Russia and Belarus support this illegal and horrific war in Ukraine. As long as it continues, none of their athletes will compete for their countries in Canada. If you ask specifically about the Junior World Championships, Russia will not be there, Mark Carney told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday, on the sidelines of the Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Barbuda.
Thanks to the federation
Carney was asked about Russia's participation in the World Championships after several European ice hockey nations - including Sweden, Finland and the Czech Republic - announced that they would boycott matches against Russian national teams in future World Championship tournaments at both junior and senior levels.
We respect the decisions of the Finns, the Czechs, the Swedes and other nations, but this is something we decide ourselves, Carney said about a possible Canadian boycott of World Championship matches against Russia.
The country's ice hockey federation has not commented on the European announcements of boycotts, but thanked the government for "today's clear position that Canada intends to prevent Russian and Belarusian officials and athletes" from participating in international sporting events on Canadian soil.
Sweden reigning champion
The Junior World Championship will be played from December 26 to January 5 in Edmonton and Red Deer in the province of Alberta. Sweden is the reigning champion.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has banned Russia from participating in tournaments since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the IIHF's decision on Friday.
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