Canada joins coalition refusing to play ice hockey against Russia over Ukraine war
Summary
Canada and several European hockey federations say they will not play Russian teams while Russia’s war in Ukraine continues. The statements followed a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that lifted the International Ice Hockey Federation’s ban on Russian teams; Canada’s prime minister said Russian players would not compete in next month’s world junior championship in Alberta.Key Facts
- Canada said Russian skaters would not compete in the world junior championship scheduled to start December 26 in Alberta.
- Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Latvia and the Czech Republic announced opposition to playing Russian teams.
- Norway said its position was based on concerns about the safety and wellbeing of players, staff and their families.
- The International Ice Hockey Federation’s ban on Russian teams began after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and was extended annually.
- The Court of Arbitration for Sport lifted the ban, saying security concerns were not supported by sufficient evidence.
- Ukraine’s foreign minister thanked European countries for refusing to play Russia and urged nations to deny visas to Russian players.
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