PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The process needed to extract goalie Ivan Fedotov from both his Russian military and hockey commitments and finally land him in Philadelphia — nine years after he was drafted by the Flyers — remains largely shrouded in Cold War-era type secrecy.
Flyers general manager Danny Briere stuck to silence on Fedotov's path to Philly as the goalie was introduced Friday to the team.
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FILE - Russian Olympic Committee goalkeeper Ivan Fedotov (28) reacts after a goal by Finland's Hannes Bjorninen during the men's gold medal hockey game at the 2022 Winter Olympics, Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, in Beijing. Fedotov has had his contract in Russia's KHL terminated by CSKA Moscow, the team announced Thursday, March 28, 2024, with one year remaining on it. The Philadelphia Flyers own Fedotov's NHL rights, signed him in May 2022 and attempted to bring him to North America a few months later. He was instead taken to a remote military base in the Arctic Circle for a year of service. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)
Philadelphia Flyers Ivan Fedotov, right, takes questions from the media as general manager Daniel Briere looks on during an NHL hockey press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere, left, and Ivan Fedotov takes questions from the media during an NHL hockey press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. Goaltender Ivan Fedotov has finally joined the Philadelphia Flyers. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Flyers' Ivan Fedotov takes to the ice for some NHL hockey practice following his introductory press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Flyers' Ivan Fedotov takes to the ice for some NHL hockey practice following his introductory press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Flyers' Ivan Fedotov takes to the ice for some NHL hockey practice following his introductory press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Flyers' Ivan Fedotov takes questions from the media during an NHL hockey press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. Nine years after he was drafted by Philadelphia, goalie Ivan Fedotov has joined the Flyers.(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Flyers' Ivan Fedotov, right, shakes hands with general manager Daniel Briere during an NHL hockey press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Flyers' Ivan Fedotov puts on his new Flyers jersey during an NHL hockey press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere, left, and Ivan Fedotov pose with Fedotov's Flyers jersey during an NHL hockey press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. Nine years after he was drafted by Philadelphia, goalie Ivan Fedotov has joined the Flyers.(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere, left, and Ivan Fedotov pose with Fedotov's Flyers jersey during an NHL hockey press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. Nine years after he was drafted by Philadelphia, goalie Ivan Fedotov has joined the Flyers.(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
FILE - Russian Olympic Committee goalkeeper Ivan Fedotov (28) reacts after a goal by Finland's Hannes Bjorninen during the men's gold medal hockey game at the 2022 Winter Olympics, Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, in Beijing. Fedotov has had his contract in Russia's KHL terminated by CSKA Moscow, the team announced Thursday, March 28, 2024, with one year remaining on it. The Philadelphia Flyers own Fedotov's NHL rights, signed him in May 2022 and attempted to bring him to North America a few months later. He was instead taken to a remote military base in the Arctic Circle for a year of service. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)
“We'll just leave the details out,” Briere said.
What the Flyers are willing to reveal is this: they believe the 27-year-old Fedotov was worth the arduous, complicated wait to get him and that he can make an impact down the stretch as they chase a playoff a berth.
“That's what gives us confidence he can come and help us,” Briere said at the Flyers' New Jersey complex. “He's been through a lot in his career. He's been through a lot in his personal life. It's a big part of the reason why we feel comfortable. We're excited to have him aboard.”
Fedotov was able to join the Flyers nine years after he was picked in the seventh round of the 2015 draft because he had his contract in Russia’s KHL terminated Thursday by CSKA Moscow.
CSKA announced the abrupt termination with one year remaining on it, saying it keeps his KHL rights and “the club thanks Ivan Fedotov and wishes him good luck in (his) career.”
Fedotov speaks limited English but noted several times he was thankful for the Flyers and the opportunity to play in the NHL.
“Very difficult two years,” he said. “Now I'm here and happy to be here and help the team.”
Fedotov is under contract with the Flyers this season after his initial deal, signed in May 2022, was tolled. He attempted to come to North America in July 2022, but instead was taken by authorities to a remote military base in the Arctic Circle for a year of service.
