Van Koeverden questions Russia's neutral status at Alberta world juniors

Canada's Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden has cast doubt on whether Russia can compete as a neutral team at the world junior hockey championship in Alberta, clarifying that neutral athlete designations apply only to individuals, not teams. The clarification follows a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that the IIHF must reinstate Russia, which was barred in 2022 after its invasion of Ukraine. Prime Minister Mark Carney said last week Russian and Belarusian athletes cannot compete representing their countries in Canada, while a Nov. 3 government statement allowed individual neutrals without specifying team eligibility. Norway's federation said Sunday it was informed Russia would replace it at the tournament in Edmonton and Red Deer, opening Dec. 26. Sweden and Finland reaffirmed they will not play Russia while the war continues, and the IIHF has not formally announced changes.