Russia’s ban from international hockey will extend through the May 2027 IIHF Men’s World Championship in Germany.
The International Ice Hockey Federation council made the decision “due to ongoing safety, security and sporting integrity concerns.”
Russia’s status for the November 2027 IIHF Women’s World Championship will be reviewed by the council this November, “taking into account the circumstances and risk assessment applicable at that time.”
The women’s worlds are moving permanently from April to November starting this year to account for the PWHL season calendar.
Russia and Belarus have been banned from international hockey since shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, using Belarus as a staging ground.
The IIHF also announced Thursday that Belarus will not participate in men’s worlds in 2027.
On July 7, the International Olympic Committee lifted its recommended restrictions on athletes from Russia in international sports, though whether Russians or teams of Russians can compete in world championships is up to international sports federations like the IIHF.
Jack Hughes’ gap-toothed grin became the picture-perfect encapsulation of a sport where missing teeth is a badge of honor and “spittin’ chiclets” is so ingrained in the lexicon that it’s the name of a popular hockey podcast, not just the candy-coated chewing gum pieces that are somewhat tooth-sized.
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