On Sunday evening, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) announced that Russia would be banned from the World Junior Championship, which begins in December. Earlier this week, the Canadian government notified the IIHF and Hockey Canada that Russian players would not be granted visas for the tournament.
Russian juniors already playing for Canadian teams were also barred from the tournament, the government announced.
Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney ruled that Russians would not be allowed to enter the World Junior Championship in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta.
"Put your foot down"
There was a meeting today with the countries participating in the World Junior Championship. We were invited at short notice. It is Canada and its authorities that have put their foot down, Norwegian federation head Petter Salsten told Aftonbladet.
The Swedish Ice Hockey Association said in a brief statement that it "welcomes the decision made by the IIHF board regarding the men's 2027 World Championship" and that "the decision is in line with the position of Swedish ice hockey".
Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Austria and Latvia have announced that they will boycott matches against Russia in upcoming World Championship tournaments. Switzerland has also announced that its junior team will not face Russia at the World Championship in Canada.
Gets its place back
Last Sunday, news emerged that Norway would be relegated from the World Championship's top division to make way for the Russian U20 national team, following the Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) decision to lift Russia's suspension from international competitions.
But now that Russia has been barred, Norway will get its place back.
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