Latvia to Fill Russia's Spot at 2022 World Junior Championship

Latvia will participate in the top U-20 World Junior Championship tournament this summer after Russia was expelled from the tournament due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Latvia will participate in the top U-20 World Junior Championship tournament this summer after Russia was expelled from the tournament due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Latvia last played in the top tournament in 2017 before getting relegated to Division IA. Latvia has played in the top event six previous times, with the first appearance coming in 2006. 

The IIHF said no team will be relegated for 2023, with the setup of that tournament, including how Russia would fit into the equation, to be determined at a later date.

While the final date and location have still not been officially announced, it's unclear how the format will work just yet for the World Junior Championship after it was originally cancelled midway through the preliminary round in December.