Singapore lost its only Olympic-size ice rink, which was located at JCube Mall, in August 2023. Despite having nowhere to play, the IIHF allowed Singapore to participate in their World Championships in 2024 since they still had a playing surface at what was considered the start of the season.
Almost one year later, it appears that decision has not changed. The IIHF has released their tournament hosts and participants for the 2024-25 season, and Singapore is included in both the Men’s World Championship Division 3, Group B, and the Women’s World Championship Division 3, Group B.
The IIHF claims that for a country to be eligible for the World Championship program they, need a regulation-sized indoor rink with 500 spectators and a league that features at least four active teams. These rules have blocked nations such as Greece and Ireland from participating at the World Championship since 2013.
Men’s National Team
Singapore’s men have participated in the World Championship since 2022. Their debut season saw them go 2-0-0-2 to win bronze and promotion at the Division 4 tournament in Bishkek. Over the next two championships, they would manage to remain in Division 3B with a combined 3-0-1-6 record and a 51-66 goal differential.
Forwards Ethan Redden and Joshua Chan have led the nation with 34 and 27 points, respectively, over their 14 games at the World Championship. Both players, along with veteran defenders James Kodrowski and Wee Chew, have played significant roles in their early success on the world stage.
Singapore is prepared to face host Mexico, North Korea, Hong Kong, Philippines, and Mongolia at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship Division 3B in Metepec.
Women’s National Team
Unlike the men, Singapore’s women’s national team just made their debut this past season. They would finish their first ever World Championship with a 1-0-1-2 record and an 8-11 goal differential — good enough to finish ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina for fourth place in Division 3B. Singapore was led in scoring by forward Tiffany Ong with 5 (3+2) points, while goaltender Qina Foo had a 92.2 SV% over the four games.
Singapore is scheduled to play against Bulgaria, Estonia, Israel, and hosts Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division 3B in Sarajevo.
Other News
- Armenia and Uzbekistan are confirmed to be participating at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship Division 4, with Yerevan expressing interest in hosting.
- Thailand will be making their debut at the World Junior Championship as hosts of Division 3, Group B.
- Luxembourg will be making a return to the U18 Men’s World Championship after a one-year absence, while Uzbekistan will join them as a debutant in Division 3, Group B.
- The U18 Women’s World Championship is possibly expanding to Division 3, with the IIHF claiming “Lithuania withdrew its bid in support of Croatia’s intention to host.” That would mark the debut of both nations.
Disclaimer: All of this information comes from the IIHF official website and can be subject to change at the semi-annual congress this September or October.