Voinov himself deported – BBC

Russian defender NHL “Los Angeles Kings” Vyacheslav Voinov, who served a 90-day prison sentence for domestic violence, and then taken into custody by the immigration service, announced a voluntary deportation from the United States.

«I informed the NHL Players Association league and” Los Angeles “, which immediately begin the process of returning to Russia with his family. Sincerely apologize to all hockey fans who have experienced because of my situation, and I wish the players “King” every success in the future “, – said in a statement Vyacheslav Voinov, transmitted through his agent Rolland Hedges.

This is the scenario recently named as the best for Voynova immigration lawyer US Juris Doctor Gary Royle.

– In most states and cities in the US after his release the man come from the Immigration Service. And if there is no status as Slava, he is taken to an immigration jail. Especially after the crime that he committed. I can say that if the “Los Angeles” or NHL has an interest in the player Voinov, this would probably not happen, – said Royle.

– But in the immigration court probability of success is minimal. Litigation can drag on for a long time, but the result is predictable. I would have insisted on his voluntary departure from the United States to avoid deportation and subsequent ban on the entry of ten years. It is also still not guaranteed, but such an outcome is possible.

War and its representatives initially took a break and did not give any comments, without making any statements. Probably environment hockey player wanting to stay across the ocean, it is expected in this situation and behave League club. Support for the NHL and the “Los Angeles Kings” could be the only chance to avoid deportation and preserve the old job.

However, support is not forthcoming. League remained on its tough stance: the end of a prison sentence is not grounds for termination of an indefinite disqualification hockey. Even if the issue with the Immigration Service decided to Voynova positive, he still would have had to wait until the end of its own investigation of the National Hockey League.

«Los Angeles Kings” also from the beginning took the position of full support for justice and leagues.

In the past year, “kings” did not get into the playoffs, and this summer built a strategy based on the lack of Voinov, and get involved in possible problems with public opinion, maintaining does not play Year of the disgraced protectors that contract put another $ 19 million over four years, in the Californian clubs did not.

Now the “Los Angeles” will not pay this amount and still retain the rights to hockey in the event of his return to America – perfect for “kings”.

The voluntary deportation Voinov leaves a chance for a US visa in the future. Immigration authorities will not be under the circumstances to pursue hockey ban on entry into the country over the next ten years, so that over time the defender may even return to the NHL.

To do this, he needs to start to return to hockey again and start playing at the same level. Opportunities for that Voinov certainly will. The right to counsel in the Continental Hockey League belong to his native Chelyabinsk “Tractor”, which want to see a hockey player in the ranks of the team and say that it will have maximum support.

In this case, a two-time winner of the Stanley Cup there is strong interest from top clubs. In the race for the defender has entered two army club – Gagarin Cup SKA St. Petersburg and the winner of the regular season, CSKA Moscow.

– With “Tractor” we had exploratory talks, but the forefront longer goes desire player. We must understand what he is now able to as quickly as possible to return it to the sporting life, – said vice-president of the SKA Roman Rotenberg.

– To say that we are seriously interested in Voinov, I would not. We must wait until he is freed from the situation that has developed in North America. When he solve the problem, we will discuss this option with the club. Of course, it is interesting to us. Like, I think, and many others. It connects you with CSKA “Tractor” about acquiring the rights to Voinov? That’s classified information, – in turn commented CEO Igor Esmantovich CSKA.

Considering that the war he took a voluntary decision to leave the States, hockey players no longer need to wait for the court.

In the near future Vyacheslav return to Russia, and soon we will see him on the broad areas of the KHL.

Other news, materials and statistics can be viewed at page NHL.

See also: