Jessheim 2025: Stage is set as six teams chase final two Paralympic berths

When the puck drops at the 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Paralympic Winter Games Qualification Tournament on Wednesday (5 November), six nations will battle for the final two coveted spots at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

From 5-10 November, the Is- og Flerbrukshall – about 43km away from Oslo – in Jessheim, Norway, will play host to the tournament, featuring teams from Slovakia, Korea, Norway, Japan, Sweden, and Kazakhstan.

With the Paralympic dream on the line, every shift, save, and shot will matter. The field is stacked with a mix of seasoned contenders and ambitious up-and-comers eager to join host nation Italy, along with defending Paralympic champions USA and Canada, Czechia, China, and Germany, the latter five which have already secured their Paralympic berths by finishing in the top five at the 2024 A-Pool World Championships.

“The Qualification Tournament in Jessheim will be one of the most competitive we’ve ever seen,” said Michelle Laflamme, World Para Ice Hockey Senior Manager. “All six teams have shown tremendous progress over the past few seasons, and with only two Paralympic spots available, every game will feel like a final. It’s a showcase of how far the sport has come, and how much each nation wants to be part of the next chapter of Paralympic history.”

With the Paralympic dream on the line, every shift, save, and shot will matter.

🏒🔥🇸🇰🇰🇷🇳🇴🇯🇵🇸🇪🇰🇿

Which two teams will claim the final spots for @milanocortina26 ? ❄️🥅

📸 Johan Grønlie#ParaIceHockey pic.twitter.com/V04rVadYoh

— Para Ice Hockey (@paraicehockey) November 4, 2025

For host nation Norway, the home-ice advantage could be pivotal. Backed by passionate local fans, the Norwegians will look to return to the Paralympic stage after missing out in 2022. Veteran forward Morten Vaernes and Rolf Einar Pedersen are expected to lead a disciplined, hard-working squad from a leadership standpoint that thrives on physical play and defensive structure.

Korea, silver medallists at the 2018 PyeongChang Games, remains one of the most experienced teams in the field. Their blend of speed and skill, highlighted by speedy captain Seung-Hwan Jung, makes them perennial contenders. After a disappointing performance at recent World Championships, Korea will be determined to reclaim their Paralympic pedigree and prove that their 2018 success was no one-time story.

Japan enters Jessheim as a team on the rise. Following consistent improvement at the B-Pool level, Japan has built a balanced roster combining experienced leadership with emerging young talent. Goaltenders Manabu Okabe and Wataru Horie could be the difference for Japan, both capable of stealing games when the defense is tested and could make them a dark horse to qualify.

Slovakia, led by forward Martin Joppa, brings grit and determination, fresh from their experience at the A-Pool level. Known for their resilience and team-first mentality, the Slovaks will be aiming for their second-ever Paralympic appearance. Their defensive core and opportunistic offense could make them a tough matchup for any opponent.

Six nations. The last two Paralympic Games spots.

The Qualification Tournament for @milanocortina26 starts this Wednesday (5 Nov).

Watch live on Paralympic Games YouTube: https://t.co/6CirQ1kilQ 🎥

More info 👉 https://t.co/QkyVMNQCo3 #ParaIceHockey pic.twitter.com/bNsOpkqaM2

— Para Ice Hockey (@paraicehockey) November 4, 2025

Sweden, once a powerhouse in Para ice hockey and one of the original teams, is seeking to recapture past glory. With a focus on youth development and renewed energy in their national program, the Swedes could surprise opponents if they find early chemistry. Their quick transition play and willingness to attack could make them a dangerous team in short tournament play.

Rounding out the field is Kazakhstan, a nation steadily climbing the international ranks. Physical, determined, and unafraid to challenge more established programs, Kazakhstan will look to make history by earning their first Paralympic berth. Their goaltending and aggressive forecheck could prove to be disruptive against higher-ranked opponents.

With only two tickets to Milano Cortina 2026 available, every game in Jessheim promises playoff-level intensity.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will take place from 6-15 March 2026 featuring six sports. The Para ice hockey tournament will be played at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.