Canada to block Russian team from World Junior Hockey Championship, Carney says

Canada will bar Russia from participating in the World Junior Hockey Championship despite a court ruling favoring their reinstatement. Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that Russian athletes will not compete due to ongoing conflicts with Ukraine. The Canadian government will utilize immigration laws to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes from entering the country under their national flags. This decision aligns with Canada's stance against Russia's actions in Ukraine. The International Ice Hockey Federation expressed disappointment over the ruling but will comply. The championship is set for late December 2026 in Alberta.