Canada says Russian players with visas will still be barred from World Juniors

Key points

• The federal government directed Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to individually assess and block Russian and Belarusian participants from entering Canada for the World Juniors in Alberta, regardless of existing visas.
• The announcement notes that neutrals were previously allowed for individuals, but the policy now explicitly excludes team participation, aligning with broader international pressure related to the Ukraine war.
• Russia led this year’s CHL import draft, highlighting the level of involvement Russian players have in Canada’s junior hockey system before the new restriction.
• Following a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling, the IIHF was urged to reinstate Russia in international competition, a move that has not yet materialized in the tournament lineup.
• Norway’s federation said the IIHF informed it that Russia could be added to the field at Norway’s expense, though the IIHF has not publicly confirmed any changes.
• Several nations’ hockey federations have indicated they would refuse to face Russian players, reflecting a broader resistance to Russia’s participation while the war continues.
• Prime Minister Mark Carney reiterated that Russian and Belarusian athletes cannot compete in Canada while the war persists, reinforcing the government’s stance despite earlier debates over neutral participation.