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Dylan Baker

Ice Hockey Champions Of The World In 2024

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The Florida Panthers after winning the 2024 Stanley Cup (Wilfredo Lee/AP Photo)

From the most southern tip of Argentina in Ushuaia, to the bustling streets of Tashkent, hundreds of champions were crowned during the 2023-24 season. Many made history, such as the Florida Panthers winning their first Stanley Cup, while others, like Tampereen Tappara completing their three-peat, continued a streak of dominance.

Below is a list of the champions in every significant men’s, women’s, collegiate, and junior league from each continent!

Note: League Name [Country]: Winning Club (# of Titles) or (Division of league with multiple champions)

Africa – Men’s Leagues

Ramadani Championship [Egypt Other]: Anubis Ice Hockey Team  (3)

Championnat Marocain de Hockey sur Glace [Morocco]: Rabat Capitals

South Africa Super League [South Africa]: Pretoria Capitals

Gauteng Premier Hockey League [South Africa Regional]: Pretoria Capitals (8)

Western Province Ice Hockey League [South Africa Regional]: Cape Town Storm (5)

Africa – Women’s Leagues

South Africa Women’s Super League [South Africa]: Cape Town Queens  (2)

Asia – Men’s Leagues

Multinational Leagues

Asia League Ice Hockey [JPN/KOR]: HL Anyang  (8)

National Leagues

Armenian Hockey League [Armenia]: HC Pyunik Yerevan (1)

Bahraini Ice Hockey League [Bahrain]: Ministry of Interior

China Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament [China]: Beijing Ice Hockey

Beijing International Ice Hockey League [China Other]: Bears (3)

Hong Kong Ice Hockey League [Hong Kong]: Gold Club  (3)

Hong Kong Amateur Hockey League [Hong Kong 2]: SWOT Hockey  (2)

South China Ice Hockey League [Hong Kong Other]: Manulife Aces (2)

South China Ice Hockey League Division 3 [Hong Kong Other]: RBC Lions  (3)

Indian National Championship [India]: UT Ladakh  (1)

CEC Ice Hockey Championship [India Cup]: Ladakh Scouts Red  (5)

Indonesia Ice Hockey League [Indonesia]: Batavia Demons

Iranian Hockey League [Iran]: Barez Tire Tehran  (4)

Israel National Hockey League [Israel]: HC Ashdod Chiefs  (5)

Israel National Hockey League Division 2 [Israel 2]: Yehud Lightning  (2)

Israel National Hockey League Division 3 [Israel 3]: Haifa Hammers  (1)

Israel Elite Hockey League [Israel Other]: Ashdod Dolphins  (1)

Israeli U20 League [Israel Junior]: North Stars Metulla U20  (4)

All-Japan Ice Hockey Championship [Japan]: HC Nikkō Ice Bucks  (3)

J-Ice League North [Japan Other]: Nippon Steel Muroran  (4)

J-Ice League West [Japan Other]: Kagawa Ice Fellows  (16)

Japan Intercollegiate Games [Japan Collegiate]: Toyo University  (13)

Pro Hokei Ligasy [Kazakhstan]: Arlan Kokshetau  (2)

Kazakhstan Hockey Cup [Kazakhstan Cup]: Humo Tashkent (1)

Jastar Hokei Ligasy [Kazakhstan Junior]: MHK Barys Astana  (4)

Kazakhstan Jas-Cup [Kazakhstan Cup 2]: Jas-Batyr Atyrau  (1)

Kuwait Ice Hockey League [Kuwait]: Kuwait Warriors  (2)

Kyrgyzstan Championship [Kyrgyzstan]: Kyrgyz Temir Zholu Bishkek

MIHF National League Premier Division [Malaysia]: Outlaws

MIHF National League Top Division [Malaysia 2]: Tigers

Kuala Lumpur Cobras Hockey League [Malaysia Other]: Grinders (2)

Mongolian Ice Hockey League [Mongolia]: Darkhan  (2)

North Korean Championship [North Korea]: Unknown

Pakistani Championship [Pakistan]: Gilgit Baltistan Winter Sports Association  (2)

Philippine Hockey League [Philippines]: Manila Hawks Red  (1)

Qatar International Ice Hockey League [Qatar]: Oil Kings  (6)

Korea Domestic Championship [South Korea]: HL Anyang  (12)

KUSF University League [South Korea Collegiate]: Korea University  (2)

Chinese Taipei Ice Hockey League [Taiwan]: Taipei Wolves

Siam Hockey League [Thailand]: KCG Corporation  (1)

Bangkok Ice Hockey League [Thailand 2]: Women Select  (Elite Division), Ice Breakers Jr.  (Division 1), Grizzly Bears  (Division 2)

Türkiye InterCity Süper Lig [Türkiye]: Buz Adamlar GSK  (3)

Türkiye Birinci Ligi [Türkiye 2]: Kutalmışbey Ortaokulu GSK  (1)

Elit Gençler Erkekler Ligi [Türkiye Junior]: Zeytinburnu Belediyesi SK U20  (3)

Turkmenistan Championship [Turkmenistan]: Galkan HC  (9)

Emirates Ice Hockey League [United Arab Emirates]: Dubai White Bears (3)

Dubai Mighty Camels League [United Arab Emirates 2]: Unknown

Uzbekistan Ice Hockey League [Uzbekistan]: Tashkent Select (1)

Asia – Women’s Leagues

Chinese Women’s Ice Hockey League [China]: Shenzhen Kunlun Red Star (1)

Hong Kong Women’s Hockey League [Hong Kong]: Chicco  (6)

India National Championship [India]: Indo Tibetan Border Police  (2)

CEC Ice Hockey Championship [India Cup]: Indo Tibetan Border Police  (2)

Iranian Women’s Hockey League [Iran]: M.R Shahre-Rey  (2)

Japanese Women’s Hockey League [Japan]: Seibu Princess Rabbits  (9)

All-Japan Women’s Ice Hockey Championship [Japan Cup]: Seibu Princess Rabbits  (7)

Qyzdar Hokey Ligasy [Kazakhstan]: Aisulu Almaty  (20)

North Korean Women’s Championship [North Korea]: Unknown

Korean Women’s Hockey League [South Korea]: Unknown

Türkiye Kadinlar Süper Lig [Türkiye]: Istanbul BBSK  (1)

Türkiye 1. Liga [Türkiye 2]: Yükselis SK  (1)

Emirates Women’s Ice Hockey League [United Arab Emirates]: Al Dhabi (1)

Europe – Men’s Leagues

IIHF Club Competitions

Champions Hockey League: Genève-Servette HC (1)

Continental Cup: Nomad Astana  (1)

Spengler Cup: HC Davos  (16)

Multinational Leagues

Alps Hockey League [AUT/ITA/SLO]: Rittner Buam  (2)

BeNeLiga [BEL/GER/NED]: Bulldogs de Liège (2) (4 Belgian Titles)

Erste Liga [HUN/ROU]: CSM Corona Brașov  (1)

International Hockey League [CRO/SRB/SLO]: Triglav Kranj  (3)

Kontinental Hockey League [BLR/KAZ/RUS]: Metallurg Magnitogorsk  (3) (7 Russian Titles)

Optibet Hokeja Liga [EST/LAT/LTU]: HK Mogo  (3)

win2day ICE Hockey League [AUT/HUN/ITA/SLO]: EC Red Bull Salzburg  (9) (11 Austrian Titles)

National Leagues

Nationalliga [Austria 2]: Red Bull Hockey Juniors  (3)

Österreichische Eishockey Liga [Austria 3]: KSV Eishockey  (2)

Austrian Regional Leagues [Austria 4]: ESC Steindorf  (Kärntner Liga), EV Ternitzer Eiswolfe  (Landesliga Niederösterreich), EC Wels  (Oberösterreichische Eishockeyliga), SPG Schuttdorf – UTT  (Salzburg Landesliga), EV Leoben Kings  (Styria Eliteliga), EHC Immobau Mils  (Tyrol Landesliga), EHC Tigers Dornbirn  (VEHL), EV Stockerau  (Wiener Landesliga)

Belarusian Extraleague [Belarus]: Metallurg Zhlobin  (4)

Ruslan Salei Cup [Belarus Cup]: HK Vitebsk  (2)

Vysshaya Liga [Belarus 2]: Yunior Minsk  (7)

Vladimir Tsyplakov Cup [Belarus Cup 2]: Team Belarus U18  (2)

Belgische Beker [Belgium Cup]: HYC Herentals (14)

Belgian First Division [Belgium 2]: Chiefs Leuven-2 (4)

Belgian Division II [Belgium 3]: Antwerp Phantoms White (1)

Belgian Division III [Belgium 4]: Ghent Dragons

Belgian Division IV [Belgium 5]: HYC Funny Stars (1)

Bosanskohercegovacka Hokejaška Liga [Bosnia and Herzegovina]: HK Stari Grad Vukovi  (7)

Darzhavno Parvenstvo [Bulgaria]: Irbis-Skate Sofia  (8)

Kupa na Bŭlgariya [Bulgaria Cup]: Irbis-Skate Sofia  (8)

Balkan League [Bulgaria 2]: Ice Devils Sofia  (2)

