Sweden’s hockey federation says it will refuse to play Russia if the teams meet at the world junior championship in Alberta, adding a new objection to a proposed Russian return that could push Norway out of the tournament.

The Swedish Ice Hockey Association told The Canadian Press on Monday that it sympathized with Norway and considered the situation unfair, according to reporting published by Sportsnet. Norway qualified for the men’s under-20 championship, which opens Dec. 26 in Edmonton and Red Deer.

Norway’s federation said Sunday that the International Ice Hockey Federation had informed it Russia would be added at Norway’s expense. Norway’s place remains at risk under that plan.

The dispute follows an October Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling requiring the IIHF to reinstate Russia in international hockey. Russia and Belarus were barred from international competition in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Sweden was among several European countries opposing Russia’s return. Its association said Russian national teams should not take part in international hockey while the war against Ukraine continues.

Canada’s position presents another unresolved issue. Prime Minister Mark Carney said last week that Russian and Belarusian athletes could not represent their countries in Canada while the war continues. A Nov. 3 government statement permits individual athletes to compete as neutrals, but does not clarify whether that allowance could apply to a Russian team at the world juniors.

Sources