Norway

Norway is a country in the Nordic region of Northern Europe. Oslo is the capital and largest city.

History of hockey in Norway
The first ice games in Norway were played in the northern regions of the country in the late 1920's. The first Norwegian clubs were founded in 1932. The Norwegian Ice Hockey Association was founded in 1934, and the country joined the IIHF on January 20, 1935.

The national league was first contested in the 1934-35 season. Valerenga Ishockey has won the most Norwegian championships, with 26. The 1. divisjon is the second level of hockey, the 2. divisjon is the third level, the 3. divisjon is the fourth level, and the 4. divisjon is the fifth and lowest level of Norwegian hockey.

The men's national team made its international debut in 1937, participating in the World Championships held in London. Their best finish at the World Championships was fourth place in 1951. They have played in the top division annually since 2006. The national team has made 10 appearances at the Olympics, with their best finish being eighth in 1972.

The women's national team made its international debut in 1988, playing in the Nordic Cup held in Copenhagen, Denmark. They participated in all five of the Women's European Championships held between 1989 and 1996, winning a bronze medal in 1993. They have participated at the Women's World Championships yearly since 1990. The women's U18 national team has participated at the Women's World U18 Championships since 2009.

The junior national team first played in the World Junior Championships in 1979, finishing in eighth and last place in Pool A. Their best finish was sixth place in Pool A in 1990.