Russia cleared for Alberta hockey tournament

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled on Friday that Russia may rejoin ice hockey world championships. The decision overturned a ban that had excluded the nation from international competition since February 28, 2022. This change sets the stage for a Russian team to potentially play in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. Those games are scheduled for December 26, 2026, through January 5, 2027, in Red Deer and Edmonton, Alberta.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand described the ruling as a great disappointment. She told CBC’s Power & Politics that the government is not comfortable with the idea of hosting the Russian team. Anand stated, Make no mistake, this is a very unwelcome decision given the geopolitical situation, given the actions of Russia. She added that all options remain on the table for Canada as it evaluates the next steps.

The International Ice Hockey Federation had previously banned Russia and Belarus from tournaments following the invasion of Ukraine. Although the federation expressed disappointment with the new ruling, it announced on Friday that it would act in accordance with the decision. The ban had been in effect for nearly four years. The CAS ruling clears the path for Russian participation in major events, including the upcoming junior championships in Alberta.

The ruling arrived the same day that tensions flared at the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Atlanta. Several European officials threatened to boycott a traditional group photo because of the presence of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The United States ultimately cancelled the photo. Anand was not present for the session because she was flying to Montreal for a Canada-EU summit.

Anand said she would have joined the boycott had she been in the room. She noted that it is not her preference to be in a picture with Lavrov. When meetings began, she sat across from the Russian minister. She told Lavrov directly that Russia’s ongoing attacks in Ukraine are absolutely reprehensible and contrary to international law.

The Canadian government has maintained solidarity with Ukraine since the conflict began. The two nations declared a 100-year partnership last month. The U.S. recently waived fresh sanctions on Moscow and limited logistical and intelligence assistance. These moves have deepened concerns among G20 nations about the administration’s approach to the war.