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Gretzky says his stance on Russia is not about punishing their players

PUBLICATION
Cooper Godin
February 28, 2022  (12:50)
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During Saturday night's broadcast of the 2022 Stadium Series, Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky said that Russia should not be allowed to participate at the rescheduled World Junior tournament in August.

"But one of the things, I'm glad to see the Polish soccer team step up and say 'we're not going to play against them'. I think international hockey should say 'we're not going to allow them to play in the World Junior Hockey tournament'. I think we got to, as Canadians, take that stance, the games are going to be played in Edmonton."

In an appearance on 'The Fan Morning Show' on Monday, Gretzky expanded on his comments, saying that his stance on the issue is not about punishing Russian players.

"I just couldn't relate to how we were going to welcome a country that's at war to a city (Edmonton) that has tons of Ukrainian family members that are still living in Ukraine, probably lots of friends, probably sick to their stomachs about this. I got some push back from some people that said 'why punish the Russian kids?'. It's not about punishing the Russian kids. What about the Ukrainian kids that are being killed daily? The Ukrainian kids who are 12 and 14 years old who are going to war. So, I don't want anybody to be punished. I just it makes common sense that, we shouldn't compete against this country right now while they're at war against an innocent country," Gretzky said.

Reports out of Finland have stated that Russia, along with Belarus, have been suspended by the IIHF and will not participate at the 2022 World Championship in May. Russia is also expected to be stripped of hosting duties for the 2023 World Juniors and 2023 World Championship.

The IIHF council is meeting this afternoon and will likely announce their discipline on Russia and Belarus.

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Previously
Agent says his Russian NHL clients are receiving threats; wants additional security
Report: Russia and Belarus suspended, won't play at 2022 World Championship
Tempers flare between AHL's Marlies and Amerks; Marlies captain loses it as he leaves game (w/video)
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