The Finnish Ice Hockey Association said Monday its national teams won't play against Russia in international tournaments as long as the war in Ukraine is ongoing.
That stance by Finland, and reportedly also Latvia, comes after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled last week that the International Ice Hockey Federation must reinstate Russian teams beginning with the world juniors that begins in late December in western Canada.
Finnish Ice Hockey Association spokesperson Henna Malmberg said the organization does not believe it is alone among countries interested in boycotting games against Russia. Media reports in Latvia said that nation's teams would not play Russia, citing legal reasons.
A message sent to the IIHF seeking comment and clarification on what Finland boycotting games against Russia would mean was not immediately returned. The rulebook says in the event of a forfeit “supplementary discipline will be applied by the proper authorities at their discretion."
Germany’s national hockey federation is weighing whether it can continue as host of the men’s world championship next year.
Swedish furniture company AJ Products has been a men's world championship sponsor since 1989, with its logo on the referees' uniforms and boards. Chief executive Enock Johansson told broadcaster TV4 on Monday that the company plans to request its logo not be displayed at the championship because of Russia's reinstatement.
“It’s a decision we very much regret having to make, but we all agree it’s the right one," Johansson told TV4.
The German hockey federation has said it can't guarantee going ahead with hosting the world championship next year because of extra costs related to Russian participation. It has also raised concerns over security.
German federation chief executive Frank H. Lutz is heading to Berlin this week for talks with political figures on the issue.
The Czech Republic hosts the women’s under-18 world championship in January. A spokesperson for the president of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, said last week he favors banning “the participation of athletes under the Russian and Belarusian flags."
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FILE - Finland's Juuso Heitanen tries to score past Russia's goalie Ivan Fedotov during the Channel One Cup ice hockey match between Russia and Finland in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)
HOUSTON (AP) — Alperen Sengun had 26 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds to lead the Houston Rockets to a 109-93 win over the Boston Celtics on Monday night.
The Rockets improved to 7-1, moving into first place in the Western Conference after the previously undefeated Memphis Grizzlies (6-1) lost to New Orleans in overtime. The Celtics lost for the first time since their season opener at Detroit, ending a five-game streak.
Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson each scored 14 points for Houston. Tari Eason added 13, and Kevin Durant scored 12 on 5-of-6 shooting.
Jayson Tatum led Boston with 19 points on 5-of-16 shooting, including 1 of 7 from 3-point range. Neemias Queta had 16 points, and reserve Luka Garza made four 3s and scored 14 points.
Boston was frequently flustered by former Celtic Marcus Smart, who had eight points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Rockets never trailed and outscored the Celtics 18-2 on the fast break and 50-34 in the paint. The game was tied at 29 at the end of the first quarter, and Houston led 57-50 at halftime.
Paul George (rest) was sidelined for Boston after scoring 17 points in 33 minutes of the Celtics’ 108-97 win at Orlando on Sunday. Clint Capela (right ankle sprain) sat for Houston.
The Rockets are off to their best start since the 2014-15 season.
Celtics: Host Milwaukee on Wednesday night.
Rockets: Host Minnesota on Wednesday night.
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Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, center, shoots over Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) dives into Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser, left, defends as Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) drives around to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, left, looks to pass the ball while under pressure from Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta, left, reaches in against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
