Norway Says It May Lose World Junior Spot After Russia Reinstated

The Norwegian Ice Hockey Association announced Sunday that it has been told it could be displaced by Russia in the World Junior Championship scheduled to begin in Alberta on Dec. 26. The potential change follows a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling that reinstates Russian hockey teams for international competition.

The International Ice Hockey Federation has not yet issued a formal announcement, and its website still lists Norway among the ten participating nations. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that Russia may be barred from entering Canada, leaving Norway's participation uncertain.

"The situation is still unclear," Norway's ice hockey secretary general Peter Salsten said in a statement posted on the association's website. "This makes us hope that the last word has not been said about our participation in Canada."

Six nations, including Norway, have pledged to boycott games against Russia while the war in Ukraine continues, and several corporate sponsors have said they would withdraw support if Russia competes. Norway, ranked 10th, noted that it would be moved to the 1A Division to make room for Russia, which has not played in the tournament since a fourth-place finish in 2021 after a ban imposed following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

"We are aware of the status and the measures the IIHF feels compelled to take, and will await further information from the IIHF in the coming days," Salsten added. "This also clearly shows all the practical challenges and immediate consequences for everyone involved when countries are reinstated immediately."