Norway's World Championship hero justifies move to Russia with money

Norwegian ice hockey star Henrik Haukeland has sparked controversy by signing a contract with Traktor Chelyabinsk of Russia's Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). The move comes despite the limited number of Western European players in the KHL since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Haukeland, who was named the best goaltender and helped Norway secure a surprise bronze medal at the recent World Championships, will now be excluded from the Norwegian national team. He acknowledged the decision would provoke reactions but stated it was not made lightly.

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I am fully aware that this decision will provoke reactions. I have been aware of it throughout the entire process. I have not made this decision lightly.

Initially hoping for an NHL offer after the World Championships, Haukeland turned to the KHL when no such offers materialized. He cited financial incentives and the brevity of an athletic career as primary drivers for his decision. "The money influenced my decision. An athlete's career is short," Haukeland explained, adding that he had previously turned down larger sums to play at a higher level.

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The money influenced my decision. An athlete's career is short. On the other hand, I have previously refused larger sums because I wanted to play at the highest possible level.

Traktor Chelyabinsk's chairman, Aleksei Teksler, has previously served as Russia's energy minister under President Vladimir Putin. Haukeland declined to comment on the political implications of his move, stating, "I have decided to focus on the sporting and professional dimensions of the offer I received. I made a decision primarily related to my career. I do not want to comment on politics."

The Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat reports that Haukeland will earn over 600,000 euros annually in Russia. Haukeland previously played in Finland's SM-liiga for TPS and KooKoo.

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I have decided to focus on the sporting and professional dimensions of the offer I received. I made a decision primarily related to my career. I do not want to comment on politics.