Top Trade Destinations for Jeff Petry Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTg4MTU1MDU4MjIxNzU0MTU0/sergei-bobrovsky.jpg] The Russian Ice Hockey Federation announced [https://en.fhr.ru/news/item/90179/] that it will officially contest the International Ice Hockey Federation's ruling to ban the country from international competition in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In February, the IIHF banned Russia from international competition indefinitely, as well as stripping them of their hosting duties for the 2023 World Junior Championship, which was initially scheduled to be held in Novosibirsk. "On March 17 the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) - in accordance with the procedure established by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) - sent a protest to the organization's Disciplinary Committee against the decision of the IIHF Council," said the RIHF in a statement. "The actions of the RIHF are in accordance with the belief that the IIHF's restrictive measures against Russian athletes are discriminatory. Banning players from international competition based on nationality fuels intolerance in the media and could lead to divisions within the ice hockey community, which has always been known for its unity." The hockey world has not been the only sporting entity to enact sanctions on Russia in the aftermath of its invasion of Ukraine. Formula One Racing announced the cancelation of the Russian Grand Prix last month, set to be held in September in Sochi, while UEFA moved the Champions League Final out of St. Petersburg shortly after, and FIFA banned any competitions from being held in Russia and will not allow any of the nation's anthems or flags to be displayed under their banner. The IIHF has not responded to Russia's announcement.
