Canada bans Russian hockey players from entering country for junior world championship

Official ban on national teams

The Government of Canada has officially informed the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and the national federation of the country about the ban on Russian hockey players participating in the junior world championship. The tournament will begin on 26 December in the cities of Edmonton and Red Deer. The established restrictions will apply even to athletes who have already obtained valid Canadian visas. Competing under a neutral flag will also not allow the Russian national team to circumvent these bans.

Individual screening of entry candidates

Canada’s Minister of Sport, Adam Van Coeverden, stated the government’s position. He announced that the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of the country will conduct individual screening of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials to prevent their entry for participation in the competitions. This approach also applies to those who previously received entry permits.

«Ці заходи не спрямовані проти російського та білоруського народів. Їхня мета — не дозволити урядам Росії та Білорусі використовувати міжнародні спортивні змагання, що проводяться в Канаді, як майданчик для державного представництва, здобуття політичної легітимності та пропаганди» (These measures are not directed against the Russian and Belarusian peoples. Their purpose is to prevent the governments of Russia and Belarus from using international sporting events held in Canada as a platform for state representation, gaining political legitimacy, and propaganda), Van Coeverden explained.

Exception for individual participants

Meanwhile, the Canadian government clarified that individual athletes from Russia and Belarus may still participate in international competitions on the country’s territory in a neutral status. However, this exception applies exclusively to individual participants and does not extend to national teams.

«Позиція Канади однозначна: поки Росія продовжує агресивну війну проти України, повернення до звичного стану речей неможливе. Канада й надалі підтримуватиме Україну» (Canada’s position is unequivocal: as long as Russia continues its aggressive war against Ukraine, a return to the status quo is impossible. Canada will continue to support Ukraine), the minister emphasised.

Previously announced restrictions

As recently as last week, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Russian and Belarusian athletes would not be able to represent their countries in competitions in Canada while the war continues.