Canada won’t let Russian players enter for ice hockey junior championship

What the report says

Canada said it will block Russian athletes and officials from entering the country for the International Ice Hockey Federation’s World Junior Championship, due to be held in Alberta from December 26 to January 5. According to Al Jazeera’s report, the government’s decision means Russian players would be unable to take part even if they already hold valid visas.

Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden said Ottawa opposes Russian and Belarusian participation in international sport while Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, with Belarus accused of enabling that conflict. The immigration minister will use individual assessments to prevent entry, and Hockey Canada has backed the government’s stance.

The move comes after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ordered the IIHF to allow Russian teams into five upcoming championships, starting with the junior event. The IIHF has objected to that ruling and has already excluded Russia from most international hockey since the 2022 invasion. Belarus will not be at the tournament following a separate IIHF decision.

The article also notes that several European hockey federations have said they will not play Russia at future events, underscoring ongoing disputes over whether Russian teams should return to international competition. Canada’s position, as presented by the minister, is that there should be no “business as usual” while the war continues.