Last summer, after completing that service, Fedotov signed a two-year contract with CSKA. He played for the team this past season, appearing in 49 games through March 8, when it was eliminated in the first round of the KHL's Gagarin Cup playoffs.
Because Fedotov already had an NHL contract with the Flyers, the International Ice Hockey Federation last summer ruled in their favor and sanctioned him and CSKA.
Fedotov was the starter for the Russians at the 2022 Beijing Olympics when they reached the final and lost to Finland.
“We were always hopeful that he would come,” Briere said. “It’s been a long road. I give him a lot of props to keep pushing and finally have the chance to come. Hopefully it’s a new chapter for him.”
Briere said he did not expect a contract extension to become an issue.
Fedotov practiced Friday and should be available to play almost right away. The Flyers — who lost starting goalie Carter Hart in January after he was charged with sexual assault — have Samuel Ersson as their No. 1 goaltender. To make room for Fedotov on the roster, backup goalie Felix Sandström was sent to the minor leagues.
Expected to be in the midst of a lengthy rebuild, the Flyers are instead one of the surprises of the NHL. Under coach John Tortorella, the Flyers have 82 points and are vying with Detroit and Washington for two of the final spots in the Eastern Conference.
The Flyers host Chicago on Saturday, play Monday and have back-to-back games next Friday and Saturday, giving Fedotov enough opportunity to hit the ice. He would be eligible to play in the postseason.
“The coaching staff will decide if he plays or not,” Briere said.
Fedotov can't wait to push the thorny geopolitical issues aside and just play hockey.
“I hope it’s a long time together,” he said.
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Philadelphia Flyers Ivan Fedotov, right, takes questions from the media as general manager Daniel Briere looks on during an NHL hockey press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere, left, and Ivan Fedotov takes questions from the media during an NHL hockey press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. Goaltender Ivan Fedotov has finally joined the Philadelphia Flyers. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Flyers' Ivan Fedotov takes to the ice for some NHL hockey practice following his introductory press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Flyers' Ivan Fedotov takes to the ice for some NHL hockey practice following his introductory press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Flyers' Ivan Fedotov takes to the ice for some NHL hockey practice following his introductory press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Flyers' Ivan Fedotov takes questions from the media during an NHL hockey press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. Nine years after he was drafted by Philadelphia, goalie Ivan Fedotov has joined the Flyers.(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Flyers' Ivan Fedotov, right, shakes hands with general manager Daniel Briere during an NHL hockey press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Flyers' Ivan Fedotov puts on his new Flyers jersey during an NHL hockey press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere, left, and Ivan Fedotov pose with Fedotov's Flyers jersey during an NHL hockey press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. Nine years after he was drafted by Philadelphia, goalie Ivan Fedotov has joined the Flyers.(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere, left, and Ivan Fedotov pose with Fedotov's Flyers jersey during an NHL hockey press conference, Friday, March 29, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. Nine years after he was drafted by Philadelphia, goalie Ivan Fedotov has joined the Flyers.(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
FILE - Russian Olympic Committee goalkeeper Ivan Fedotov (28) reacts after a goal by Finland's Hannes Bjorninen during the men's gold medal hockey game at the 2022 Winter Olympics, Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, in Beijing. Fedotov has had his contract in Russia's KHL terminated by CSKA Moscow, the team announced Thursday, March 28, 2024, with one year remaining on it. The Philadelphia Flyers own Fedotov's NHL rights, signed him in May 2022 and attempted to bring him to North America a few months later. He was instead taken to a remote military base in the Arctic Circle for a year of service. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)
NEW YORK (AP) — St. Patrick’s Day, the annual celebration of all things Irish, was marked by parades throughout the United States on Monday, from a procession through Manhattan to a rolling spectacle through Savannah’s historic streets.
School marching bands and traditional Irish pipe and drum ensembles ambled down Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue with uniformed delegations from the police and fire departments in New York City, which hosts one of the nation’s largest and oldest parades.
