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- calendar_today November 9, 2026
Norway Notified of Replacement by Russia in World Juniors
The Norwegian Ice Hockey Association (NIHA) announced it has been informed that Norway will not compete in the upcoming world junior hockey championships in Canada, having been replaced by Russia in the tournament lineup.
Background on the World Junior Championships
The world juniors tournament is a prestigious event featuring the top men’s hockey players under the age of 20 from ten nations. This year's event is scheduled to begin in Alberta on December 26.
Decision Follows Sports Arbitration Ruling
According to the NIHA, the change follows a recent decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which reinstated Russian hockey teams to international competitions. This ruling has allowed Russia to rejoin the field for the world juniors in Canada.
Official Confirmation Still Pending
Although the NIHA has stated Norway is being bumped from the tournament, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has not yet made a formal announcement regarding the change. The IIHF website, as of now, still lists Norway as a participant in the ten-nation competition.
Complications Surrounding Team Eligibility
The situation introduces ongoing uncertainty around the composition of teams for the world juniors. The NIHA's statement indicates that, despite the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s ruling, official confirmation from tournament organizers is still awaited.
Looking Ahead to the Tournament
The world juniors, set for Alberta, remain a key fixture in international ice hockey, showcasing young players from around the world. As the opening date approaches, further clarifications regarding team eligibility and participation may be forthcoming from the IIHF.
Source: globalnews.ca.