Croatian Ice Hockey League [Croatia]: KHL Sisak  (2)

Tipsport Extraliga [Czechia]: HC Oceláři Třinec  (6)

Chance Liga [Czechia 2]: VHK Vsetín  (1)

Czech 2.liga [Czechia 3]: Piráti Chomutov  (1)

Krajské hokejové přebory [Czechia 4]: HC Rakovník  (Central Bohemia), HC Kohouti Česká Třebová  (Hradec Králové), HC Autocentrum Jičín  (Liberec), MHK Slovan Orlová  (North Moravia), HC Rebel město Nejdek  (Plzeň), TJ Hluboká nad Vltavou  (South Bohemia), SK Prostějov 1913  (South Moravia), SK Kadaň  (Ústí nad Labem), HC Chotěboř  (Vysočina)

Krajske souteze muzu [Czechia 5]: TJ Sokol Březina  (Blansko Okres), HAS Jihlava  (Jihlava Okres), HC Chotíkov  (KSM Plzenskeho kraje sk. A), TJ Město Zbiroh  (KSM Plzenskeho kraje sk. B), HC Spartak Žebrák B  (KSM Plzenskeho kraje sk. C), HC Příbram B  (KSM Stredoceskeho), Milo Olomouc  (Olomouc Okres), SKA Napajedla  (Zlín Okres)

Pražské Ligy Ledního Hokeje [Czechia Other]: HC Smečka Sion  (Group 1), Rednecks  (Group 2), Zličín Hockey Represent  (Group 3), HC Cheza Praha  (Group 4)

CCM liga [Czechia Other]: TJ Bohemians Praha  (2)

Metal Ligaen [Denmark]: SønderjyskE Ishockey  (10)

Metal Cup [Denmark Cup]: SønderjyskE Ishockey  (5)

1. Division [Denmark 2]: Esbjerg IK II  (1)

2. Division (Denmark 3): Unknown

Meistriliiga [Estonia]: Narva HK PSK  (3)

Tallinna Harrastajate Hokiliiga [Estonia 2]: HC Tigers  (Group 1), HK Vipers  (Group 2), Wild Vepr  (Group 3), HK Kakumäe Kullid  (Group 4)

Liiga [Finland]: Tampereen Tappara  (13) (20 Finnish Titles)

Mestis [Finland 2]: Iisalmen Peli-Karhut  (1)

Suomi-sarja [Finland 3]: Nokian Pyry  (2)

II-Divisioona [Finland 4]: TuusKi  (Lohko 1), Kiekko-Ahma  (Lohko 2), Malax IF  (Lohko 3), PEPO HC  (Lohko 4), Laser HT  (Lohko 5), Turku Chiefs  (Lohko 6)

III-Divisioona [Finland 5]: EVU  (Lohko 1), HPK Icedogs  (Lohko 2), Warrantti Mahtikukot  (Lohko 3), Parru HT  (Lohko 4), Kuru Hockey  (Lohko 5), Rauma Tigers  (Lohko 6), Ahmat Haukipudas (Lohko 7), PiPS  (Lohko 8)

IV-Divisioona [Finland 6]: KHK  (Lohko 1), MaKo  (Lohko 2), UJK  (Lohko 3)

Synerglace Ligue Magnus [France]: Dragons de Rouen  (18)

Coupe de France [France Cup]: Brûleurs de Loups de Grenoble  (6)

FFHG Division 1 [France 2]: Corsaires de Nantes  (1)

FFHG Division 2 [France 3]: Ours de Villard-de-Lans  (1)

FFHG Division 3 [France 4]: Ducs de Dijon  (1)

Trophée Fédéral Loisirs [France 5]: Français Volants  (3)

Georgian Championship [Georgia]: Bakurianis Mimino  (7)

Penny Deutsche Eishockey Liga [Germany]: Eisbären Berlin  (10) (Also has 15 East German Titles)

Deutsche Eishockey Liga 2 [Germany 2]: Eisbären Regensburg  (1)

Oberliga [Germany 3]: 1. EV Weiden  (2)

Regionalliga [Germany 4]: EHC Königsbrunn  (Bayernliga), EC Harzer Falken  (Nord), FASS Berlin  (Ost), HEC Eisbären Heilbronn  (Süd), Ratinger Ice Aliens  (West)

German Regional Leagues [Germany 5]: RT Bad Nauheim 1b  (Hessenliga), 1. CfR Pforzheim EHC  (Landesliga Baden-Württemberg), Waldkraiburg  (Landesliga Bayern), FASS Berlin II  (Landesliga Berlin), ESV Grizzlys Bergkamen  (Landesliga NRW), EHC Zweibrücken II  (Landesliga Rheinland-Pfalz), EG Diez-Limburg  (Rheinland-Pfalz Cup), Crocodiles Hamburg  (Verbandsliga Nord)

German Regional Leagues [Germany 6]: EHC Straubing  (Bezirksliga Bayern), Soester EG  (Bezirksliga NRW), Wallernhausen Pirates  (Landesliga Hessen), EC Hannover Indians U23  (Landesliga Nord), Dresden Devils  (Landesliga Sachsen), Malchower Wölfe  (Landesliga Pomerania), Hurricane Erfurt  (Landesliga Thüringen)

Elite Ice Hockey League [Great Britain]: Regular Season – Sheffield Steelers  (6) (10 British Titles) / Playoffs – Sheffield Steelers  (6)

Elite Ice Hockey League Challenge Cup [Great Britain Cup]: Sheffield Steelers  (2)

Planet Ice National Ice Hockey League [Great Britain 2]: Regular Season – Leeds Knights  (2) / Playoffs – Peterborough Phantoms  (1)

National Ice Hockey League Division 1 [Great Britain 3]: Regular Season – Billingham Stars  (North) / Playoffs – Blackburn Hawks  (North), Regular Season – Streatham Redhawks  (South) / Playoffs – Chelmsford Chieftains  (South)

National Ice Hockey League Division 2 [Great Britain 4]: Regular Season – Telford Tigers 2  (North) / Playoffs – Billingham Buccaneers  (North), Regular Season – Guildford Phoenix  (South) / Playoffs – Basingstoke Buffalo  (South)

Scottish National League [Great Britain – Scotland]: Regular Season – Aberdeen Lynx  (2) / Playoffs – Edinburgh Capitals  (1)

Scottish Cup [Great Britain Cup – Scotland]: Aberdeen Lynx  (1)

Northern League [Great Britain Other]: Edinburgh Capitals  (1)

Nigel Smeaton Memorial Cup [Great Britain – Northern Ireland]: Belfast Renegades  (1)

Athens Ice Hockey League [Greece]: Athens Centaurs  (1)

OB I bajnokság [Hungary]: Ferencvárosi TC  (31)

Magyar Kupa [Hungary Cup]: Hydro Fehérvár AV19  (4)

Magyar Szuperkupa [Hungary SuperCup]: Ferencvárosi TC  (2)

Andersen Liga [Hungary 2]: Györi ETO HC  (1)

OB III. bajnokság [Hungary 3]: Hevület Székesfehérvár  (2)

OB IV. bajnokság [Hungary 4]: White Sharks HC  (Group A), OHA Goddamn Monkeys  (Group B), VIP Wizards B  (Group C), Zempléni Hiúzok  (Group D)

Icelandic Hockey League [Iceland]: Skautafélag Reykjavíkur  (7)

Italian Hockey League – Serie A [Italy]: Rittner Buam  (6)

Coppa Italia [Italy Cup]: Hockey Pergine Sapiens  (1)

Supercoppa Italiana [Italy SuperCup]: SG Cortina  (1)

Italian Hockey League [Italy 2]: Hockey Pergine Sapiens  (1)

Italian Hockey League – Division 1 [Italy 3]: Hockey Club Aosta  (2)

Leghe amatoriali altoatesine di hockey su ghiaccio [Italy 4]: Unknown

Junioru Attistibas Hokeja Liga [Latvia 2]: HS Falcons  (1)

Neatkarīga amatieru hokeja līga [Latvia 3]: Mārupe  (3. Liga), Huligan  (4. Liga)

Nacionaline Ledo Ritulo Lyga [Lithuania]: Energija Elektrenai  (22)

Lithuanian Second League [Lithuania 2]: Bizonai-Ekobaze Kaunas

Luxembourg Hockey League Division 1 [Luxembourg]: Tornado Luxembourg  (2)

Luxembourg Hockey League Division 2 [Luxembourg 2]: Hurricanes Luxembourg U20 II  (1)

Eredivisie [Netherlands]: Unis Flyers Heerenveen  (11)

Nederlandse Beker [Netherlands Cup]: HYS The Hague  (6)

Ron Berteling Schaal [Netherlands SuperCup]: HYS The Hague  (6)

Eerste Divisie [Netherlands 2]: Amsterdam Tigers  (3)

Tweede Divisie [Netherlands 3]: HCA Amsterdam  (3)

Derde Divisie [Netherlands 4]: Eindhoven Flyers  (1)

Vierde Divisie [Netherlands 5]: Eindhoven Kemphanen 2

Vijfde Divisie [Netherlands 6]: Sweetlake Legends Zoetermeer

Zesde Divisie [Netherlands 7]: Hijs Hokij Den Haag Herons  (1)

