On November 11, the Canadian government informed Hockey Canada and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) that it would not issue visas to Russians to participate in competitions, broadcaster TSN reported.
Even Russians who already have valid visas and play for clubs in Canada will not be able to take part in the tournament. On November 9, Canada’s Parliamentary Secretary for Sport, Adam van Koeverden, clarified that neutral athlete status applies only to individual athletes, not teams.
Van Koeverden’s comments came after the Norwegian Ice Hockey Federation issued a statement on November 8. According to the IIHF, Russia is expected to be included among the participants in the World Championship in place of Norway, whose junior national team earned the right to play in the tournament’s elite division after competing in the lower division a year ago.
#hochey
Even Russians who already have valid visas and play for clubs in Canada will not be able to take part in the tournament. On November 9, Canada’s Parliamentary Secretary for Sport, Adam van Koeverden, clarified that neutral athlete status applies only to individual athletes, not teams.
Van Koeverden’s comments came after the Norwegian Ice Hockey Federation issued a statement on November 8. According to the IIHF, Russia is expected to be included among the participants in the World Championship in place of Norway, whose junior national team earned the right to play in the tournament’s elite division after competing in the lower division a year ago.
#hochey