Russia’s World Junior Championship Return Could Cost Norway Its Place, Sweden Says It’s Unfair

Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet received news on Sunday morning from Norwegian federation director Petter Salsten that Norway is being kicked out of the championship’s top division to make room for the Russian U20 national team, following the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) decision to lift Russia’s suspension from international competitions.

We knew it could happen like this. As I understand it, the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) is dealing with CAS’s decision. They have to implement it in some way. But that doesn’t automatically mean it will happen. The coming days will tell, Petter Salsten tells Aftonbladet.

He continues:

It is anything but a good situation. On the one hand, everyone is happy that we have made it there and earned the right to play in a JVM. We will be in Canada, with all the grandeur that entails. Then there are the practicalities: all the planning and everything we have arranged to ensure an optimal training camp and tournament over there.

“Feeling strongly”

The news has also prompted a reaction from Sweden.

“We have been informed of the IIHF’s plan for a new schedule for the World Junior Championships, which is a consequence of CAS’s decision on Russia’s participation in international ice hockey. I feel strongly for the Norwegian junior national team, who have qualified for the World Junior Championships but are now at risk of losing their place,” says Secretary General Tony Wiréhn.

Sweden’s position that Russia should be excluded as long as the war against Ukraine continues remains firm, he says.

“The Swedish Ice Hockey Association has been clear about our position and we will not compromise on it. If Sweden is drawn to play Russia, we will not play that game.”

Carney has said no

TT has been in contact with Swedish Ice Hockey Association chairman Anders Larsson, who also sits on the IIHF board. He refers to the Swedish Ice Hockey Association’s statement on the matter and writes:

“I have nothing to add in that regard right now, as this issue is currently being handled by the IIHF at an operational level. The same applies to SIF (Swedish Ice Hockey Federation, editor’s note).”

There is great uncertainty surrounding the JVM, which begins on Boxing Day in Canada. Host country Prime Minister Mark Carney has been crystal clear: the Russian team will not be allowed into the country.