Fredrik Claesson made the forbidden move and went to the Russian top league KHL – after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Claesson signed with the army team CSKA Moscow, which he exchanged for the rival Dynamo Moscow during the summer. He is now one of two Swedish players left in KHL, along with Robin Press.
They have received much criticism for their choice to play in Russia.
I think it's a nightmare that they (journalists) sometimes talk quite hard about us. But I just want to play hockey and I want to win. Plus I'm trying to support my family, says Claesson to Russian TASS.
Claesson was involved when the Junior Crowns won gold in the junior World Championship 2012. Now he is banned from the Swedish ice hockey national team.
We have many good Swedish players, and I think many of them would like to play in KHL because it's a strong league. Plus you can live in a beautiful city like Moscow, says Claesson.
