Canadian government opposes Russian hockey teams entering for the U20 World Championship

The Canadian government insists that Russian ice hockey teams should not be allowed to enter the country to compete in events funded by Canada. The statement came on Friday, 30 October, after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that Russian teams must be allowed to return to international hockey tournaments. The ruling affects the under-20 World Junior Championship in ice hockey, which will be hosted by Canada and in which Latvia's national team will also play.

Canada's position

Canada's Secretary of State for Sport, Adam van Koeverden, said the country is proud to welcome the world to compete, but that this comes with a responsibility to stand by its principles and values. He said Canada's position has not changed since 2022: Russia should not be represented in international sport while its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which Canada calls illegal, continues.

Canada will maintain restrictions on the participation of Russian athletes in events held in Canada that receive funding from the Canadian government. The government also said it would explore further options to ensure that the Russian government is held accountable for its actions.

Earlier this summer, the Canadian government had already stated that Russian teams would not be given permission to enter the country, unlike individual athletes.

What it means for the U20 tournament

The junior world championship will run from 26 December to 5 January in the Canadian cities of Edmonton and Red Deer. Latvia's U20 team is in Group A, whose games will be played in Edmonton, home of the NHL (North American hockey league) club Edmonton Oilers. Latvia's opponents in the group are the Czech Republic, Canada, Switzerland and Norway.

The source does not say whether a Russian team would be included in the tournament's participants, but Canada's stance indicates that its entry into the country would not be permitted.