Stockholm's Lospenov Under Scrutiny for Russia Comments

[Gretzky didnt lift da puck 53]

STOCKHOLM, SWE - While the Stockholm Vikings are cruising through the VHLE season, the franchise's rookie standout, Mikhail Lospenov, has been caught in the middle of storm; a political firestorm. 

 

Lospenov, a Penza, RU native, has been the center of the media attention around the Vikings this week in the midst of growing tensions between Russia, Ukraine, and NATO allies.

 

Earlier this week, reporters probed the teenaged winger for his opinion on his native country and its aggression toward its western neighbor. In a shaken state, Lospenov responded with an answer that has left many criticizing the youngster.

 

“Wars happen,” spoke Lospenov. “Wars happen, and that’s never going to change. I hope there is no war, but if there is, I hope it ends quickly and we move on.”

 

The response from Lospenov has drawn critics to say that the Russian native sees nothing wrong with the actions of Vladimir Putin and the Russian government. Others have drawn a conclusion that Lospenov’s words appear cold and undisturbed by the horrors of warfare.

 

Lospenov’s agent, Christian Gostlivic, refuted the critics of the statements, saying: “Mikhail is a young man who is not involved with politics and is trying to remain focused on the goal of winning hockey games. To assume that these statements were made with mal-intent, is ignorance of the media when looking at a teenage boy.”