A Legendary Hockey Player Of Belarusian Descent Expressed Support For Canada's Decision To Deny Visas To Russian Hockey Players

• 7.11.2026, 16:24

According to Wayne Gretzky, many players and Canadians feel the same way.

The legendary hockey player of Belarusian descent, the NHL’s all-time leading scorer Wayne Gretzky has backed the decision by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to deny visas to Russian athletes seeking to participate in the World Junior Championship, according to TSN.

On October 30, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ordered the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to allow Russian national teams to participate in international tournaments.

The next competition—the World Junior Championship—will take place in Canada, in the cities of Edmonton and Red Deer, from December 2026 to January 2027.

Carney stated that Russians will definitely be denied visas to participate in this tournament.

“Good for him. He took that stance and made it clear. I think many players and Canadians feel the same way,” said Gretzky.