These six countries are threatening to boycott international hockey if Russia is allowed back
The reaction to Russia’s potential return to international hockey has been swift.
Last week, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that Russia must be reinstated into International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) events, starting with the upcoming World Juniors in Alberta this December. This came after the country was banned in 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The IIHF reacted with disappointment to the decision, but said that it respects the authority of CAS. IIHF President Franz Reidl said that they are currently in the process of figuring out how to “implement this ruling responsibly.”
John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports
Multiple hockey federations across the world have also responded to the news, with six countries threatening to boycott games in which Russia is included, all of which are set to participate in the upcoming World Juniors tournament.
The Finnish Ice Hockey Association was the first to take the hard stance on the decision, putting out a statement on Monday.
“Our line is that we will not play against Russia as long as the war of aggression against Ukraine continues,” a translated statement from Heikki Hietanen, the chairman of the Finnish Ice Hockey Association, read.
“We are currently gathering as many countries as possible to form a common front to tell the IIHF that none of us will play against Russia in this situation.”
All of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Czechia, and Latvia joined Finland on that front on Tuesday, saying that their national teams would refuse to play in games involving Russian teams.
It remains to be seen how the IIHF will handle the boycott threats and whether or not it will put the upcoming World Juniors tournament in jeopardy.
What is Canada saying?
While Hockey Canada has not explicitly said they are joining those six countries in a potential boycott, they have reacted to the decision.
A statement was put out by Hockey Canada on Friday in which they shared in the disappointment of the CAS decision regarding Russia.
“While the implications of the ruling are not immediately clear, our organization is in contact with the IIHF to learn more, and we await further understanding of the potential impact the decision will have on the IIHF’s Member National Associations and future competitions,” the statement read.
Statement from Hockey Canada. đ
DĂ©claration de Hockey Canada. đ pic.twitter.com/mZ666Q9PmO
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) October 30, 2026
There has also been reaction from Canadian federal government officials. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand appeared on CBC’s Power and Politics on Friday, where she hinted the federal government could get involved if Russian national teams intend to compete in IIHF events hosted in Canada.
“I am not comfortable with this decision,” Anand said. “The government of Canada will be examining the guidelines that are in place in terms of next steps.
“Make no mistake, this is a very unwelcome decision given the geopolitical situation, given the actions of Russia […] All options are on the table, and I will say, again, I greet this decision with great disappointment.”
Canada’s Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden has also weighed in on the situation, echoing the disappointment held by both Anand and Hockey Canada.
“Canada maintains, as it has since 2022, that Russia should not be represented in international sport competitions while Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable full-scale invasion against Ukraine continues,” van Koeverden said in a statement.
“Canada will maintain restrictions on the participation of Russian athletes at events hosted in Canada that receive funding from the Government of Canada and explore further options to ensure that the Russian government is held accountable.”
This brings up the possibility that Canada could refuse to give visas to the Russian team.
It remains to be seen how involved the Canadian federal government will get if Russia does end up attending the upcoming World Juniors tournament in Red Deer and Edmonton.
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