Dictators on ice!

Belarusian dictator Alexsandr Lukashenko, known as "the last dictator in Europe", has long known that absolute power is laden with juicy perks. From the mansions, to luxury cars and planes, to champagne and caviar, being at the top of the political food chain is a pretty sweet gig if you can get it.

So it comes as no surprise that Lukashenko, who is a die hard ice hockey fan, will be taking to the ice and joining his own national team in hosting an exhibition tournament series against Sweden.

So how do the Swedes feel about traveling to a Soviet style dictatorship to engage in a sporting event that's being staged for no reason beyond gratifying the ego of a tyrant? Swedish player Kenneth Lundberg summed it up succinctly:

We have just looked at the hockey side of things and left politics aside

Figures. Well, it's a safe bet that the 52 year old Lukashenko will be receiving plenty of protection from his teammates on the ice. Who knows? They may even get an extra state ration of toilet paper if they set him up with an assist for a goal!