One of the greatest hockey players of all time, Wayne Gretzky, has backed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to prevent Russian and Belarusian national teams from competing at the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship. The move comes in response to Russia’s war against Ukraine, which is approaching its fifth year.
The Canadian sports broadcaster TSN reported the comments, citing The Canadian Press.
Gretzky, 65, whose Eastern European heritage includes Ukrainian, Belarusian and Polish roots, said he understands the Canadian government’s position and believes it is justified.
“Nobody likes war, right? We definitely don’t want to see this. We hope it ends. We wish it didn’t start. I understand the stance the prime minister is taking, and good for him,” the hockey legend said.
According to Gretzky, Carney has made his position on Russian participation in international sporting events clear, and many Canadians share that view.
Canada stands firm despite sports arbitration ruling
The World Junior Hockey Championship is scheduled to take place from December 26 to January 5 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta.
Earlier, the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland ruled that Russia should be reinstated to international hockey competition, beginning with the World Juniors.
However, the Canadian government has taken a different position.
Carney emphasized that as long as Moscow and Minsk continue supporting the war against Ukraine, their athletes will not be allowed to represent their countries on Canadian soil.
“While Russia and (Belarus) are supporting this illegal, unjustified, horrific war in Ukraine, as long as that’s going on, there will be none of those athletes competing for their countries in Canada,” the prime minister said.
To enforce the decision, Ottawa is prepared to use its immigration powers to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from entering Canada to compete under their national symbols.
The Canadian government clarified that the restrictions are not directed at Russian or Belarusian citizens themselves. Instead, they are intended to prevent international sporting events from being used for state propaganda and political legitimization.
Athletes competing under neutral status may still be permitted to participate, with entry decisions assessed individually.
European hockey powers also oppose Russia’s return
Several European hockey federations have also taken a firm position against allowing Russia back into international competition.
Sweden, Finland, Czechia and Latvia have announced that their national teams will refuse to play against Russia.
Despite this opposition, Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev insists that the arbitration ruling is final and says Moscow will work with the International Ice Hockey Federation to secure its return to international tournaments.
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Gretzky also addresses his friendship with Trump
During the same media appearance, Gretzky was questioned about his close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, which has reportedly damaged his reputation among some Canadians in recent years.
The hockey legend made it clear that he has no intention of abandoning friendships because of political disagreements.
“Your friends are your friends, right? People can have their own opinions. That’s what life is all about,” Gretzky said.
He also recalled advice from his late father about treating people the way they treat you.
Gretzky remains one of the most influential figures in hockey history. A four-time Stanley Cup champion, he still holds the NHL record for most points in a single season, with 215.
In 1987, Gretzky helped Canada defeat the Soviet Union in the Canada Cup final, setting up Mario Lemieux for the decisive goal in one of the most memorable moments in international hockey history.
Nearly four decades after that historic confrontation, Gretzky has once again supported Canada’s firm position on Russian participation in international hockey — this time against the backdrop of Moscow’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
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