The key facts

  • Mark Carney stated that the Russians will not play at the World Junior Hockey Championship in Alberta (December 26 — January 5).
  • In late October, the CAS obliged the IIHF to admit the Russian national team to international competitions.
  • A number of European federations previously stated that they would not take the ice against the Russian national team.

Ottawa's Statement

Canada will not allow the Russian national team to take part in the World Junior Hockey Championship, which will be held in the province of Alberta from December 26 to January 5. This was announced by the country's Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was quoted by Reuters. According to him, as long as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, Russian and Belarusian athletes will not be admitted to any competitions held on Canadian territory. «If you are asking specifically about the World Junior Championship — the Russians will not be there,» Carney said.

Conflict with the CAS Ruling

The Canadian prime minister's statement contradicts a recent legal ruling: at the end of October, the Court of Arbitration for Sport obliged the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to allow the Russian national team to participate in international tournaments. The ruling drew criticism from most of the influential hockey powers: Germany, which is hosting the senior World Championship, had considered cancelling the tournament if the Russians took part, while Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Norway and Denmark stated that they would not boycott the competition but would not take the ice against the Russian team.

Moscow's Reaction

Russia's Ambassador to Canada, Oleg Stepanov, called Carney's statements «regrettable» — in his words, Ottawa's policy «extends even to junior hockey, which should serve not to divide but to unite». «Ottawa is seeking to get rid of serious rivals too cautiously, even before the first puck is dropped,» the diplomat noted.