Wayne Gretzky supports Canada's ban on Russian and Belarusian teams at World Juniors

Wayne Gretzky expressed support for Canada’s decision to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from the World Junior hockey championship scheduled for Dec. 26 to Jan. 5 in Edmonton and Red Deer. The ban follows Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement that the two countries will not be allowed to compete 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, a ruling that Canada has chosen to ignore for the tournament. 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, "> good for him," noting that many players and Canadians share the same view.