Wayne Gretzky calls for ban on Russia at World Juniors after attack on Ukraine

Wayne Gretzky

The ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky has stated that the Russian athletes should not be allowed to participate in the World Juniors tournament in Alberta this summer. He believes the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) should ban Russia owing to their invasion of Ukraine last week.

Earlier, the COVID-19 cases forced the IIHF to cancel the tournament in December, which was later rescheduled. The players will now have the opportunity to compete again sometime this August after the under-18 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

“Listen, we all agree that this is a senseless war,” Gretzky said. “I talked to a couple of guys this morning who are living in Ukraine. They are actually driving from Kyiv with their families 14 hours dropping them off, driving back, and picking up rifles and guns so that they can protect their own cities.”

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“I think international hockey should say we are not going to let them (Russia) play in the World Juniors hockey tournament,” Gretzky added. “I think we as Canadians need to take that stance since the games are going to be played in Edmonton.”

“IIHF and its Council condemn the use of military force”

“I think international hockey should say, ‘We’re not going to let [Russia] play in the world junior hockey tournament’”

Wayne Gretzky believes the IIHF should not allow Russia to compete at the upcoming rescheduled 2022 World Juniors set for August pic.twitter.com/Re32PhT4qX
— Hockey Night in Canada (@hockeynight) February 27, 2022

Reacting to this unfortunate attack by the Russian army on their neighbouring country, the hockey federation “condemned” the act of violation.

“The IIHF and its Council condemn the use of military force and urge the use of diplomatic means to solve conflicts,” the IIHF said. “Our thoughts are with the people in Ukraine and the Ukrainian ice hockey family.

“As the IIHF has a duty of care to all its Championship participants, the IIHF Council is reviewing and considering the implications of this conflict on our events.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has continuously faced immense criticism for sending the troops inside Ukraine and indulging in a war-like situation. Many athletes, clubs, and other members of the sports fraternity have come forward to raise their voices against brutality against civilians.

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