Canada blocks Russian visas for 2027 world junior hockey championships

Canada will not issue visas to Russian players for the men's 2027 world junior ice hockey championships in Edmonton and Red Deer, a decision that also applies to those with valid visas, Sport Secretary Adam van Koeverden announced. Van Koeverden said there can be no return to normality while Russia continues its war against Ukraine, following Prime Minister Mark Carney's earlier pledge to deny visas. The Court of Arbitration for Sport recently ordered the IIHF to reinstate Russia, prompting several European federations to refuse to face the team. Norway said the IIHF removed them to make room for Russia, while Russia's federation seeks sanctions on boycott supporters and suggests relocating the tournament. Multiple nations also threaten to boycott the men's 2027 worlds in Germany, where sponsors have pressured Russia to withdraw.