The Norwegian Ice Hockey Association has decided that Norway will boycott any potential match against Russia during the 2027 World Championship finals. Denmark and Finland are doing the same.
The Federation states in a press release that the decision is based on the current situation and the information available.
“Based on the current situation and the information we have at present, Norway will not take to the ice against Russia during the World Championships in Germany in May 2027. The other matches in the group will go ahead as normal. This was communicated to the IIHF Executive Board on Monday 2 November.”
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) was notified on Monday. Norway’s other group stage matches will go ahead as normal.
In the press release, the federation suggests that playing against a Russian national team poses a risk to players. As if Russia were sending soldiers out onto the ice?
“Our view is that Russia should be banned from all international championships for as long as the war in Ukraine continues.
At the same time, this decision is based on our responsibility to safeguard the safety and wellbeing of our players, team staff and their families”.
Prioritising mental health
In fact, the concern is not limited to physical injuries. The Ice Hockey Association also states that it is concerned about the mental health of players and team staff.
Our assessment is that playing against Russia under the current circumstances could expose our players and team staff to significant safety risks. Our focus is therefore on their mental health, wellbeing and personal safety
Finland and Denmark have taken the same decision. Germany’s ice hockey president, Frank H. Lutz, has stated that the country is considering relinquishing its hosting responsibilities for the World Championships.
– “I don’t want to paint a grim picture, nor do I want to cast doubt on the World Championship, but naturally, as a federation, we must consider the possibility of withdrawing from hosting this World Championship,” said Lutz, who has asked the German authorities for assistance.
The statements from Finland, Norway, Denmark and Germany are putting significant pressure on the International Ice Hockey Federation, which is holding a two-day board meeting this week. The situation regarding Russia is expected to be discussed there.
Banned since 2022
Last Friday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced that Russia will be allowed to take part in the upcoming Ice Hockey World Championships, including the men’s tournament in Germany next spring.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has banned Russian national teams from its championships since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and on Friday it expressed disappointment at the CAS ruling.
In its ruling, the Court of Arbitration for Sport stated that there is insufficient evidence to support the IIHF’s security concerns. The international federation has cited precisely these concerns for the safety of those involved as the reason for excluding Russian players.
The major Swedish sponsor AJ Produkter has said it no longer wishes to be associated with the Ice Hockey World Championships following the decision to allow Russia back in.
The Finnish city of Turku is threatening to withdraw from hosting the 2027 World Junior Championships if Russia is allowed to participate. (NTB)
The decision to boycott Russia comes just a few months after the Norwegian team won a historic medal at the Ice Hockey World Championships in Switzerland, where they beat Sweden and defeated Canada itself in the bronze medal match.
The Norwegian boys beat Canada and won bronze at the Ice Hockey World Championships
