Growing protests in international hockey over Russia’s return to competition could impact the upcoming men’s world junior championship in Alberta.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled last week that the International Ice Hockey Federation must reinstate Russian teams, starting with the world juniors, which begin Dec. 26 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta.
Hockey federations representing Sweden, Finland, Czechia and Latvia say their national teams will not play against Russia in international competition.
“The Swedish line was and is crystal clear: Sweden will not play ice hockey matches against Russia in the situation we are in right now,” the Swedish Ice Hockey Association said in a statement. “The decision does not mean that Sweden will refrain from participating in World Cup tournaments where Russia is participating.”
Norway said it will not play Russia at the 2027 men’s world championship in Germany. Its statement did not specifically address the World Juniors.
Norwegian Ice Hockey Association general secretary Petter Salsten told The Associated Press that Norway could be removed from next month’s world junior championship in Canada to make way for Russia.
Denmark, which is not in the world junior field, has also said it will not play Russia at the men’s worlds.
Hockey Canada said Friday it was seeking clarity from the International Ice Hockey Federation on how Russia’s return would impact the competition. The organization did not immediately respond Tuesday to a request for comment.
Sweden is the defending champion and one of 10 teams currently set to compete at the world junior tournament, along with Canada, Czechia, Switzerland, the United States, Germany, Latvia, Slovakia, Norway and Finland.
Finland’s federation said no player or team official would be obliged to take part in a tournament involving Russia or Belarus, and that it supported those who chose not to.
Canada’s federal government has said it opposes Russia’s return and will maintain restrictions on Russian athletes at events in Canada that receive federal funding. Hockey Canada confirmed the world juniors is not federally funded.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the province would comply with the CAS ruling.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 3, 2026.
The Canadian Press