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Canada's Porter Martone, not shown, scores on Denmark goaltender Patrick Tiedjen (35) during second period IIHF World Junior Championship hockey action in Minneapolis on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
By The Canadian Press

Boycott against Russian reinstatement leaves questions on impact on world juniors

Nov 3, 2026 | 11:06 AM

Growing protests in international hockey over Russia’s return to competition could impact the upcoming world junior championship in Alberta.

Sweden, Finland and Czechia are refusing to play against Russia in international competition.

Norway said it will not play the Russians at the men’s world championship in 2027, Latvia and Austria oppose Russia’s return but have made no mention of not competing, and Denmark has also reportedly refused to play Russia.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled last week that the International Ice Hockey Federation must reinstate Russian teams, beginning with the world juniors which start Dec. 26 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta.

Hockey Canada said Friday it was seeking clarity from the International Ice Hockey Federation on how Russia’s return would impact the competition. The organization did not immediately respond Tuesday to a request for comment.

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Canada’s federal government has said it opposes Russia’s return and will maintain restrictions on Russian athletes at events in Canada that receive federal funding. Hockey Canada confirmed the world juniors has no federal funding. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the province would comply with the CAS ruling.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 3, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

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