Canada dismisses fears of international blowback over Russian world junior hockey ban

Canada's secretary of state for sport dismissed concerns Wednesday that barring Russian players from next month's world junior hockey championship in Alberta could hurt the country's chances of hosting future international events, including the Olympics.

"No, we've been unequivocal with respect to our support for Ukraine and in our insistence that Russia as well as Belarus do not compete in international events while using their national symbols," Adam van Koeverden said when asked about potential repercussions.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled last week that Russia must be reinstated to international competition, starting with the world juniors. Russian and Belarusian teams have been banned since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

But veteran sport lawyer Dick Pound said the international sport court has no authority to dictate which athletes Canada allows into the country.

"Short of stamping their feet and pouting, there's not much they can actually do," Pound said.

Pound, a longtime International Olympic Committee member and former CAS arbitrator, said the Canadian government has the final say on who enters the country.

"Hockey Canada, if that's where the buck stops, I'd say, 'listen, I'm sorry, we're a sport organization. We don't decide who can get entry visas into Canada, nor can CAS order the Canadian government to grant visas."'

Prime Minister says Russia will not be allowed to compete at 2026 world juniors in Alberta

The International Ice Hockey Federation reiterated its opposition Wednesday to the ruling ordering Russia's reinstatement, but stopped short of addressing Canada's refusal to allow Russian players into the country.

Carney says Russia won't be allowed to play in upcoming world juniors

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