The Canadian Foreign Service strike in Moscow is affecting Russian hockey players including the Kootenay ICE recent import selection Rinat Valiev.
Russian players are facing face weeks-long delays receiving the visas necessary for them to settle in Canada and play in the CHL.
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/jrhockey-buzzing-the-net/russian-players-qmjhl-teams-affected-canadian-foreign-strike-214518132.html
Valiev played in the USHL last year and has a U.S. passport but cannot enter Canada yet.
ICE GM Jeff Chynoweth says he is cleared to play for the ICE and hoped the visa situation is finalized as soon as possible.