EliteHockey Ligaen [Norway]: Storhamar  (8)

1. divisjon [Norway 2]: Narvik Hockey  (4)

2. divisjon [Norway 3]: Manglerud Star  (1)

3. divisjon [Norway 4]: Nesøya IL  (East), IHK Stavanger  (South/West)

4. divisjon [Norway 5]: Nes IK

5. divisjon [Norway 6]: Lørenskog 2 (1)

Tauron Polska Hokej Liga [Poland]: Unia Oświęcim  (9)

Puchar Polski [Poland Cup]: GKS Tychy  (10)

Superpuchar Polski [Poland SuperCup]: GKS Tychy  (4)

Mlodziezowa Hokej Liga [Poland 2]: Naprzód Janów  (5)

Polish 2. Liga [Poland 3]: KS Hockey Team Oświęcim  (1)

Polish 3. Liga [Poland 4]: KH Warszawa Capitals II  (3)

Campeonato Nacional Hoquei no Gelo 3×3 [Portugal]: HC Porto  (1)

Campionatul National de Seniori [Romania]: CSM Corona Brașov  (6)

Cupa Romaniei la Hochei pe gheaţă [Romania Cup]: CSM Corona Brașov  (4)

Vysshaya Hokkeinaya Liga [Russia 2]: Neftyanik Almetyevsk  (2)

Night Hockey League [Russia Other]: Pioneer Yekaterinburg  (40+), Filigran Novosibirsk  (50+), Meteor Moskva  (Dreams League 18+), Wolfram-A Vostok  (Hopes League 18+)

Russian Amateur Hockey Leagues [Russia Other]: Krasnoyarsk Region  (All-Russian Spartakiad), EcoMobil-2  (Chelyabinsk AHL), Tymlat Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky  (Kamchatka Territory Championship), Kurganstalmost Kurgan  (Kurgan Championship), Unknown (South-East Tatarstan HL), Cosmos Kaluga  (Moskva Spartakiad), SKA Yekaterinburg  (Sverdlovsk Championship), Grenada Naberezhnye Chelny  (Tatarstan AHL)

Prvenstvo Srbije [Serbia]: SKHL Crvena Zvezda  (11)

Tipos Extraliga [Slovakia]: HK Nitra  (2)

Slovak Cup [Slovakia Cup]: Vlci Žilina  (2)

Slovenská hokejová liga [Slovakia 2]: Vlci Žilina  (2)

Slovak 2.Liga [Slovakia 3]: HK Púchov  (2)

Državno prvenstvo Slovenije [Slovenia]: HK Olimpija Ljubljana  (19) (First 15 Titles won by former HDD Olimpija)

Liga Nacional de Hockey Hielo [Spain]: Club Hielo Jaca  (14)

Copa del Rey [Spain Cup]: Club Hielo Jaca  (17)

Swedish Hockey League [Sweden]: Skellefteå AIK  (4)

HockeyAllsvenskan [Sweden 2]: Brynäs IF  (4)

HockeyEttan [Sweden 3]: Promoted Team – Vimmerby HC

HockeyTvåan [Sweden 4]: Promoted Teams – IK Pantern , Sollentuna HC

HockeyTrean [Sweden 5]: Promoted Teams – Göteborgs IK , HC Vita Hästen , MG/Arvidsjaur , Motala AIF , Ockelbo HC

HockeyFyran [Sweden 6]: Promoted Teams – Bålsta HC , IFK Mariefred , Kallhälls IF

Division 5 [Sweden 7]: Täby Titans (Norra), FoC Farsta 2 (Södra)

National League [Switzerland]: ZSC Lions (9)

National Cup [Switzerland Cup]: EHC Basel (1)

Swiss League [Switzerland 2]: HC La Chaux-de-Fonds (7)

MyHockey League [Switzerland 3]: EHC Chur (1)

1. Amateur Regio League [Switzerland 4]: EHC Wetzikon (2)

2. Amateur Regio League [Switzerland 5]: EHC Raron

3. Amateur Regio League [Switzerland 6]: EHC Burgdorf II (Central), EHC Wilen-Neunforn (East), HC Les Enfers-Montfaucon (West)

4. Amateur Regio League [Switzerland 7]: EHC Brandis II (Central), SCRJ Lakers II/Towers HK (East), HC Reconvilier (West)

Ligue Lausannoise [Switzerland Other]: HC Montchoisi (8)

Ukrainian Hockey League [Ukraine]: Sokil Kyiv  (14)

Cup of Ukraine [Ukraine Cup]: HK Kremenchug  (1)

Kiev Amateur Hockey League [Ukraine 2]: Kyivski Lavri  (Master Division), Arsenal 2  (Leader Division)

Europe – Men’s Collegiate Leagues

Multinational Leagues

European University Hockey League [HUN/POL/ROU/SVK Collegiate]: UMB Banská Bystrica  (3)

National Leagues

Univerzitní liga ledního hokeje [Czechia Collegiate]: UK Kings Praha  (2)

FCAA College Hockey League [Finland Collegiate]: HH Rangers  (1)

British Universities Ice Hockey Association [Great Britain Collegiate]: Cambridge Blues  (Checking Tier 1), Southampton Spitfires  (Checking Tier 2), Oxford Vikings  (Non-Checking Tier 1), Warwick and Coventry Panthers  (Non-Checking Tier 2), Sheffield Bears F  (Non-Checking Tier 3)

Studentendivisie [Netherlands Collegiate]: Unknown

Moskva Student Hockey League [Russia Collegiate]: HK MGAFK Malakhovka  (Division 1), HK RUDN Moskva  (Division 2), HK MFYuA Moskva  (Division 3)

Russian Student Hockey League [Russia Collegiate]: HK REU Moskva  (Division 1), Lesgaft University St. Petersburg  (Division 2)

St. Petersburg Student Hockey League [Russia Collegiate]: Lesgaft University St. Petersburg  (Division 1), Finansist SPBGEU St. Petersburg  (Division 2)

Student Hockey League [Russia Collegiate]: Unknown (Central Division), Unknown (Moskva Division), Unknown (Siberia Division)

Universitetsligan [Sweden Collegiate]: Chalmers Blue McRangers  (3)

Europe – Men’s Junior Leagues

Multinational Leagues

Austria U20 International [AUT/HUN Junior]: Újpesti Jégkorong Akadémia U20  (1)

Molodezhnaya Hokkeinaya Liga [BLR/KAZ/RUS Junior]: SKA-1946 St. Petersburg  (2)

National Leagues

Belarusian U18 League [Belarus Junior]: Neman Grodno U18  (1)

Belgian U18 League [Belgium Junior]: Chiefs Leuven U18  (6)

Darzhavno Parvenstvo za Mladezhi U20 [Bulgaria Junior]: CSKA Sofia U20  (1)

Croatia Juniori U19 [Croatia Junior]: KHL Sisak  (3)

DHL Extraliga junioru [Czechia Junior]: HC Oceláři Třinec U20  (3)

Danish U18 League [Denmark Junior]: Rødovre SIK U18  (1)

Estonia Klass A [Estonia Junior]: HC Panter/HK Tornaado U20  (1)

U20 SM-sarja [Finland Junior]: Porin Ässät U20  (2)

FFHG, U20 Elite [France Junior]: Ducs d’Angers U20  (1)

U20 Deutsche Nachwuchs Liga [Germany Junior]: EV Landshut U20  (1)

English U18 Division 1 [Great Britain Junior]: Swindon Cougars U18  (4)

Hungarian Junior League [Hungary Junior]: Fehérvár Hockey Academy 19 U21  (8)

Icelandic U18 League [Iceland Junior]: Skautafélag Akureyrar U18

Junior League – U19 [Italy Junior]: HC Neumarkt/Egna U19  (2)

Jaunių lyga [Lithuania Junior]: Gelezinis Vilkas Vilnius U17 (8)

Dutch U23 League [Netherlands Junior]: Eindhoven Kemphanen U23 (1)

Norwegian U20 Championship [Norway Junior]: Stavanger Oilers U20  (2)

Centralna Liga Juniorów [Poland Junior]: Naprzód Janów U20  (3)

Campionatul National de Tineret U20 [Romania Junior]: ACSH Gheorgheni U20  (1)

Extraliga juniorov [Slovakia Junior]: HK Nitra U20  (4)

Slovenian U19 League [Slovenia Junior]: HD Jesenice Mladi U19  (6)

Copa España Junior [Spain Junior]: CD Bipolo Vitoria  (1)

J20 Nationell [Sweden Junior]: Skellefteå AIK J20  (5)

U20-Elit [Switzerland Junior]: EV Zug U20 (6)

Ukrainian U18 League [Ukraine Junior]: Kryzhynka-Capitals Kyiv U18  (1)

Europe – Women’s Leagues

Multinational Leagues

Baltic Women’s Hockey League [EST/LAT/LTU]: HS Riga  (Group A), Team Lithuania U18  (Group B)

Dameneishockey Bundesliga [AUT/HUN/SLO]: EAC Women Capitals  (2)

European Women’s Hockey League [AUT/HUN/ITA/KAZ/POL/SVK]: SKP Bratislava  (1)

