from Chris Johnston of Sportsnet,

Russia’s participation in the upcoming Pyeongchang hockey tournament is in question, according to well-placed sources, as the International Olympic Committee continues its ongoing doping investigation into athletes from that country.

Fears were raised in international hockey circles this week that a ban of all athletes from Russia could be forthcoming. Some IOC members and as many as 20 Western-based national anti-doping committees are believed to be pushing for it, according to sources....

What this means for February’s hockey tournament is unclear. A ban of all athletes from Russia would obviously preclude the country’s participation. There’s also been a suggestion that they may instead be forced to play under a neutral flag, and the Russians have indicated an unwillingness to even consider that possibility.

Amid the growing uncertainty, the Russian-based Kontinental Hockey League went on the offensive Saturday by suggesting that it may withdraw all of its players from the Games – a decision that would keep several Canadians, Americans, Swedes and Finns from the tournament as well as the Russians.

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