Russian Hockey Federation Seeks Relocation or Cancellation of World Junior Championships
The Russian Hockey Federation is pushing for the relocation or cancellation of the world junior hockey championships, which are set to take place in Canada, after being prohibited from participating by the Canadian organizers.
Elmira, NY, November 12, 2026 — The Russian Hockey Federation (FHR) has formally requested that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) consider relocating or canceling the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships. The championships are scheduled to be held in Canada.
This demand comes after Canadian organizers made the decision to prohibit the Russian national team from participating in the tournament. The specific details regarding the timeline of these discussions between the FHR and the IIHF, beyond the formal request, were not immediately available. Similarly, the IIHF’s response to the FHR’s proposal has not been publicly disclosed.
The World Junior Hockey Championships are a prominent annual event in international ice hockey, typically featuring under-20 national teams from various countries. Canada has a long-standing tradition of hosting and participating in this championship, often serving as a host nation.
The prohibition of the Russian team from the tournament by Canadian organizers marks a significant development in the international sports calendar. The exact reasons cited by the Canadian organizers for this prohibition were not detailed in the available information. The FHR’s stance indicates a strong objection to this exclusion, leading to their push for either a change in venue or the complete cancellation of the event.
Further updates are expected as the IIHF deliberates on the Russian Hockey Federation’s request. The decision could have implications for the tournament’s structure and international participation.
Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.mytwintiers.com, see more information here.
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