EWHL Super Cup [AUT/GER/HUN/KAZ/SVK/SUI Cup]: ECDC Memmingen  (2)

International Hockey League [AUT/CRO/SLO]: Villach Lady Hawks  (2)

National Leagues

Staatsmeisterschaft [Austria]: EC Graz Huskies  (1)

Dameneishockey Bundesliga II [Austria 2]: SPG Kitzbuhel/Kufstein  (3)

Belarusian Women’s Hockey League [Belarus]: Tsitadel  (1)

Belgian Women’s Hockey League [Belgium]: Mechelen Sharks  (1)

Croatian Women’s Hockey League [Croatia]: HK Siscia Sisak  (3)

Extraliga žen [Czechia]: HC Příbram  (4)

1. liga žen [Czechia 2]: HC Roudnice nad Labem  (Group A), HC Bobři Valašské Meziříčí  (Group B)

Kvindeligaen [Denmark]: Hvidovre IK  (9)

Kvindeligaen Division 2 [Denmark 2]: Rødovre Mighty Bulls 2

Danish Cup [Denmark Cup]: Rødovre Mighty Bulls

Naiste Hokiliiga [Estonia]: HC Everest  (4)

Naisten Liiga [Finland]: HIFK  (2)

Naisten Mestis [Finland 2]: HIFK Akatemia  (3)

Naisten Suomi-sarja [Finland 3]: KeuPa HT  (1)

FFHG Féminin Elite [France]: Remparts de Tours  (4)

Deutsche Fraueneishockey-Liga [Germany]: ECDC Memmingen  (5)

DEB-Pokal [Germany Cup]: ERC Ingolstadt  (2)

2. Liga North [Germany 2]: Hannover Indians  (3)

German Regional Leagues [Germany Other]: EC Bad Tölz  (Landesliga Bayern), Eisadler Dortmund  (Bezirksliga NRW), Grefrather EG  (Landesliga NRW), FASS Berlin  (Nord)

Women’s Elite Ice Hockey League [Great Britain]: Regular Season – Bracknell Queen Bees  (10) / Playoffs – Bracknell Queen Bees  (11)

Women’s National Ice Hockey League 1 [Great Britain 2]: Regular Season – Swindon TopCats / Playoffs – Swindon TopCats

Women’s National Ice Hockey League 2 [Great Britain 3]: Caledonia Steel Queens  (1)

British Universities Ice Hockey Association [Great Britain Collegiate]: Cambridge Women’s Blues

OB I bajnokság [Hungary]: HK Budapest  (9)

Női bajnokság U25 [Hungary 2]: HK Budapest U25  (Group A), Rampage Women’s Hockey B1 (Group B), Sportországi Cápák  (Group C)

Icelandic Women’s Hockey League [Iceland]: Fjölnir (1)

Italian Hockey League Women [Italy]: EVB Eagles Südtirol  (13)

Lithuanian Women’s Championship [Lithuania]: HC Klaipeda Girls  (3)

Dutch Women’s Hockey League [Netherlands]: Dordrecht Lady Lions (3)

Kvinner Elite [Norway]: National Championship – Lillehammer Ishockeyklubb  (1) / Bambusa-ligaen – Lillehammer Ishockeyklubb  (2)

1. divisjon [Norway 2]: Storhamar II  (1)

Tauron Liga Hokeja Kobiet [Poland]: Polonia Bytom  (12)

Campionatul National de Senioare [Romania]: ACS Fox Hockey Gheorgheni (4)

Zhenskaya Women’s Hockey League [Russia]: Dynamo-Neva St. Petersburg  (1)

Women’s Night Hockey League [Russia Other]: Horse St. Petersburg

Slovenská ženská hokejová liga [Slovakia]: ŽHK 2000 Šarišanka Prešov  (1)

Liga Iberdrola de Hockey Hielo [Spain]: CHH. Necso Txuri Urdin  (2)

Copa de SM la Reina [Spain Cup]: CG Puigcerdá  (1)

Svenska damhockeyligan [Sweden]: Luleå HF  (7)

Nationella Damhockeyligan [Sweden 2]: Promoted Team – Skellefteå AIK

Damtvåan [Sweden 3]: Clemensnäs HC  (Norra), Sundbybergs IK  (Östra)

Damtrean [Sweden 4]: Unknown (Norra), HC Vita Hästen  (Östergötland)

PostFinance Women League [Switzerland]: ZSC Lions Frauen (9)

National Cup [Switzerland Cup]: SC Bern Frauen (1)

Swiss Women’s Hockey League B [Switzerland 2]: EVZ Women’s Team (1)

Swiss Women’s Hockey League C [Switzerland 3]: EHC Worb Damen (2)

Swiss Women’s Hockey League D [Switzerland 4]: EHC Thun Frauen (1)

Ukrainian Women’s Hockey League [Ukraine]: Pantery Kharkiv  (4)

North America – Men’s Leagues

Professional

National Hockey League: Florida Panthers (1)

American Hockey League: Hershey Bears  (13)

ECHL: Florida Everblades (4)

SPHL: Peoria Rivermen (2) (Also has 2 IHL Titles and 1 ECHL Title)

Federal Prospects Hockey League: Binghamton Black Bears (1)

Ligue Nord-Américaine de Hockey: Thetford Mines Assurancia (2)

Amateur

Allan Cup [Canada Cup]: Dundas Real McCoys (3)

East Central Senior Hockey League [Alberta]: Sedgewick Sabres (1)

North Central Hockey League [Alberta]: Lacombe Generals (2)

North Peace Hockey League [Alberta]: Spirit River Rangers (12)

Ranchland Hockey League [Alberta]: Lethbridge Lightning (1)

Sask/Alta Senior Hockey League [Alberta/Saskatchewan]: Paradise Hill Hawks (1)

Coy Cup [British Columbia Cup]: Terrace River Kings (1)

Central Interior Senior Hockey League [British Columbia]: Terrace River Kings (5)

West Coast Senior AA Hockey League [British Columbia]: Nanaimo Steelmen (1)

Manitoba Cup [Manitoba Cup]: Miniota-Elkhorn C-Hawks (2)

South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League [Manitoba]: Ste. Anne Aces (2)

Tiger Hills Hockey League [Manitoba]: Miniota-Elkhorn C-Hawks (2)

Beausejour Senior Hockey League [New Brunswick]: Dalhousie Marauders (1)

Ligue de hockey Vallée-Appalaches [New Brunswick]: Castors de St-Quentin (7)

Southern Senior Hockey League [New Brunswick]: Charlotte County Irishmen (2)

Herder Memorial Trophy [Newfoundland Cup]: St. John’s Capitals (8)

Avalon East Senior Hockey League [Newfoundland]: St. John’s Capitals (6)

Central Newfoundland Hockey League [Newfoundland]: Lewisporte Seahawks (4)

Central West Senior Hockey League [Newfoundland]: Deer Lake Red Wings (1)

Rankin Inlet Senior Hockey League [Nunavut]: A & K

Allan Cup Hockey [Ontario]: Stoney Creek Tigers (2)

Eastern Ontario Super Hockey League [Ontario]: Gananoque Sr. Islanders (1)

Ontario Elite Hockey League [Ontario]: Mapleton-Minto 81’s (1)

Ontario Super Hockey League [Ontario]: Tillsonburg Thunder (1)

West Prince Senior Hockey League [Prince Edward Island]: Tignish Sr. Aces (1)

Circuit Sénior KRTB [Québec]: St-Cypren Transport Denis Gosselin (1)

Ligue de Hockey Senior A du Lac St-Louis [Québec]: Mustangs de Vaudreuil-Dorian (1)

Ligue de Hockey Senior AA de la Côté-Nord [Québec]: Pionniers de Baie-Comeau (1)

Ligue de Hockey Côté-Sud [Québec]: Sainte-Marie Giovannina (2)

Ligue de Hockey Senior AAA du Québec [Québec]: La Tuque Loups (1)

Ligue de Hockey Sénior Desjardins de l’Est-du-Québec [Québec]: Trois-Pistoles B.A. Fondations (1)

Ligue de Hockey Senior Élite [Québec]: Hockey Expert Vaudreuil-Soulanges (1)

Ligue de Hockey Senior du Lac-au-Fleuve [Québec]: Le Construction De L’Avenir de Dolbeau-Mistassini (3)

Ligue Regionale de Hockey [Québec]: Daveluyville JB (3)

Saskatchewan Senior A Playoffs [Saskatchewan Cup]: Kenaston Blizzards (1)

Big Six Senior Hockey League [Saskatchewan]: Moosomin Rangers (2)

Cross Roads Hockey League [Saskatchewan]: Dodsland Stars (1)

Long Lake Senior Hockey League [Saskatchewan]: Wadena Wildcats (1)

Notekeu Hockey League [Saskatchewan]: Assiniboia Rebels (14)

Qu’Appelle Valley Highway Hockey League [Saskatchewan]: Lumsden Monarchs (2)

Saskatchewan Prairie Hockey League [Saskatchewan]: Meota Combines (4)

Sask East Hockey League [Saskatchewan]: Rocanville Tigers (2)

