Officials from the Montreal Canadiens have issued a vehement denial regarding reports that their players were instructed to remain inside their hotel and carry passports at all times during their recent visit to Minnesota. The NHL team faced the Minnesota Wild on Monday night, losing 4-3 in overtime, but post-game discussions have been dominated by these controversial security claims.
Claims Labelled as "Fake News" by Team Officials
Chantal Machabée, Vice-President of Hockey Communications for the Montreal Canadiens, responded forcefully to the allegations in an email to The Independent. "The problem is, it's not true! I have no idea why the reporter said this, it's simply not true," Machabée stated, adding an emoji often used to convey confusion or frustration. She concluded with, "We won't comment on 'fake news'. Thanks for understanding."
Origins of the Controversial Report
The claims originated from sports reporter Luc Gélinas during an appearance on Quebec radio station FM Charlevoix. Gélinas, described by his booking agents as "one of the most prolific sports journalists in Quebec" with over 25 years covering the Canadiens for broadcaster RDS, made several specific allegations according to Canadian sports website Dose.
Gélinas reportedly claimed that the club advised players to:
- Avoid going outside during their Minnesota stay
- Eat at the hotel rather than exploring local venues
- Travel to the arena by bus instead of walking
- Remain in Minnesota overnight rather than proceeding to Winnipeg to avoid potential "disturbances in the city"
NHL Backs Canadiens' Denial
Brad Klein, Director of Corporate Communications at the NHL, which oversees all 32 North American teams including the Canadiens, corroborated the team's position. Klein told The Independent that reports regarding advice to stay in the hotel and carry passports were "not true."
The Independent has attempted to contact Gélinas regarding his sources and whether he stands by his reporting, but has not received responses to requests sent via social media, to the RDS broadcast, or to his booking agent.
Broader Context of Immigration Enforcement Concerns
These security claims emerge against a backdrop of heightened concern for international athletes and fans in Minnesota, where aggressive federal immigration enforcement has caused widespread outrage. Recent incidents have seen two American citizens shot by federal agents in separate encounters, contributing to an atmosphere of tension.
Recent Immigration Incidents Involving Athletes
Earlier this month, San Francisco Giants star Jung Hoo Lee was detained by immigration officials at Los Angeles International Airport. The 27-year-old outfielder was stopped by Customs and Border Protection on January 21 because he had forgotten documents in South Korea, according to a statement from Representative Nancy Pelosi's office.
A Giants spokesperson later clarified that Lee was released after his "brief travel issue at LAX due to a paperwork issue," adding, "The matter was quickly clarified with the appropriate authorities, and he has since been cleared to continue his travel. We appreciate the professionalism of all parties involved."
World Cup Travel Complications
President Trump's immigration policies have created additional complications for international sports travel. Senegal and Ivory Coast were added in December to a list of countries facing partial entry restrictions into the United States, which is co-hosting the upcoming World Cup tournament alongside Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Fans from Iran and Haiti, two other countries that have qualified for the World Cup, will also be barred from entering the United States under the travel ban's first iteration. While exceptions exist for players, team officials, and immediate relatives traveling to the World Cup, no allowances have been made for supporters from these nations.
The Montreal Canadiens' firm denial of safety precautions in Minnesota comes as sports organizations navigate increasingly complex international travel landscapes amid shifting immigration enforcement policies across North America.
