IIHF Makes Call On Russia's Participation At 2027 World Junior Championship

The IIHF has made a statement regarding Russia's status for the 2027 U-20 World Junior Championship.

This statement comes after the stance from Canada's government, the hosts of the tournament in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta.

"The IIHF confirms that due to the position and restrictions formally communicated by the Canadian Government, the Russian U20 national team is unable to participate in the World Junior Championship," the IIHF said on Sunday.

Earlier this month, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared himself that Russian athletes wouldn't be permitted to compete at the world juniors in Alberta.

"Russia and Belarus are supporting this illegal and unjustified horrific war in Ukraine," Carney said in early November. "As long as that’s going on, there will be none of those athletes competing for their countries in Canada. So if you’re asking specifically about the world juniors, the Russians will not be there."

The IIHF further detailed their decision behind continuing the Russian, and Belarusian ban.

"After carefully assessing the feasibility of alternative arrangements, the IIHF Council has determined that Canada will remain as host and the tournament will proceed from 26 December 2026 to 5 January 2027 in Edmonton and Red Deer," they said in that statement.

"All participating MNAs have been informed and an updated competition schedule will be posted shortly for both the World Junior Championship and World Championship U20 1A."

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has not competed in international tournaments, including the world juniors.

The last time the team featured in the U-20 competition was in 2021. They finished fourth in that tournament, losing to Finland in the bronze medal game. The last time they medalled at the world juniors was in 2020, when Canada defeated them for the gold medal.

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