We just want to play": Ovechkin speaking to Russian hockey players.
Team Russia made world hockey look stupid. While the IIHF hopes the Russians will withdraw from the World Youth Championship on their own, our old rivals - including the Scandinavians - refuse to take the ice against us.
Hockey legend Alexander Ovechkin spoke publicly for Russian players:.
"I am convinced that if you asked the fans, they would say they want to see the best players in the tournament. ".
Meanwhile, Canadian authorities have refused to issue visas to Russian players seeking to compete in the World Youth Championship - even those who already hold valid visas and play for Canadian clubs. The 2027 World Juniors is scheduled to take place in Edmonton from December 26 to January 5. If Russian players are eventually banned from participating, IIHF rules require that the tournament be moved to another country. will it be