Russia’s hockey federation is demanding that the World Junior Championship, due to start Dec. 26 in Alberta, be moved, postponed or canceled after Canada said it would not let the Russian team take part, Euronews reported Saturday, Nov. 14.[1]
Related: Patrice Bergeron Enters Hockey Hall of Fame.
Canada’s position
Canada confirmed on Wednesday that Russian players would not be allowed to compete. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Russia could not bomb Ukrainian cities and then send its juniors to play in Alberta.[1]
Ottawa took that stance after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled last month that Russia must be allowed back into international hockey, overturning the ban the IIHF imposed after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.[1]
Russia’s demands
Russian federation president Vladislav Tretiak threatened to seek compensation from Canada, and possibly from Germany, which hosts the 2027 men’s world championship, if Russia is barred. He said he had asked the IIHF ethics committee to sanction federations that boycott Russia. Unverified claim, TASS (Russian state).[1]
Boycotts spread
Federations including those of Canada, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Czechia and Latvia have said they will not play Russia, and some sponsors have threatened to pull out if Russia takes part.[1] Germany and several other countries refused to sign a new junior schedule that includes Russia, and Germany is considering giving up the 2027 men’s championship.[1]
Norway said Sunday it had been told by the IIHF that it was being dropped from the tournament to make room for Russia; the IIHF has not announced that change.[1] The IIHF has so far declined to comment, and moving the event this late would be very difficult.[1]
More sports news, including the Bruins’ loss to Montreal.
Sources
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