2026-11-09 · CBC News
Van Koeverden says designation used at other events applied to individuals, not teams
Adam van Koeverden, Canada's Secretary of State for Sport, has cast doubt on whether Russia can compete as a neutral team at the upcoming world junior hockey championship in Alberta.
The development follows last month's Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling the International Ice Hockey Federation must reinstate Russia in international hockey, after Russia and Belarus were barred from international hockey competition in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said last week Russian and Belarusian athletes could not compete in Canada representing their countries while the war continues. assertive