Wayne Gretzky don't want to see Russia at the World Juniors this summer
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Wilson SalaunFebruary 27, 2022 (9:52)
As you know, the World Juniors were cancelled mid-tournament because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the IIHF agreed to re-organize them this summer in Alberta.
But since, a LOT of things happened.
Vladimir Putin, President of the Federation of Russia, decided to launch an offensive on Ukraine by invading the country. Of course, this decision created an outcry almost everywhere around the globe ; and it's no different in the world of sport.
We can take the example of Dominik Hasek, former NHL goaltender and Hockey Hall of Famer, asks that all Russian players playing in the NHL to be banned in response to the war. Last night, it's was Wayne Gretzky to make the same kind of demand, by saying that the IIHF should not let Russia to participate in the next World Juniors this summer.
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"But one of the things, I'm glad to see the Polish soccer team step up and say 'we're not going to play against them'. I think international hockey should say 'we're not going to allow them to play in the World Junior Hockey tournament'. I think we gotta, as Canadians, take that stance since the games are going to be played in Edmonton," says Wayne Gretzky.
Will the IIHF take that step? We shall see.
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