Sask Valley Hockey League [Saskatchewan]: Kenaston Blizzards (3)

Sask West Senior Hockey League [Saskatchewan]: Kindersley Sr. Klippers (1)

Treaty Six Hockey League [Saskatchewan]: Red Pheasant Rebels (1)

Twin Rivers Senior Hockey League [Saskatchewan]: Birch Hills Blackhawks (3)

Wheatland Hockey League [Saskatchewan]: Tisdale Ramblers (1)

White Mud Hockey League [Saskatchewan]: Maple Creek Hawks (5)

American Premier Hockey League [United States – Midwest/Northeast]: Hudson Valley Vipers (1)

Great Lakes Hockey League [United States – Midwest]: Fond du Lac Bears (8)

Michigan Independence Hockey League [United States – Michigan]: Waterford Sharks (1)

Mountain Hockey League [United States – West]: Finals Cancelled

Liga Mexicana Elite de Hockey [Mexico]: Olmec Stone Heads  (Winter & Summer Champion)

Liga Nacional de Hockey [Mexico 2]: Ice Dragons (1)

Copa Porter de Hockey sobre Hielo [Mexico Cup]: Marcianos (Division 1), Agricultores (Division 2)

Monterrey Hockey League [Mexico Other]: Unknown

North America – Men’s Collegiate Leagues

Canada

U Sports Men’s Ice Hockey: University of New Brunswick Reds (10)

Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference: Red Deer Polytechnic Kings (10)

British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League: Vancouver Island University Mariners (1)

Ligue de Hockey Collégiale du Québec Division 1: Boomerang du Cégep André-Laurendeau  (4)

Ligue de Hockey Collégiale du Québec Division 2: Pionniers du Cégep de Rimouski  (2)

United States

National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1: University of Denver Pioneers (10)

National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 3: Hobart Statesmen (2)

American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 1: Adrian College Bulldogs (3)

American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 2: Indiana University Hoosiers (1)

American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 3: Lawrence Technological University Blue Devils (1)

Amateur Athletic Union College Hockey Division 1: University of South Carolina Gamecocks (1)

Amateur Athletic Union College Hockey Division 2: University of Florida Gators (1)

Amateur Athletic Union College Hockey Division 3: University of Miami Hurricanes (1)

North America – Men’s Junior Leagues

Major Junior

Memorial Cup (Canadian Hockey League): Saginaw Spirit (1)

Ligue de hockey junior Maritimes Québec: Voltigeurs de Drummondville (2)

Ontario Hockey League: London Knights  (5)

Western Hockey League: Moose Jaw Warriors  (1)

Canada: Junior A

Centennial Cup: Collingwood Blues (1)

Alberta Junior Hockey League: Calgary Canucks (10)

British Columbia Hockey League: Alberta – Brooks Bandits (1), British Columbia – Surrey Eagles (5)

Central Canada Hockey League: Navan Grads (1)

Ligue de Hockey Junior du Québec: Collège Français de Longueuil (10)

Manitoba Junior Hockey League: Winkler Flyers (4)

Maritime Hockey League: Miramichi Timberwolves (1)

Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League: Greater Sudbury Cubs (3)

Ontario Junior Hockey League: Collingwood Blues (3)

Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League: Melfort Mustangs (5)

Superior International Junior Hockey League: Sioux Lookout Bombers (1)

Mexico

Liga Nacional Sub-19 [Mexico Junior]: Stars Mexico City (1)

United States: Tier I & II

United States Hockey League: Fargo Force (2)

North American Hockey League: Lone Star Brahmas (2)

National Collegiate Development Conference: South Shore Kings (1)

North America – Women’s Leagues

Professional

Professional Women’s Hockey League: PWHL Minnesota (1)

Amateur

Liga Nacional Femenil [Mexico]: Maoris

Collegiate

U Sports Women’s Ice Hockey: Concordia University Stingers (4)

Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference: Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Ooks (4)

Ligue de Hockey Collégiale du Québec Division 1: Titans du Cégep Limoilou  (10)

Ligue de Hockey Collégiale du Québec Division 2: Voltigeurs du Cégep de Drummondville  (2)

National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1: Ohio State University Buckeyes (2)

National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 3: University of Wisconsin-River Falls Falcons (1)

American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 1: Adrian College Bulldogs (1)

American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 2: Sault College Cougars (2)

Amateur Athletic Union College Hockey: Paul Smith’s College Bobcats (1)

Junior

Junior Women’s Hockey League: North American Hockey Academy Hawks (12)

Ontario Women’s Hockey League U22 AA: Burlington Barracudas (1)

Oceania – Men’s Leagues

Australian Ice Hockey League [Australia]: Canberra Brave  (3)

East Coast Super League [Australia Regional]: ECSL Bombers  (1)

Ice Hockey South Australia Premier League [Australia Regional]: Adelaide Jokers  (4)

Ice Hockey Victoria Premier League [Australia Regional]: Bison Ice Hockey Club  (1)

Ice Hockey Western Australia Premier League [Australia Regional]: Northern North Stars  (1)

New Zealand Ice Hockey League [New Zealand]: Skycity Stampede (9)

Erewhon Cup [New Zealand Cup]: Wakatipu Gold Rush (8)

Oceania – Women’s Leagues

Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League [Australia]: Melbourne Ice  (9)

Stephanie Boxall National Women’s Championship [Australia Other]: Queensland  (1)

New Zealand Women’s Ice Hockey League [New Zealand]: Auckland Steel (6)

South America – Men’s Leagues

Torneo Nacional Masculino [Argentina]: CAHHL Gators

Copa Fin del Mundo [Argentina Cup]: ACEMHH

Campeonato Brasileiro de Ice Hockey [Brazil]: Clube de Campo Bragança Paulista  (1)

Peru Championship [Peru]: Hairless Dawgs (1)

South America – Women’s Leagues

Torneo Nacional Femenino [Argentina]: CAHHL Gators (2)

Copa Fin del Mundo [Argentina Cup]: Los Ñires Zorras

Sudamericano [South America Cup]: Brazil Ozone  (1)

If you have any information on incomplete data or corrections on possible errors, just let us know!

ICYMI: International Tournament Results 2023-24

Ice Hockey Champions Of The World In 2024 Read More »

Jamaica Wins The Challenger Series

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Jamaica after winning the 2024 Challenger Series (joshmaillouxphotography/Instagram)

Jamaica have been crowned champions of the inaugural Challenger Series, following an exciting 12-8 victory over Lebanon in the finals!

The Challenger Series was created this past spring and included the men’s national teams of Jamaica, Lebanon, and Puerto Rico. These teams — who are all ineligible to participate in the IIHF World Championship due to a lack of rinks or leagues — played in a round-robin tournament, and then a playoff, across three cities in North America.

Chicago (18-21 April) and New York (06-09 June) both hosted six games of the event, as the three teams played a total of eight games each to determine seeding for the final round. Jamaica, who led the way with a 5-3 record, earned a bye to the finals in Oshawa. This left Lebanon (4-4) and Puerto Rico (3-5) battling it out in the semifinals. It was the Lebanese side that prevailed with a 9-3 victory, but, of course, fell short of the ultimate prize.

This was a significant accomplishment for the Jamaican National Team, as they continue to put up strong results in international play. The Jamaicans previously captured a gold medal in their international debut at the 2019 Amerigol Latam Cup, where they defeated Colombia in the finals in a shootout, 3-2.

Despite having no ice rink on the island of less than three million residents, Jamaica is now 16-5 with a 151-78 goal differential against other national teams. It should be noted that almost all members of these successful Jamaican teams have been Canadians and Americans with Jamaican heritage. Most notable would be San Jose Sharks forward Givani Smith, who made his debut with the team in the final round. OHL defenders Taos Jordan and Maleek McGowan — who were both born in Ontario — were also key contributors to this Challenger Series triumph. Regardless of their lack of Jamaican-born talent, this team’s success is still mightily impressive, and it shines light on ice hockey’s growth on a global scale.

Tournament Scores:

Jamaica 6 – 11 Lebanon

Lebanon 2 – 3 Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico 3 – 6 Jamaica

Lebanon 6 – 7 Jamaica

Puerto Rico 4 – 3 Lebanon

Jamaica 5 – 4 Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico 2 – 5 Lebanon

Jamaica 11 – 2 Puerto Rico

Lebanon 6 – 4 Jamaica

Puerto Rico 3 – 6 Lebanon

Jamaica 5 – 7 Puerto Rico

Lebanon 4 – 8 Jamaica

Lebanon 9 – 3 Puerto Rico (Semifinal)

Jamaica 12 – 8 Lebanon (Final)

A Lebanese and Jamaican player taking a picture together after the finals (joshmaillouxphotography/Instagram)

It should also be noted that the Greek Heritage Team joined the Challenger Series for the final leg in Oshawa. However, their results only counted as exhibitions because they missed the first two rounds. The Greek squad, made up of Canadians and Americans of Greek descent, dominated with wins over Lebanon (11-6), champions Jamaica (7-3), and Puerto Rico (16-0). A prospect of the Dallas Stars, Cornell University defender George Fegaras, was notably a member of the team.

