‘He’s made it clear’: Gretzky backs Carney’s call to bar Russia from world juniors

TORONTO — Wayne Gretzky has expressed his support for Canada's decision to exclude Russia from the upcoming world junior hockey tournament in Alberta. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced this stance earlier this week, stating that both Russian and Belarusian athletes would not be allowed to represent their countries in Canada while the conflict in Ukraine persists.

The Canadian decision followed a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, requiring Russia to be reinstated in international hockey, starting with the world juniors. Gretzky acknowledged Carney's position during the ceremony to rename the Hockey Hall of Fame's resource centre in honor of his late father. He commended Carney's clarity, stating "good for him" before adding, "I think a lot of the players and the people of Canada feel the same way."

The world juniors are set to take place from December 26 through January 5 in Edmonton and Red Deer. This news was reported by The Canadian Press on November 6, 2026.