Slovakia and USA back Russia's return to World Junior Hockey Championship

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has replaced Norway with Russia in the program for the upcoming World Junior Championship in Canada, following a court ruling that allows Russia's return to top competitions. Only the USA and Slovakia have agreed to sign the revised schedule. Seven countries, including the Czech Republic, have refused to sign the updated program, according to German Ice Hockey Federation president Frank Lutz. The nations of Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Latvia, Norway, and Sweden have announced they will boycott matches against the Russian team. Lutz urged the IIHF to resolve the situation quickly, stating that while an immediate solution is not expected, the matter cannot be dragged out for weeks. The tournament is scheduled for late December and early January, with the Czech Republic, Finland, Sweden, and Latvia among the boycotting nations set to participate.