The celebration made its way north past designer shops and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a stunning neo-Gothic landmark that’s the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York.
Mayor Eric Adams donned a green cap and scarf and waved an Irish flag while Catholic Archbishop Timothy Dolan greeted marchers wearing a green, white and orange sash -- the national colors of the Emerald Isle.
“It’s fantastic to be here,” Ryan Hanlon, vice chairman of the parade’s board of directors, said as a light morning rain fell. “We’re getting a little bit of rain at the moment, but as we Irish call it, it’s just liquid sunshine.”
The New York celebration, in its 264th year, dates to 1762 — 14 years before the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Monday's parade lasted through the afternoon, ending on the east side of Central Park, about 35 blocks from where it started.
That's much, much longer than the 98-foot route in the resort town of Hot Springs, Arkansas, which claims it hosts the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
And in Savannah, thousands of revelers in gaudy green costumes crowded sidewalks and oak-shaded squares as the South’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade wound through the historic Georgia city. The parade marked its 200th anniversary a year ago, tracing its origins to the day Irish immigrants marched to church in March 1824.
Lindsey Dodd, who’s been coming to Savannah’s parade for about 15 years, sported green hair braids, green lipstick and shamrock-decorated socks as her group set up chairs in a prime spot for parade-watching. Children tooted plastic horns and grown ups raised their beers as pipe and drum bands marched and pickup trucks towed shamrock-decorated floats.
“I just enjoy the festivities, people watching, the chaos,” Dodd said. “There’s just something special about Savannah.”
Some other American cities transformed by Irish immigration held festivities over the weekend. Chicago, turning its namesake river bright green with dye, celebrated Saturday. Boston and Philadelphia held their parades on Sunday. And the water in the White House fountain was dyed green, a tradition started by President Barack Obama.
Across the pond, the Irish capital of Dublin culminated its three-day festival with a parade , and cities such as Liverpool, an English city also transformed by Irish immigration, hosted their own celebrations on St. Patrick’s feast day.
The parades are meant to commemorate Ireland’s patron saint but have become a celebration of Irish heritage globally since they were initially popularized by Irish immigrant communities to show solidarity in times of discrimination and opposition in the U.S.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul reflected on her Irish ancestors, who she said had been struggling potato farmers and fishermen from County Kerry.
“I live the American dream because my Irish immigrant grandparents came to this country as teenagers,” the Democrat said as she walked the Manhattan parade route. “I’m humbled by that story. That is the story of so many New Yorkers.”
Bynum reported from Savannah.
Ashley Pincheon cheers during the St. Patrick's Day parade, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Savannah, Ga. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Lord Mayor of Belfast Micky Murray takes part in the St Patrick's Day Parade in Belfast, Monday, March 17, 2025. (Liam McBurney/PA via AP)
Britain's Kate, the Princess of Wales, poses for a photo with the Irish Guards, at a special St Patrick's Day parade and celebration at Wellington Barracks in London, Monday, March 17, 2025. (Eddie Mulholland/Pool photo via AP)
Michael Popovich from Houston, wears a tiny leprechaun hat he got from his niece during the St. Patrick's Day parade, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Savannah, Ga. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Floral Park police officers drink Guinness in Megans Bar and Kitchen during the 264th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
Nora Devaney, 77, of the Donegal Association of New York, marching for her 61st year in a row, looks on during the 264th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
Protestors shout during the 264th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
New York State Police march in the 264th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
U.S. Army Ranger Staff Sgt. Patrick Ortland, left, gets a hug from his mother Bernadette Ortland during the St. Patrick's Day, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Savannah, Ga. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Savannah College of Art and Design student Abby Cooper celebrates with her friends during the St. Patrick's Day parade, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Savannah, Ga. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
A group of local residents shout at group of cheerleaders during the St. Patrick's Day parade, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Savannah, Ga. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Sophie Myers, left, kisses her boyfriend Benedictine Military School cadet Manning McGinty, center, as he marches in the St. Patrick's Day parade, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Savannah, Ga. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Bella Brykailo, left, and her friend Leighton Smith guzzle a non-alcoholic drink during the 201st anniversary of Savannah's St. Patrick's Day parade, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Savannah, Ga. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
A Benedictine Military School cadet gets kissed by a group of friends during the St. Patrick's Day parade, Monday, March 17, 2025, in Savannah, Ga. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
New York Fire Department officers march with flags during the 264th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