Lebanon and the Greek Heritage Team will both be in action in the Men’s Division 1 tournament at the 2024 Amerigol Latam Cup in Coral Springs, Florida, from 21-25 August. Meanwhile, the next matches for Jamaica and Puerto Rico are still to be determined.

Jamaica Wins The Challenger Series Read More »

Interview: Dalene Rhode

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Dalene Rhode wearing the “C” with South Africa for the first time in 2024 (IIHF)

Dalene Rhode is one of the most inspirational players in all of women’s ice hockey. Her long-lasting commitment to the South African National Team since 2011 cannot be ignored. This past season saw the 30-year-old forward be honoured as the team’s captain for a first time. Rhode is South Africa’s all-time leader in goals (36) at the World Championship, while ranked second in points (54), and third in games played (53).

In this interview, Rhode discusses her time playing the sport in South Africa, the development of the country’s national teams, and more about her career accomplishments.

Interview

Q: When did you first begin playing ice hockey and what was your inspiration?

A: I first began my journey on the ice as both a figure skater and an ice hockey player when I was 5.5 years old. Early and late public skating sessions were where it all began for me. Being that young, I didn’t think much of it; I just loved the feeling of gliding on the ice and quickly became comfortable with skating. As I developed my skills in both figure skating and ice hockey, figure skating played a massive role in shaping my skating technique that I continue to benefit from to this day.

Discovering ice hockey at the rink was a natural progression for me. Watching players like Hilary Knight, Kelly Stack, Julie Chu, and Hayley Wickenheiser showcased their speed, skill, and dedication to the game. Hilary Knight, in particular, became my favourite player. Her incredible talent, work ethic, and leadership on and off the ice have been a constant inspiration to me. As I reached my teens, her achievements in the sport motivated me to pursue ice hockey with equal fervour.

I owe my introduction to ice skating to my mother, who took me to those early and late public skating sessions. Her support and encouragement were instrumental. In fact, she was approached to sign me up for skating, which set me on this incredible journey in sports.

Balancing both sports, I dedicated myself to learning and improving in each. They quickly became central parts of my life, each contributing unique aspects to my overall development as an athlete.

Dalene Rhode after winning the 2023 South Africa Women’s Super League with the Gauteng Huskies (SAIHF)

Q: South Africa had a difficult season, being relegated from D2B. What must be done to return to that level?

A: Returning to Division II Group B will require a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, we need to enhance our training programs. This means focusing not just on individual skills, but also on team dynamics and strategies. Ensuring our playersare in top physical and mental condition is crucial, so we’ll be implementing rigorous conditioning programs.

Developing our younger players coming into the team is another priority. By providing more opportunities for these young athletes to train and compete at higher levels, we can build a strong foundation for the future. Additionally, we need to leverage the expertise of our local coaches. They understand the unique aspects of our team and can provide tailored guidance and strategies.

We also need to gain more international exposure. Participating in international tournaments and friendly matches will help our players gain experience and learn different playing styles. Alongside this, developing and practicing strategic game plans tailored to our team’s strengths and weaknesses will be important.

Community and financial support will play a big role as well. Garnering support from the local community and securing sponsorships or funding will ensure we have the necessary resources for training, equipment, and travel.

Lastly, it’s crucial that we learn from our past mistakes. Analysing our previous games to identify areas for improvement will help us make the necessary adjustments to come back stronger.

With a concerted effort in these areas, I believe we can make significant progress and aim for a successful return to Division II Group B.

Q: You spent the 2015-16 season playing for the Bözen Eagles in Italy. How was that experience and how does the level there compare to South Africa?

A: Playing for the Bözen Eagles in Italy during the 2015-16 season was a pivotal experience that highlighted the stark differences between European ice hockey and the women’s game in South Africa. In Italy, I was immersed in a highly competitive environment where hockey is deeply ingrained in the culture. The level of play was exceptional, with rigorous training, advanced coaching techniques, and a strong emphasis on strategic gameplay.

Comparatively, women’s ice hockey in South Africa faces significant developmental challenges. The infrastructure and resources for training and competition are limited, which impacts the overall level of play and coaching standards. South Africa also lacks the exposure to international competition, as our geographical distance from other hockey nations limits opportunities for players to experience and learn from different playing styles and standards. We primarily participate in one international tournament, the IIHF, due to these constraints.

Additionally, funding is a major hurdle that restricts us from gaining more exposure through participation in international tournaments. Unlike the resources available in Europe, securing adequate funding for travel and participation expenses remains a significant challenge for us.

On a personal level, the experience with the Bözen Eagles was incredibly enriching. The team was welcoming and inclusive, involving me in all activities both on and off the ice. Despite the language barrier—since the coach spoke German—I found their support invaluable, especially in helping me understand and execute drills effectively. My ability to interpret and apply the strategies drawn out in drills improved significantly, which enhanced my performance and enjoyment of the game.

My time in Italy not only expanded my hockey skills but also broadened my cultural understanding and adaptability. It was a privilege to be part of a team that embraced diversity and fostered a supportive environment, both of which contributed to my growth as a player and as a person.

Moving forward, I am committed to using my experiences to advocate for women’s ice hockey in South Africa and to help overcome the challenges of funding and international exposure that our players face.

Dalene Rhode after winning the Italian Championship in 2016 (Simone Femia)

Q: You have represented South Africa since 2011. What has been your greatest achievement(s) with the national team?

A: Representing South Africa since 2011 has been an incredible journey filled with memorable achievements and personal growth. One of my greatest achievements with the national team, and one that every teammate would echo, is winning gold in 2019 in Bulgaria. This accomplishment stands as a pinnacle moment in my career because it symbolizes the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and teamwork.

Winning Gold in Bulgaria was not just about the medal itself, but the journey and the challenges we overcame as a team. It was a testament to our resilience and determination to succeed on the international stage, despite facing significant hurdles along the way. The victory not only boosted our confidence but also put South African women’s ice hockey on the map, demonstrating our potential and competitive spirit.

This achievement remains a source of immense pride for me personally and for everyone involved in the team. It signifies the progress we’ve made and motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence in every game and tournament we participate in. It’s moments like these that reaffirm my passion for the sport and my commitment to representing South Africa with pride and determination.

South Africa after winning gold at the 2019 Women’s World Championship Division 3 (IIHF)

Q: Do you believe that ice hockey is developing in South Africa? What could be done to improve the level of men’s, women’s, and junior teams?

A: Yes, ice hockey is growing in South Africa, though it faces unique challenges. To improve our men’s, women’s, and junior teams, we need to focus on several key areas: enhancing infrastructure and facilities, expanding coaching programs, increasing participation through grassroots initiatives, and securing sustainable funding. SAIHA is continually striving to secure more funding, but this remains a significant challenge within our country and federation. Investing in an international coach has proven crucial; for instance, our men’s program recently invested in an international coach, resulting in noticeable improvements in the team’s style and skill level.

Bonus Q: What do you do besides play hockey?

A: Besides playing hockey, I recently started playing padel, and it quickly became my new favourite sport outside of ice hockey. Padel has been a refreshing addition to my activities, offering a different kind of physical and strategic challenge. It’s not only enjoyable but also helps me stay active and improve my coordination, which complements my hockey training.

My mom signed me up for so many sports when I was younger, so I enjoy and try every sport, including hikes, soccer, tennis, and rugby. I’m quite competitive, so any sport I can master, I aim to compete in! (laughs) Exploring these activities has been both fun and rewarding, providing me with diverse experiences and keeping me motivated both on and off the ice.

Bonus Q: Whenever retirement comes, would you have any interest in coaching?

A: Of course, I would love to give back through coaching. Currently, I assist whenever I can, and it’s a role I find incredibly rewarding. My main passion for after retirement, though, will be officiating. If possible, I would love to officiate in international tournaments while still playing, but unfortunately, the rules do not allow for both simultaneously. I’ve been told that I would need to retire from playing internationally to officiate overseas, and that’s a tough decision to consider. In the meantime, I enjoy officiating local games and plan to continue until I can be assigned to officiate at higher levels.

Dalene Rhode celebrates after scoring a goal for South Africa (IIHF)

OTHER INTERVIEWS WITH PLAYERS CAN BE FOUND HERE

Interview: Dalene Rhode Read More »

History Made At The 2024 NHL Draft

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Michael Brandsegg-Nygård and Stian Solberg playing for Norway (Norges Ishockeyforbund)

The 2024 NHL Entry Draft took place this past weekend in Paradise, Nevada. It was an entertaining two days, loaded with surprising moves and league-altering decisions. There were also plenty of headlines from an international standpoint!

Macklin Celebrini being selected first overall by the San Jose Sharks was anything but a shock. The Boston University star led Canada’s World Junior team in scoring this past season and then became one of the youngest players to ever make an appearance with senior team, but was cut prior to the World Championship.

Celebrini became the 45th Canadian player to ever be selected at first overall. In total, Canada led the way with 89 players drafted, followed by the United States with 39. Since the inaugural NHL Draft in 1963, no nation has been able to top Canada when it comes to the number of players picked.

Macklin Celebrini celebrating a goal with Canada at the 2023 U18 World Championship (Juri Pestelacci/Getty Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks then made history when they selected Michigan State University defender Artsiom Leushunou at second overall. This made Leushunou the highest drafted Belarusian of all-time, surpassing the previous record held by the late Ruslan Salei, who was drafted by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim at 9th overall in 1996.

