Canada joins coalition refusing to play ice hockey against Russia over Ukraine war
Growing number of countries are resisting Russia’s reintegration into international hockey after a sports court lifted a ban on competition
TL;DR
- Canada and several European nations are refusing to play ice hockey against Russia.
- The decision is a protest against Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed Russian skaters will not compete in the world junior championship in Canada.
- The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) recently lifted the IIHF ban on Russian teams.
- Several national hockey federations, prompted by Finland, have stated they will not play Russian teams.
- The IIHF ban was in effect since February 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.
- Ukraine's foreign minister thanked European nations for their stance against playing Russia.
- Norway cited safety and security risks for their players and staff as a reason for the boycott.
- The world junior tournament is scheduled to begin on December 26 in Alberta.