Russia demands relocation or cancellation of world juniors after Canada ban

The Russian Hockey Federation is demanding the relocation or cancellation of next month's world junior hockey championships after Canada barred Russia from competing, with federation president Vladislav Tretiak threatening compensation claims against Canada and Germany. Tretiak also requested an IIHF ethics investigation into federations boycotting games against Russia. Canada confirmed Russian players cannot enter the 10-nation tournament opening in Alberta on Dec. 26, responding to a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling last month that reinstated Russia, overturning an IIHF ban imposed after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Finland and Sweden have refused to play Russia, and several sponsors threatened to withdraw if Russia participates. The IIHF has declined to comment, facing difficulty relocating the tournament at this late stage or finding an alternative host. Norway was reportedly informed it would be bumped from the event to accommodate Russia, though the IIHF has not announced this change.