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On Thursday, the International Ice Hockey Federation announced that Russia's ban from competition will continue through 2027, meaning that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov and goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy's international careers will continue to be on hold for the time being.
In their announcement, the IIHF ruled that the Russian National Team will not be allowed to participate in four tournaments: the 2027 Men's World Championship, the 2027 World Junior Championship, and both the Men's and Women's 2027 U18 World Championship. They did also state that no decision has been made regarding the 2027 Women's World Championship though, as that will be reviewed in November.
The IIHF Council cited "safety, security, operational feasibility and sport integrity" in their statement.
Kucherov and Vasilevskiy have both been out of international competition for quite some time, as they last participated in the 2019 World Championship when they won a bronze medal. Russia as a whole last competed during the 2021 iteration of the event.
Continue reading...
In their announcement, the IIHF ruled that the Russian National Team will not be allowed to participate in four tournaments: the 2027 Men's World Championship, the 2027 World Junior Championship, and both the Men's and Women's 2027 U18 World Championship. They did also state that no decision has been made regarding the 2027 Women's World Championship though, as that will be reviewed in November.
The IIHF Council cited "safety, security, operational feasibility and sport integrity" in their statement.
Kucherov and Vasilevskiy have both been out of international competition for quite some time, as they last participated in the 2019 World Championship when they won a bronze medal. Russia as a whole last competed during the 2021 iteration of the event.
Continue reading...
