Norway’s ice hockey association says it has been displaced from the upcoming world junior championship in Alberta to make room for Russia, though Russia’s participation remains uncertain.

The Norwegian Ice Hockey Association said Sunday it had been informed of the change following a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling reinstating Russian hockey teams to international competition, according to Associated Press reporting published by Sportsnet.

The International Ice Hockey Federation had not formally announced the switch, and its website still listed Norway among the tournament’s 10 participating nations. The championship for men’s players under 20 is scheduled to begin Dec. 26.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said he will bar the Russian team from entering Canada, leaving open the possibility that Norway could still compete, AP reported.

“The situation is still unclear,” Norwegian association secretary general Peter Salsten said in a statement translated from Norwegian. “This makes us hope that the last word has not been said about our participation in Canada.”

Norway said it was the tournament’s 10th-ranked team and had been relegated to Division 1A to create a place for Russia. The association acknowledged that the court ruling had constrained the IIHF’s options.

Six nations, including Norway, have vowed to boycott games against Russia while the war in Ukraine continues. Several long-standing corporate sponsors have also said they would withdraw if Russia participates, according to AP.

Russia last competed at the world juniors in 2021, finishing fourth. Its ban began after Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Salsten said Norway would await further information from the IIHF in the coming days.

Sources