Canada denies visas to Russian junior hockey players, opening spot for Norway

Canada will not issue visas to Russian players for the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship, according to Canadian sports channel TSN, potentially opening a spot for Norway. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) was informed that no visas will be granted to Russian players, including those already holding visas who play for Canadian teams, even without national symbols. This follows the Court of Arbitration for Sport's recent ruling that Russia must be allowed in future championships. If Russia is excluded, Norway would lose its place in the U20 tournament as the lowest-ranked qualified team, though the Norwegian Hockey Federation awaits official confirmation. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney stated Russian and Belarusian athletes cannot compete while the war in Ukraine continues, and sports minister Adam Van Koeverden confirmed this excludes team sports. Poland also denied visas to Russian ski jumpers on Wednesday, while Norwegian political parties have urged similar action for the Trondheim World Cup.