# Russia international ice hockey reinstatement debate > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russia-international-ice-hockey-reinstatement-debate > Updated: 2026-11-10T16:53:15.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Following a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to allow Russia to return to international ice hockey competitions, a debate has emerged regarding the reinstatement of Russian athletes. The ruling requires the International Ice Hockey Federation to reinstate Russia, beginning with the world junior championship in Alberta this December. Russian players, including Kirill Kaprizov and Alex Ovechkin, have expressed that athletes desire to represent their country. Kaprizov stated that the decision is a “great thing” and asserted, “We do not talk about politics. This is sport.” However, several nations, including Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Czechia, Latvia, and Austria, have expressed opposition to playing against Russian teams. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Russia will not be permitted to participate in the world juniors, noting the government may decline to issue necessary visas. NHL legend Wayne Gretzky also expressed support for the Canadian government's stance. ## Timeline ### 2026-11-10: Alex Ovechkin comments on Russian return to international hockey Alex Ovechkin says Russian athletes want to represent their country but declined to weigh in on the decision to allow Russia back into international hockey tournaments. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alex-ovechkin-comments-on-russian-return-to-international-hockey ### 2026-11-06: Kirill Kaprizov advocates for Russia's return to international hockey NHL star Kirill Kaprizov expressed support for Russia's return to international hockey, stating that players want to represent their countries, while refusing to discuss the war in Ukraine. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kirill-kaprizov-advocates-for-russias-return-to-international-hockey --- Cite as: Russia international ice hockey reinstatement debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russia-international-ice-hockey-reinstatement-debate