MONTREAL: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has ruled out Russian participation in the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships, maintaining the country’s restrictions on athletes from Russia and Belarus over the war in Ukraine.
Edmonton and Red Deer in Alberta are scheduled to host the tournament from December 26, 2026, to January 5, 2027. The competition features some of the most promising young players hoping to make their mark in professional ice hockey.
Speaking to reporters during a Commonwealth summit in Antigua on Tuesday, Carney said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Belarus’s support for Moscow meant athletes from both countries would remain excluded from competing under their national flags in Canada.
“Russia and Belarus are supporting this illegal, unjustified, horrific war in Ukraine. As long as that’s going on, there will be none of those athletes competing for their countries in Canada,” Carney said.
“So if you’re asking specifically about the World Juniors, the Russians will not be there.”
CAS Ruling Sparks Controversy
Russian ice hockey teams have been excluded from international competitions organised by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled on Friday in favour of reinstating Russia in ice hockey world championships, raising questions about the country’s possible return to international competition.
The decision has faced opposition from several European countries. Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Czechia have indicated that they will not play against Russia at the upcoming world championships.
Canada Maintains Its Position
Canadian Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab also reaffirmed the government’s opposition to Russian and Belarusian participation in international sporting events hosted in Canada.
“Canada’s position has not changed because Russia’s actions have not changed,” the government statement said.
“Canada remains committed to ensuring that sport is not used to confer legitimacy, prestige or international standing on such states.”
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Diab said she would exercise her authority to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from entering Canada.
The government also intends to maintain conditions requiring events receiving federal funding to prohibit Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing under their national symbols.
Ten Teams Set for the Tournament
The tournament is scheduled to feature 10 national teams, including host nation Canada, the United States, defending champion Sweden, Latvia, Finland, Germany, Slovakia, Norway, Czechia and Switzerland.
With Russia’s participation ruled out by the Canadian government, the upcoming championship is expected to proceed without one of international ice hockey’s traditional powerhouses.
The dispute also highlights the continuing tension between international sports organisations seeking to determine eligibility and governments maintaining restrictions linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
