Norway hosts Para ice hockey friendlies

Skien, Norway is set to host a series of friendly Para ice hockey matches, both vital preparations not only for the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, but also the 2017 World Para Ice Hockey Winter Games Qualification Tournament.

From 29 September – 1 October, Norway will host Germany, who will test their newly constructed roster that was revealed in early September ahead of the Qualification Tournament in Ostersund, Sweden. Beginning in almost a week’s time, Ostersund 2017 is the last chance for five teams to qualify for PyeongChang 2018.

Norway will then host Italy in another friendly from 2-4 November, which would be an interesting match-up as both teams will battle for a Paralympic podium spot next March. Norway and Italy last met at the World Para Ice Hockey Championships A-Pool in April. Although qualifying for PyeongChang 2018 with top-five finishes, neither made the podium but would hope to change that in less than six months to go until the Paralympic Winter Games.

29 September – 1 October

Germany vs. Norway (friendly)

2-4 November

Norway vs. Italy (friendly)

Ostersund 2017 will be held 9-14 October, when Czech Republic, Germany, Japan, Slovakia and Sweden will fight for the last three spots available for PyeongChang 2018.