CALGARY, Alta. – The following is a joint statement on behalf of Hockey Canada from Tom Renney, chief executive officer, and Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer:

“Hockey Canada strongly condemns the unprovoked attack on Ukraine by Russia and stands in support of the nation of Ukraine. Our hearts are with all citizens, both in Ukraine and globally, including Ukrainian Canadians. While this is a humanitarian crisis that goes beyond sports, we also stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian hockey family and all those impacted around the world.”

“Hockey Canada supports the decision by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to suspend Russia and Belarus from international competition. Hockey Canada has also made the decision not to allow their participation in events held in Canada that do not fall under the IIHF’s jurisdiction. Hockey Canada will remain in communication with the IIHF and Sport Canada to determine any future plans to interact with the Russian Ice Hockey Federation and Belarusian Ice Hockey Association.”

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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For further information or to be removed from the media contact list, please contact:

Esther Madziya                                   Jeremy Knight                                                  

Manager, Communications                  Manager, Corporate Communications 

Hockey Canada                                   Hockey Canada

403.519.5754                                      416-451-3343

emadziya@hockeycanada.ca               jknight@hockeycanada.ca