia
Ivan Fedotov, 25, was detained in St. Petersburg on Friday, months after signing an entry-level contract with the Flyers in May,Philadelphia. The Inquirer reportedand quoted the Russian news agency Fontanka.
According to Russian outlets, Fedotov was taken to a Russian military registration and enlistment office by a state criminal investigation agency. Earlier reports, law enforcement agencies were actively looking for hockey players in St. Petersburg.
In response to Fedotov's detention, Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher said on Friday that the team was aware of the situation, but the organization "has no further comments at this time."
Fedotov led CSKA Moscow to last year's Kontinental Hockey League championship and the Russian Olympic Committee to the silver medal at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
CSKA Moscow is owned by the Russian government and its players are considered military personnel, the Inquirer said. This team, called the Red Army team, was previously associated with the Soviet army.
CSKA is officially considered a military man and may be trying to maintain a top goalkeeper by twisting Russian military service, the Inquirer reported.
According to the newspaper, Flyers wanted star players to join the team and compete for a starting point during the 2022-23 season.