- Editor's note: Sheng Peng will be a regular contributor to NBC Sports California's Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
The Sharks are closing ranks around their Russian teammates.
On Thursday, San Jose general manager Mike Grier ignited something of an international incident when he declared, of the proposed Czech ban of Russian NHL players from the Sharks’ upcoming season-opening games in Prague, “Either we all go, or no one goes.”
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The Sharks’ Czech players, Tomas Hertl and Radim Simek, left no doubt of their immediate loyalties.
“We stand behind the team, and especially Barbie,” Hertl said of Russian linemate Alexander Barabanov. “I played a lot of hockey with him last year and he’s a great guy. It’s a tough situation. It’s not the players’ mistake and he shouldn’t be punished for it. He’s one of the nicest guys ever.”
Simek echoed his countryman: “I support [Grier’s statement], for sure. If Barbie stays here, our whole team should stay here.
“I don’t agree with the war. But Barbie isn’t part of the war.”
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