Straubing Tigers confirmed on Monday that Henrik Haukeland is leaving the German club, even though he was under contract for next season. On Tuesday, Russian KHL club Traktor Chelyabinsk confirmed that Haukeland has signed for them.
The 31-year-old was voted Best Goalkeeper of the World Championships after leading Norway to its first-ever medal in tournament history, when they won the bronze medal at the tournament. Norway capped off their historic run with a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against a star-studded Team Canada where Haukeland was instrumental turning away 44 of 46 Canadian shots.
Petter Salsten, General Secretary of the Norwegian Ice Hockey Association, says to NRK.no that he has spoken to with Haukeland about the transfer and what consequences it will have for him.
"By definition, he is not eligible for national team games unless the geopolitical situation changes drastically", says Salsten. "We have not given him advice, but we have asked him to consider all the consequences".
"We have long known about the interest in Haukeland from the KHL. The Norwegian Ice Hockey Association made a board decision a year and a half ago that states that players with club affiliation in Russia or Belarus are not eligible for the Norwegian national team", says Salsten.
Haukeland and Straubing have agreed to terminate the contract early.
"I have decided to take on a new sporting challenge and leave Straubing. This decision has not been easy, but I believe it is the right one for me, says Haukeland in a statement.
The 31-year-old joined Straubing ahead of the 2025/26 season and had one year left on his contract. "After a few difficult years in his career, Straubing gave me back the joy of ice hockey, and for that I will always be grateful", says Haukeland.