SportsHockeyWorld Juniors

Canadian Prime Minister Carney won't let Russia's hockey team into the country

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
|
Nov 4 2026, 12:09 am
Canadian Prime Minister Carney won't let Russia's hockey team into the country
@MarkJCarney/X

Russia will not be competing at the upcoming World Junior Championship in Alberta, according to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Speaking Tuesday, Carney made Canada’s position clear following a controversial ruling that could have paved the way for Russia’s return to international hockey as soon as this December.

“Russia and [Belarus] are supporting this illegal and 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.”

The comments come just days after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) must allow Russia to participate in its upcoming international championships, overturning the organization’s decision to keep the country banned for the 2026-27 season.

Russia has been excluded from IIHF competitions since 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine.

The ruling specifically included the 2027 World Junior Championship, which is scheduled to begin Dec. 26 in Edmonton and Red Deer. However, Carney’s latest comments suggest Canada will not welcome the Russian team despite the CAS decision.

russia-world-juniors-edmonton

Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images

The situation has created a complicated position for tournament organizers, with the IIHF previously stating it would comply with the ruling while acknowledging that changes to participation would require extensive coordination with host authorities and national hockey associations.

Hockey Canada said Tuesday it remains in discussions with the IIHF and other stakeholders to better understand the potential implications of Russia’s reinstatement.

“Hockey Canada thanks the Government of Canada for today’s strong position that Canada intends to prevent Russian and Belarusian officials and athletes from participating under their national symbols in international sporting events taking place on Canadian soil,” Hockey Canada released in a statement.

Canada isn’t alone in its opposition to Russia’s return to international hockey. Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Latvia, Norway, and Denmark have all indicated that their national teams will refuse to play against Russia in international competition.

The upcoming tournament is currently scheduled to feature 10 countries, with Russia potentially taking the place of Norway if it is added to the field.

For now, the IIHF and Hockey Canada still have questions to resolve, but Carney has made Canada’s position abundantly clear.

ADVERTISEMENT