IIHF extends suspension of Russia and Belarus through 2026-27, open to U18 return in 2027-28

However, the IIHF is open to allowing Russia and Belarus to compete at the U18 level in the 2027-28 season, according to a statement on the federation's website.

This comes after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in December recommended that the Olympic federations allow young people from the two nations to compete internationally and not "hold young people accountable for what their governments do."

Russia and Belarus have been suspended from all international ice hockey, at both club and national-team level, for security reasons since the offensive war against Ukraine began in 2022.