Belarus then had forward Ilya Protas selected by the Washington Capitals at 75th overall, before goaltender Pavel Moysevich became the third and final Belarusian drafted, by the Vegas Golden Knights with pick 83. This comes one year after Belarus had a record five players drafted in 2023. The nation has also now extended their streak of having at least one player drafted every year since 2016.

Artsiom Leushunou playing for Belarus at the 2022 World Junior Championship (arty_levshunov/Instagram)

More history was made later in the first round, as Norwegian National Team forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygård became the first ever player from Norway selected in the first round of the draft, when the Detroit Red Wings drafted him at 15th overall. Shortly later, the Anaheim Ducks drafted Brandsegg-Nygård‘s international counterpart in defender Stian Solberg with the 23rd overall selection.

Defender Ludvig Lafton was drafted 190th overall (Utah Hockey Club) and forward Noah Steen at 199th overall (Tampa Bay Lightning) to give Norway a record of four players selected in a single NHL Draft.

Switzerland had themselves an impressive draft, with four different players being drafted. EV Zug defender Leon Muggli led the way by being selected with pick 52 by the Washington Capitals. Christian Kirsch became the first Swiss goaltender drafted since Akira Schmid in 2018, with the San Jose Sharks taking him at pick 116.

After having zero players drafted in 2023, three Latvians had their names called in this year’s draft. The Washington Capitals drafted forward Ēriks Mateiko at 90th overall, before goaltender Mikus Vecvanags went to the Montréal Canadiens at 134th, and the Anaheim Ducks took a chance on defender Darels Uļjanskis with pick 214.

Utah Hockey Club drafted defender Gregor Biber at 98th overall, as Austria now has a streak of layers being drafted in three consecutive years. Forward Vasili Zelenov — who was born is Moskva but carries an Austrian passport — was selected by the Buffalo Sabres with the 204th overall pick

GREGOR BIBER HIGHLIGHT: https://www.instagram.com/hockey.worldwide/reel/C0wYZoMAI-b

Slovakia’s drafted players streak was extended to eight years when the Washington Capitals used their 212th overall pick on forward Miroslav Šatan Jr., the son of Slovak Men’s National Team general manager Miroslav Šatan.

Olympiques de Gatineau defender Jan Goličič was drafted at 118th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning — making him the first Slovenian drafted since Jan Drozg in 2017.

Jan Goličič playing for Slovenia at the 2023 U18 World Championship (jan_golicic/Instagram)

Another significant selection was when Kevin He was picked by the Winnipeg Jets at 109th overall. The forward was born in Beijing and is now the highest drafted Chinese-born player of all-time, although he has not represented them internationally. Kamloops Blazers defender Harrison Brunicke, who was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins with the 44th overall pick, then became the second ever South African-born player drafted into the NHL. Similarly to Olaf Kölzig, the first South African drafted in 1989, Brunicke does not play for their national team.

Total Players Drafted By Nationality

  1.  Canada – 89
  2.  United States – 39
  3.  Russia – 26
  4.  Sweden – 22
  5.  Finland – 18
  6.  Czechia – 13
  7.  Norway – 4
  8.   Switzerland – 4
  9.  Belarus – 3
  10.  Latvia – 3
  11.  Austria – 2
  12.  Slovakia – 1
  13.  Slovenia – 1

Source: https://www.eliteprospects.com/draft/nhl-entry-draft/2024

History Made At The 2024 NHL Draft Read More »

Worldwide Hockey Attendance Breakdown For 2023-24

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Kölner Haie fans cheering for their team at Lanxess Arena (koelnerhaieofficial/Instagram)

The 2023-24 ice hockey season saw men’s league attendance records broken across the world. Whether it be entire leagues or individual clubs reaching new milestones, there was evidence that the sport is growing around the globe.

Leading the entire hockey world was the NHL’s Montréal Canadiens with an average of 21,099 fans per game. They were one of ten clubs in the National Hockey League to average 100% capacity throughout the regular season. This was also Montréal’s second consecutive season being hockey’s top attended team. Only the Arizona Coyotes (4,600) had an average attendance below 13,000, although did have 100% capacity.

The most attended club outside of the NHL was Kölner Haie in Germany. Köln, who play at the 18,500 capacity Lanxess Arena, set a new European record with an average audience of 16,993 fans at each match. National League side SC Bern — who held the previous record — were second with an average of 15,490, followed by Eisbären Berlin of the DEL with 13,804.

Eleven non-NHL teams averaged over 10,000 fans per game: SKA St. Petersburg (13,332), Dinamo Minsk (12,143), Avangard Omsk (11,702), University of North Dakota (11,612), HC Sparta Praha (11,586), Adler Mannheim (11,395), ZSC Lions (11,244), Frölunda HC (10,563), Cleveland Monsters (10,347), Sibir Novosibirsk (10,216), and University of Wisconsin-Madison (10,059)

The only major European clubs to sellout every game this season were HC Fribourg-Gottéron in the NL, with 9,047 spectators on average, and Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod of the KHL and their average of 5,500 fans.

Pre-game at the Bell Centre in Montréal (Olivier Cadotte/easterndoor.com)

Most Attended Team In Each Country

Canada: Montréal Canadiens (21,099)

United States: Tampa Bay Lightning (19,092)

Germany: Kölner Haie (16,993)

Switzerland: SC Bern (15,490)

Russia: SKA St. Petersburg (13,332)

Belarus: Dinamo Minsk (12,143)

Czechia: HC Sparta Praha (11,586)

Sweden: Frölunda HC (10,563)

Finland: Tampereen Tappara (8,494)

Great Britain: Sheffield Steelers (7,636)

Kazakhstan: Barys Astana (5,927)

Slovakia: HC Slovan Bratislava (4,802)

Austria: Vienna Capitals (4,148)

France: Spartiates de Marseille (4,033)

Norway: Stavanger Oilers (3,657)

Denmark: Aalborg Pirates (3,515)

Italy: HC Bolzano (3,101)

Hungary: Fehérvár AV19 (2,380)

Netherlands: Tilburg Trappers (2,298)

Poland: Zaglebie Sosnowiec (1,836)

Romania: SC Csíkszereda (1,664)

Japan: Red Eagles Hokkaido (1,589)

Slovenia: Olimpija Ljubljana (1,447)

South Korea: HL Anyang (1,035)

Belgium: Bulldogs de Liège (828)

Spain: CH Jaca / CG Puigcerdà (806)

Lithuania: Hockey Punks (608)

Croatia: KHL Sisak (593)

Estonia: Narva PSK (417)

Latvia: HK Zemgale/LBTU (334)

Iceland: Skautafélag Akureyar (190)

Serbia: SKHL Crvena zvezda (126)

Note: These are the only nations that have public attendance data on their clubs.

Each Men’s League Ranked By Average Attendance

1. National Hockey League  (17,452)

2. Deutsche Eishockey Liga  (7,162)

3. National League  (7,130)

4. Kontinental Hockey League  (6,623)

5. Swedish Hockey League  (6,136)

6. American Hockey League  (5,861)

7. Czech Extraliga  (5,562)

8. ECHL  (4,868)

9. Liiga  (4,568)

10. SPHL  (4,098)

11. Ontario Hockey League  (4,066)

12. Western Hockey League  (4,010)

13. Elite Ice Hockey League  (3,479)

14. NCAA Men’s Division 1  (3,336)

15. Québec Major Junior Hockey League  (3,294)

16. Deutsche Eishockey Liga 2  (3,154)

17. HockeyAllsvenskan  (3,112)

18. Slovak Extraliga  (2,685)

19. ICE Hockey League  (2,631)

20. Ligue Magnus  (2,557)

21. United States Hockey League  (2,341)

22. Federal Prospects Hockey League  (2,265)

23. EliteHockey Ligaen  (2,035)

24. Metal Ligaen  (1,812)

25. Swiss League  (1,666)

26. Vysshaya Hokkeinaya Liga  (1,386)

27. Polska Hokej Liga  (1,218)

28. Chance Liga  (1,177)

29. Mestis  (1,158)

30. Asia League Ice Hockey  (1,150)

31. Belarusian Extraleague  (1,089)

32. Erste Liga  (798)

33. BeNe Liga  (774)

34. Alps Hockey League  (531)

35. Liga Nacional de Hockey Hielo  (341)

36. Optibet Hokeja Liga  (300)

37. Coolbet Hokiliiga  (281)

38. Icelandic Men’s Hockey League  (124)

39. International Hockey League  (119)

Notable leagues with no publicly available data: Emirates Ice Hockey League, Ligue Nord-Américaine de Hockey, Pro Hokei Ligasy, Türkiye InterCity Süper Lig, Ukrainian Hockey League, and other European lower tiers.

Note: This list does not include non-major junior leagues in North America or junior leagues in Europe.

