Russia’s junior national ice hockey team (Photo: Russian Ice Hockey Federation)

The decision followed an Oct. 30 ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ordering the IIHF to admit Russian national teams to several international competitions in 2026–2027, including the senior World Championship.

Russia has been added as the 10th team on the updated list of participants for the 2027 World Junior Championship in Canada. Norway, the lowest-ranked team in the elite division, must consequently drop to Division IA.

However, Norway’s participation in the championship remains uncertain. NIHF Secretary-General Petter Salsten stressed that his country opposes Russia’s return to international competition while the war in Ukraine continues.

“Canadian authorities have made it clear that Russian hockey players will not be granted visas to participate in the World Junior Championship. In addition, several participating countries have stated that they will not take part in the tournament or will refuse to play against Russia if they face them. This gives us hope that a final decision on our participation in the championship in Canada this December has not yet been made,” Salsten said.

The Norwegian federation expects further clarification from the IIHF in the coming days.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney previously said his country would not allow Russia to compete in the World Junior Championship. The tournament is scheduled to take place from Dec. 26, 2026, through Jan. 5, 2027, in Edmonton and Red Deer.