Jessheim, Norway Hosts Key Qualification Tournament for 2026 Paralympics

Jessheim, Norway, will serve as the host city for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games Qualification Tournament, scheduled from November 5 to November 10, 2025. This pivotal six-team round-robin event will determine the final two teams that will secure their places at the 2026 Games in Italy. The tournament will be held at the Jessheim Is- og Flerbrukshall, located approximately 43 kilometers from Norway's capital, Oslo.

The Norwegian Ice Hockey Association is organizing this critical event, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to host such a significant competition. Espen Hegde, President of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), underscored the excitement surrounding the tournament, stating, "The Norwegian Ice Hockey Association and the city of Jessheim are honoured and grateful to be hosting the Paralympic Qualification Tournament. The table is set for a very exciting event, and we look forward to welcoming all teams and participants."

This Qualification Tournament will feature teams that include Slovakia, Norway, and Korea—who were the bottom three finishers during the recent A-Pool World Championships. They will compete alongside three teams from the B-Pool World Championships, which are set to take place in Astana, Kazakhstan, from September 6 to September 11, 2025. Notably, as the host country of the upcoming Winter Games, Italy has the option to participate in this qualification tournament to improve its ranking. If Italy opts to join, it will be accompanied by the top two ranked teams from the B-Pool. In the absence of Italy's participation, the next highest-ranked eligible team from the B-Pool will take its place.

Michelle Laflamme, World Para Ice Hockey Manager, expressed enthusiasm for the tournament, stating, "The Paralympic Winter Games Qualification Tournament is bound to bring out some of the best action we have ever seen in our sport, as teams play for last chance spots to for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games." Laflamme praised Norway as a hockey stronghold and acknowledged its historical significance in the sport.

The five teams that have already qualified for the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games are the United States, Canada, Czechia, China, and Germany, following their performances in the A-Pool World Championships held in May. The Paralympic Winter Games are set to take place from March 6 to March 15, 2026, featuring six sports, with the Para ice hockey tournament scheduled at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Team USA currently holds the title of the reigning Paralympic champion, with Canada and China having secured silver and bronze medals, respectively, at the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics.

In summary, the Jessheim Qualification Tournament is not just a competition; it is a crucial stepping stone for teams vying for a place in the prestigious 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, showcasing the best in Para ice hockey and setting the stage for outstanding athletic performances in March 2026.