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NHL 22 to remove Russian, Belarusian teams after IIHF suspension

Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues to have consequences.

NHL 22 will remove Russian and Belarusian national and club teams from the game in the wake of the IIHF’s real-life suspension of the clubs from competition.

“We were incredibly shocked to see the images that have come out of Ukraine,” International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) President Luc Tardif said in a statement announcing the real-world suspension.

“I have been in close contact with the Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine and we hope for all Ukrainians that this conflict can be resolved in a peaceful way and without the need for further violence,” Tardif continued.

“Following the IIHF’s suspension of all Russian and Belarusian national and club teams from IIHF competitions, we will be removing these teams from NHL 22 within the coming weeks,” an announcement from EA reads, following on from the IIHF’s decision.

“We stand with the people of Ukraine and join the voices around the world calling for peace.”

EA added IIHF Women’s teams into the title earlier this year.

Update: FIFA 22 will also remove Russian clubs from its experience.

NHL 22 is currently available on Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PS4 and PS5. We reviewed it here.


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Steve Wright

Steve's the owner of this very site and an active games journalist nearing twenty (TWENTY!?!) years. He's a Canadian-Australian gay gaming geek, ice hockey player and fan. Husband to Matt and cat dad to Wally and Quinn.