Canada blocks Russian juniors from world hockey championship

Canada has informed Hockey Canada and the IIHF that it will not issue visas to Russian hockey players for the World Junior Championship in Alberta in late December, and will also bar entry to those who already hold visas. The decision defies a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling from late October that ordered the reinstatement of Russian teams. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced last week that Russian juniors would be barred from the tournament in Edmonton and Red Deer, with the government formally notifying hockey bodies on Wednesday. Officials excluded participation even under a neutral flag, according to Daily Faceoff. The CAS ruled that the IIHF failed to provide sufficient evidence for safety concerns justifying Russia's exclusion this season. The IIHF criticized the verdict but said it would comply, while several national federations and major sponsors have since threatened to boycott or withdraw funding if Russians return.