We have previously seen the Norwegian national hockey team deliver in individual games, where several near-victories against the big hockey nations show we have the potential, but lack the latter. This is now history. In May 2026, Norway’s “ice warriors” took the big step.
When Norway sank Sweden in the Hockey World Cup, there was a really bad atmosphere across the border: Are Norway now also going to beat us in ice hockey?!!!! Sweden disappeared from the championship, while Norway took the historic road to the bronze final against Canada. This time it was the Canadians who sat back speechless – and the rest of the hockey world.
Because the superpower Canada was beaten after “sudden death”, with the decisive goal by Noah Steen. Not surprisingly, this made waves among the hockey superpower.
“Norway has beaten Canada 3-2 and won a medal for the first time in IHF history. Norway, a team without a single full-time NHL player in the 25/26 season in the squad, beat a Canadian team with Sidney Crosby, Macklin Celebrini, Mark Scheifele and more. For a moment, writes Canadian journalist Steven Ellis on X.
The American sports newspaper Barstool Sports enjoyed themselves when they send a jab in the direction of their neighbors: “Norway wins its first medal ever in an elite tournament for men. Canada can’t ‘claim’ hockey anymore.”
The X account “NHL News”, with over 100,000 followers, uses the shock word: “Norway shocks in overtime and wins bronze ahead of Canada.”
TSN Sports is one of the largest sports websites in Canada, they give Norway a lot of credit for the feat: “What a response from the Norwegian team. They shake Canada in the bronze medal match. What a moment for Norwegian ice hockey!”
