Gretzky supports Carney's ban on Russian teams at World Juniors

Wayne Gretzky said he supports Canada’s decision to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in the World Junior hockey championship scheduled to be held in Edmonton and Red Deer. The ban follows Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement that the two countries will not be allowed to field teams on Canadian soil while the war in Ukraine continues. The move comes after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ordered Russia’s reinstatement to international hockey competition, including the world juniors, despite the ongoing ban that began after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Speaking at a ceremony hosted by Upper Deck to rename the Hockey Hall of Fame’s resource centre in honour of his late father, Gretzky said he understands Carney’s position and added that many players and Canadians share the same view. The tournament is set to run from Dec. 26 through Jan. 5.