A child marches in the 264th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
Crowds watch the 264th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
Archbishop of New York Timothy M. Dolan has his photograph taken with people at the 264th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
Cameron Brown, 3, waves Irish flags as he sits on the shoulders of his mother Amanda Brown, 40, at the 264th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
NYPD officers salute as they march in the 264th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
Bands march in the 264th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
New York City Mayor Eric Adams arrives for the 264th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
New York City Mayor Eric Adams arrives for the 264th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
People march in the 264th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
A wolfhound from the 69th Infantry Regiment looks on before the 264th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
Parade Grand Marshalls pose for a photograph before the 264th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
Bands march in the 264th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
People wave flags during the 264th New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Monday, March 17, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
Britain's Kate, the Princess of Wales, drinks Guinness during a reception with the Irish Guards, at a special St Patrick's Day parade and celebration at Wellington Barracks in London, Monday, March 17, 2025. (Eddie Mulholland/Pool Photo via AP)
Vice President JD Vance, third left, joins Ireland's Taoiseach Micheal Martin, left, during a bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump ahead of the White House St Patrick's Day reception, Wednesday March 12, 2025, in Washington. (Niall Carson/PA via AP)
The fountain on the North Lawn of the White House is dyed green for St. Patrick's Day in Washington, Monday, March 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
The Chicago River is dyed green as part of annual St. Patrick's Day festivities Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Empty containers used for homemade drinks overflow the garbage cans after the St. Patrick's Day parade, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Boston, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Tommy McCarthy and his wife Louise Costello, owners of the Burren Pub, play an Irish tune, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Somerville, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Michele Hunter, of Pawlet, Vt., center left, and Erin Riley, of Saugus, Mass., cheer a performer at the St. Patrick's Day parade, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Boston, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
A sheet metal worker high-fives the crowd during the St. Patrick's Day parade, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Boston, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
The Chicago River is dyed green as part of annual St. Patrick's Day festivities Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Performers shoot muskets at the St. Patrick's Day parade, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Boston, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
The Chicago River is dyed green as part of annual St. Patrick's Day festivities Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
A Shriner motors by the crowd during the St. Patrick's Day parade, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Boston, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
April Loh, left, and Marie Maia, take a selfie while enjoying a Kiwi Mule mocktail, made without tequila, during the sober Saint Patrick's Day celebration at the Whistler House Museum, Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Lowell, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
A man on a float encourages the crowd to cheer louder during the St. Patrick's Day parade, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Boston, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Britain's Kate, the Princess of Wales, gestures during a reception with the Irish Guards, at a special St Patrick's Day parade and celebration at Wellington Barracks in London, Monday, March 17, 2025. (Eddie Mulholland/Pool photo via AP)
People attend the St Patrick's Day Parade in Belfast, Monday, March 17, 2025. (Liam McBurney/PA via AP)
People attend the St Patrick's Day Parade in Belfast, Monday, March 17, 2025. (Liam McBurney/PA via AP)
The Chicago River is dyed green as part of annual St. Patrick's Day festivities Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Spectators watch the St. Patrick's Day parade from a balcony, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Boston, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Spectators cheer at the St. Patrick's Day parade, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Boston, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Spectators cheer during the St. Patrick's Day parade, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Boston, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
A man dressed as a leprechaun slaps hands with the crowd during the St. Patrick's Day parade, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Boston, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
A drummer performs during the St. Patrick's Day parade, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Boston, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Participants dressed as Minutemen march during the St. Patrick's Day parade, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Boston, Mass. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
A participant smiles during the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Montreal, Sunday, March 16, 2025.(Graham Hughes /The Canadian Press via AP)
