The Israeli Junior National Ice Hockey Team was scheduled to take part in the World Championships of the International Ice Hockey Federation under 18- Division III, group B, that took place from Mar.9-15 in Turkey.
They did not participate, and when I met with Sergei Matin, the president of the Israel Ice Hockey Federation this past Friday at the Canada Center in Metulla, I queried him on the subject. His response was "that owing to the inflammatory situation in Turkey, [ the incendiary statements of the Turkish President, and the actions of large parts of the Turkish public, leading anti-Israel rallies. L.G. ]during the past month or so, during and following the 'Cast Lead' operation, there was a great deal of apprehension on the part of the Israeli Ice Hockey Federation, and of the parents of the youngsters as well, the decision was taken not to send the junior national team". Will there be sanctions? Matin stated "that the IIHF was understanding, but a final decision as to whether or not there would be sanctions, and if so, to what extent, would only be determined at a later date". [ Unfortunately, another ugly episode where sports takes a beating at the hands of politics. L.G. ]
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