It's a sign of respect in hockey dating back several decades. But Team Canada's Barrett Hayton broke that tradition Saturday when he didn't remove his helmet for the Russian national anthem after his team's crushing 6-0 loss to Russia at the World Junior Hockey Championship. The Russians weren't happy about it and they let him know immediately.
Hayton's discrepancy was pointed out by Russian captain Grigori Denisenko at centre ice. Following that, three players from Team Russia refused to shake his hand in the traditional handshake line. Check it out:
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Hayton has since issued an apology.
“I'm sorry for leaving my helmet on for the Russian anthem following today's game,” Hayton said in a Hockey Canada release, “and I apologize to the Russian team and its fans."
“As a leader on this team, I was trying to process the game and evaluate how we can regroup. I was lost in the moment. The Russians played a great game tonight and my actions were not intended to be disrespectful."
“My mistake should not detract from their win. I owe it to my team and all Canadians to be better.”
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