Boycott against Russian reinstatement leaves questions on impact on world juniors
Boycott against Russia's potential reinstatement in international hockey has sparked controversy surrounding the upcoming world junior championship in Alberta. Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Norway, Latvia, and Denmark have all refused to play against Russia in international competition, raising concerns about the impact on the tournament.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport ordered the International Ice Hockey Federation to reinstate Russia's teams, with the world juniors set to begin on December 26 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta. Hockey Canada is seeking clarification from the federation on how this reinstatement could affect the championship, though they have not yet received a response.
Canada's federal government opposes Russia's return and has maintained restrictions on Russian athletes at federally-funded events, though the world juniors has no such funding. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stated that the province would comply with the CAS ruling.
Written by urgent.news from Winnipeg Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
