Russia says it’ll demand compensation if barred from World Juniors in Alberta

Russian hockey federation president Vladislav Tretiak has threatened to demand compensation from Canada and Germany if Russia is barred from the upcoming World Juniors championship in Alberta. This threat follows Ottawa's statement on Wednesday that Russian players will not be allowed to compete, even if they possess valid Canadian visas.

Despite a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling reinstating Russia in international hockey, the decision to exclude Russian players arises from Canada's military and humanitarian support for Ukraine. Tretiak, speaking at a presidential sports council meeting, said Russia would also seek to move the tournaments and impose sanctions on organizers.

He accused national federations of refusing to play against Russia under pressure from their governments. The International Ice Hockey Federation banned both Russia and Belarus from international tournaments in February 2022 due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Belarusian support. Several other hockey federations, including Finland, Sweden, Czechia, and Norway, have also pledged to refuse matches against Russia.