Norway Says Russia Will Take Its World Juniors Place

The Norwegian Ice Hockey Association said Norway has been told it will be replaced by Russia at the 2027 World Junior Championship and relegated from the top division, as the International Ice Hockey Federation moves to comply with a sports court ruling. The IIHF has not formally announced a change to the tournament roster, and its website still listed Norway as a participant when checked in reporting on Sunday, November 8.

The association said Russia’s proposed place follows an October 30 ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport that overturned the IIHF’s suspension of Russian teams. The IIHF said it disagrees with the ruling but is taking steps to comply, while considering conditions for Russia’s return and consulting affected national associations.

Under the change described by Norway’s association, Norway would be relegated to Division IA after being the lowest-ranked team in the top division. The 2027 tournament is scheduled to take place in Alberta, Canada. Russia’s participation remains uncertain because Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the team would be barred from entering the country. No visa decision or formal roster change was reported.