Canada bars Russia & Belarus from junior tournament
Canada will not let ice hockey players from Russia or Belarus take part in the World Junior Championships next month.
The International Ice Hockey Federation has barred ice hockey players from Russia and Belarus from participating in the World Junior Championships set to take place next month in Canada. Russia had previously been suspended from competing in IIHF events since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, but the Court of Arbitration for Sport lifted the ban last week.
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed deep outrage at Russia's reinstatement, stating that as long as the war in Ukraine continues, Russian athletes will not be allowed to compete for their countries. Carney emphasized the importance of not allowing politics to divide the sport, which is meant to bring nations together. The tournament will run from December 26th to January 5th.
Russian Ambassador Oleg Stepanov criticized the decision, claiming it politicizes a sport that should unite rather than divide. Several other national ice hockey federations, including those of Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and the Czech Republic, also announced their refusal to play Russia in next year's men's Ice Hockey World Championship in Germany.
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