How Early Are Top NHL Draft Prospects Scouted? Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTg4Mjk1NDY5ODI5NDY1MjEw/russia.jpg] The International Ice Hockey Federation announced on Thursday that the organization has referred two cases involving Russia to the IIHF Ethics Board to determine if discipline is warranted. The Ethics Board will first review allegations that the Russian Ice Hockey Federation sent orders to the KHL to carry out specific operations that were to show support for Russia's military invasion of Ukraine. According to the IIHF, actions of this nature would serve as a violation of the IIHF Ethics Code, and therefore would be subject to further discipline by the organization's discipline board. Russia is already banned indefinitely from international play by the IIHF following the country's invasion of Ukraine in February, having its hosting duties for the 2023 World Junior Championship stripped in the process. The second case the Ethics Board will observe is the conduct of former IIHF president Renee Fasel, with reports believing him to be involved in Russia's alleged involvement with the KHL to use the league as a tool for public support of the war. Fasel also made public statements in favor of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in recent weeks. In an interview earlier this month, Fasel called the IIHF's ban on Russian participation in international play a "sad moment" for the organization. "Even during the Cold War, the Soviet Union played with the United States and with Canada," Fasel said. "Even in such a tense situation as today, sport must carry the message of peace and united people." Fasel carries the honor of "Life President" of the IIHF despite stepping down from his position in 2021. If this case is found to have merit, Fasel could be stripped of that honor due to a violation of the IIHF Integrity Book.
