Ukraine's ice hockey has 'no intention of giving up' after court ruling clears way for Russia's return

The International Ice Hockey Federation's decision to exclude Russian athletes from international tournaments was deemed unlawful by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), prompting dismay from various national hockey federations and the IIHF. Among those affected are nations such as Czechia, Germany, Finland, Canada, and others.

Ihor Merezhko, captain of Ukraine's national men's team, expressed his disappointment with the ruling, stating that sports are not separate from politics when missiles destroy ice arenas and kill athletes. National hockey federations worldwide have sided with Ukraine in their stance against Russia's return. Russia's gradual re-entry into international sports following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has raised concerns about its normalization on the global stage.

Ukrainian athletes continue to train despite the ongoing war, with captain Merezhko describing the CAS decision as "particularly painful." The Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine (FHU) was caught off guard by the ruling, which was made within just three days despite its significant implications. The FHU received no further explanation beyond the court's statement posted on its website.

While hockey is considered more than just a sport, Merezhko acknowledges the additional psychological and organizational stress caused by the ongoing conflict. The national men's team will continue to play, emphasizing the cultural and national significance of the sport. Host countries including Canada, Germany, and Czechia have expressed concerns about security, political, and economic consequences if Russia were to participate.

Seven countries currently refuse to play Russia, including Czechia, Denmark, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, Canada, and Finland.