Canada dismisses fears of international blowback over Russian world junior hockey ban
Canada's secretary of state for sport dismissed concerns Wednesday that barring Russian players from next month's world junior hockey championship in Alberta could hurt the country's chances of hosting future international events, including the Olympics.
'We've been unequivocal with respect to our support for Ukraine,' says Canada's secretary of state for sport
The Canadian Press
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Canada's secretary of state for sport dismissed concerns Wednesday that barring Russian players from next month's world junior hockey championship in Alberta could hurt the country's chances of hosting future international events, including the Olympics.
"No, we've been unequivocal with respect to our support for Ukraine and in our insistence that Russia as well as Belarus do not compete in international events while using their national symbols," Adam van Koeverden said when asked about potential repercussions.
His comments came as the International Ice Hockey Federation reiterated its opposition to a ruling ordering Russia's reinstatement to international competition, but stopped short of addressing Canada's refusal to allow Russian players into the country.
Prime Minister Mark Carney made Canada's position clear Tuesday while attending the Commonwealth Summit in Antigua.
"So if you're asking specifically about the world juniors, the Russians will not be there," he said.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled last week that Russia must be reinstated to international competition, starting with the world juniors. Russian and Belarusian teams have been banned since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Van Koeverden said he met Tuesday with Finland's sports minister to discuss the issue, noting that countries neighbouring Russia face different consequences from its invasion of Ukraine.
"We have a lot in common and certainly not the least of which is our support for Ukraine," he said.
Asked why Russia was being treated differently from other countries, including the United States, van Koeverden pointed to Moscow's use of international sport to advance its political interests.
"They continually use sport for nefarious reasons and purposes, so the false equivalencies aren't necessary in this regard," he said.
In a statement Wednesday, the IIHF cited logistical, security and competitive challenges with Russia's immediate return, including visa requirements and potential changes to tournament formats.
"The global impact of the decision made by the CAS Panel and the challenges it creates for all involved were significantly underestimated," the federation said.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney said while Russia and Belarus are supporting 'this illegal and unjustified war in Ukraine,' no athlete representing either country will be allowed to compete in Canada, including at this winter's World Junior Hockey Championship in Alberta.IIHF consulting national hockey associations
While the IIHF did not directly address Carney's announcement, it said it is consulting national hockey associations, tournament organizers and host authorities before determining its next steps. The federation said player safety and tournament integrity remain priorities. It promised more information in the coming days.
The federal government said it would use its immigration powers to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from entering Canada to compete under their national symbols.
Ottawa said the measure was intended to prevent Russia and Belarus from using international sporting events in Canada as platforms for political legitimacy and propaganda. Athletes competing as neutrals could still be permitted to participate.
Russia's ambassador to Canada criticized the decision Tuesday, accusing Ottawa of bringing politics into sports.
"It is genuinely regrettable to see Prime Minister Carney's cabinet bringing politics onto the ice. Sport, particularly junior hockey, should be about athletic excellence, fair competition and bringing young people together," Oleg Stepanov said.
Stepanov also suggested the decision would eliminate some of Canada's strongest competition at the tournament.
"One might almost suspect that Ottawa has discovered a novel approach to winning international tournaments: if you cannot be entirely certain of beating your strongest opponents on the ice, simply ensure they never make it to the rink," he said.
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Russia had been banned from international ice hockey competitions since 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine. The Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned International Ice Hockey Federation decisions, which excluded Russia from events in the 2026-27 season, including the men's and women's world championships. It is unclear how Russia will be included since adding another team will make for uneven groups and longer tournaments.Hockey Canada welcomes Ottawa's position
Hockey Canada welcomed the government's position Tuesday and said its board of directors would meet this week to discuss next steps.
Canada's decision came after several European hockey federations, including Sweden, Finland, Czechia and Latvia, said their teams would refuse to face Russia.
The opposition has also spread to major sponsors of the men's world hockey championship, which takes place in Germany next May.
Czech automaker Skoda, the tournament's main sponsor for more than 30 years, said Wednesday it would reassess its involvement if Russia competes.
"With Russia's aggression continuing, we believe the Russian national team's return to the world championship is incompatible with the values we have consistently upheld," the company said in a statement to The Associated Press.
German workwear manufacturer Strauss also threatened to withdraw its sponsorship, while Nokian Tyres said it would end its backing if Russia participates.
The world junior championship opens Dec. 26 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta., with defending champion Sweden among the 10 teams scheduled to compete.
Canada, Czechia, Switzerland, the United States, Germany, Latvia, Slovakia, Norway and Finland round out the field.
With files from files from The Associated Press and CP's Nick Murray in Ottawa
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