Top 10 Leagues With An Attendance Increase From 2022-23

Mestis  – 54.40%

Polska Hokej Liga  – 39.84%

Asia League Ice Hockey  – 30.24%

Deutsche Eishockey Liga 2  – 29.42%

Coolbet Hokiliiga  – 27.73%

BeNe Liga  – 23.44%

Kontinental Hockey League  – 21.90%

Deutsche Eishockey Liga  – 21.82%

Alps Hockey League - 19.06%

Ligue Magnus  – 19.04%

Statistic: Only the Optibet Hokeja Liga (-12.54%) and International Hockey League (-5.56%) had decreases in attendance.

Most Attended Team In Each League

Alps Hockey League: EK Zell am See  (1,796)

American Hockey League: Cleveland Monsters  (10,347)

Asia League Ice Hockey: Red Eagles Hokkaido  (1,589)

Belarusian Extraleague: HK Gomel  (2,162)

BeNe Liga: Hijs Hockij Den Haag  (1,827)

Chance Liga: Berani Zlín  (2,738)

Coolbet Hokiliiga: Narva PSK  (417)

Czech Extraliga: HC Sparta Praha  (11,586)

Deutsche Eishockey Liga: Kölner Haie  (16,993)

Deutsche Eishockey Liga 2: Krefeld Pinguine  (4,914)

ECHL: Jacksonville Icemen  (8,768)

EliteHockey Ligaen: Stavanger Oilers  (3,657)

Elite Ice Hockey League: Sheffield Steelers  (7,636)

Erste Liga: SC Csíkszereda  (1,664)

Federal Prospects Hockey League: Baton Rouge Zydeco  (3,958)

HockeyAllsvenskan: Djurgårdens IF  (6,461)

ICE Hockey League: Vienna Capitals  (4,148)

Icelandic Men’s Hockey League: Skautafélag Akureyar  (190)

International Hockey League: KHL Sisak  (593)

Kontinental Hockey League: SKA St. Petersburg  (13,332)

Liga Nacional de Hockey Hielo: CH Jaca  / CG Puigcerdà  (806)

Ligue Magnus: Spartiates de Marseille  (4,033)

Liiga: Tampereen Tappara  (8,494)

Mestis: Jokerit Helsinki  (3,719)

Metal Ligaen: Aalborg Pirates  (3,515)

National Hockey League: Montréal Canadiens  (21,099)

National League: SC Bern  (15,490)

NCAA Men’s Division 1: University of North Dakota  (11,612)

Ontario Hockey League: London Knights  (9,035)

Optibet Hokeja Liga: Hockey Punks  (608)

Polska Hokej Liga: Zaglebie Sosnowiec  (1,836)

Québec Major Junior Hockey League: Remparts de Québec  (9,840)

Slovak Extraliga: HC Slovan Bratislava  (4,802)

SPHL: Huntsville Havoc  (5,960)

Swedish Hockey League: Frölunda HC  (10,563)

Swiss League: HC La Chaux-de-Fonds  (2,930)

United States Hockey League: ??

Vysshaya Hokkeinaya Liga: Molot-Prikamye Perm  (3,659)

Western Hockey League: Edmonton Oil Kings  (7,404)

Other leagues with data:

Czech 2. liga: Piráti Chomutov  (1,653)

Eredivisie: Amsterdam Tigers  (970)

HockeyEttan: Karlskrona HK  (2,201)

Molodezhnaya Hokkeinaya Liga: Sibirskie Snaipery  (1,981)

NCAA Men’s Division 3: Utica University  (2,717)

Oberliga: Hannover Indians  (3,297)

Women’s Leagues

The inaugural Professional Women’s Hockey League season was a massive success. When including neutral site games, the league averaged an attendance of 5,448 over 70 matches. Ottawa led the way with an average attendance of 7,496, while Toronto and Montréal broke the women’s hockey attendance record with 21,105 fans at the Bell Centre on April 20.

Women’s leagues that have publicly available attendance data:

Professional Women’s Hockey League  (5,448)

Svenska damhockeyligan  (987)

NCAA Women’s Division 1  (514)

Naisten Liiga  (88)

Sources

https://www.eurohockeyclubs.com/attendance

https://www.hockeydb.com

https://stats.swehockey.se/Teams/Statistics/Attendance/15692

https://www.uscho.com/d1women

Worldwide Hockey Attendance Breakdown For 2023-24 Read More »

Interview: Jacob Carey

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Jacob Carey at the 2023 U18 Men’s World Championship (IIHF)

Jacob Carey is an 18-year-old forward for the New Jersey Rockets (USPHL Premier) and CBR Brave (AIHL). Being born in Christchurch, Carey has represented New Zealand at the 2024 World Championship, two World Juniors in 2023 and 2024, and also captained his nation to gold at the 2023 U18 World Championship D3B.

Interview

Q: Being from New Zealand, how did you get involved in ice hockey?

A: My brother was the first in the family to start hockey. I think it was the 2011 Winter Classic that my brother was watching on TV, still the only hockey game I’ve ever seen aired on NZ TV to this day, that sparked his interest in the sport. I thought nothing of it at the time and walked straight past it to go play on the Xbox, but after that my parents took my brother to the rink for the learn-to-play program. The Canterbury Red Devils goalie was there helping out and he had a cool custom mask so my brother became a goalie because he liked the mask and a couple years later I became a player because I wanted to score on him. Now my dad has got involved in managing the U20 national team and has a big role in the national youth development program. My mom was also a big hockey mom.

Q: Who would you say is your biggest inspiration when it comes to hockey?

A: Well my brother is the reason I started so I have to thank him for that. Once I got into the game at around 7-8 years old, my coaches Dean Tonks and Chris Eaden, who both were top players in the NZIHL, really sparked my love for the game. They were incredible to watch and years later to play with. Once I realized the NZIHL wasn’t on NHL 14 I realized the NHL was the best league in the world and I’d go watch random highlight reels on YouTube and then go try the moves and shots I saw in my backyard/garage. That’s when Datsyuk became my favourite player. But in March 2017, Johnny Gaudreau scored a sick coast-to-coast wraparound goal against Pittsburgh which really made me fall in love with the game and inspired me to start working harder so I could pull off plays like that. Nowadays I draw inspiration from pretty much everyone. I love studying players and figuring out what makes them good and how they do it and try to learn bits and pieces from everyone to benefit my game. Players like Hyman and Tanev I’ll always look up to as they weren’t necessarily highly regarded prospects, but took the long road to achieve their goals.

Jacob Carey playing for the CBR Brave in the AIHL (Australian Ice Hockey League)

Q: You spent this season playing in the USPHL Premier and now the AIHL. How would you compare those leagues?

A: The AIHL is definitely for the most part better. Obviously, the Premier isn’t the highest junior league available but there are certainly a lot of talented players playing there. Because there are so many teams, you’re going to have a lot of teams varying in talent. The top teams are pretty darn good. CJR for example, who we got to battle it out with a few times throughout the year, won it all and skated circles around a lot of the competition. Also, it’s juniors so players are still finding their way as hockey players. The AIHL on the other hand, is a men’s league so most of the players have already been through juniors. There is still a bit of disparity in talent between the best local players and the rest, just as is in the USPHL. However, the top talent in the AIHL is incredible. I’m very fortunate in Canberra to be surrounded by some of the best local players in Australia and NZ and some of the best imports in the league. For example, on my team alone, we have the Kubara brothers who have all had success at pretty high levels overseas and are staples in the national team and league, especially Casey. Cangelosi, one of our imports, also had a very successful tenure at Boston College from 2013/14 to 2016/17 and has experience in the AHL and DEL. There are also a couple players with NHL experience in Melbourne. Needless to say, there is no shortage of talent around the league with every team having at least a few players with high-level junior, college, or professional experience.

Q: What are your goals as a player?

A: My dream is for hockey to become mainstream in NZ so people don’t need to leave their homes like I did at 13 to achieve their goals. To fuel that ambition is a series of goals to help it become a reality. Starting generic, I want to look back on my career knowing I did everything I possibly could’ve done to become the best hockey player and person possible. Getting into specifics, much like most young aspiring hockey players, I want to lift the Stanley Cup. Nathan Walker from Australia did it, so I believe someone from NZ needs to do it. Of course, I have a lot of smaller, day-to-day, and season-to-season goals but they’re all in place as stepping stones to help achieve the big ones in the future. If anyone reading this can help in any way, big or small, that would be greatly appreciated!

Jacob Carey representing New Zealand at the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship (IIHF)

Q: You were apart of a New Zealand team that had their best finish at the World Juniors since 2015. What must be done to ensure consistent results from year-to-year?

A: I think we just have to keep the train on the tracks. NZ hockey is getting better and better, much thanks to the youth development program and camps. Being part of that team was special, unfortunately, I got concussed during the second game so I only got to play a few periods, but it truly was a brotherhood in there. No egos, all in, and determined to achieve the same goal, to win. Next year I’m convinced gold is ours for the taking. My experience was much the same with the Ice Blacks. Unfortunately, we came away 2nd best at both tournaments, though the short-term expectation moving forward is always going to be to win and we showed through our play this year that it’s a very realistic goal. For us long term, I don’t think the definition of success is going to be gold every year, because in that case, we’d be expecting to beat Canada in 5 years, but instead getting better every year. Consistently moving up the world rankings and just getting a little bit better with every game we play.

Q: From my understanding, players must fund their own trips when playing in tournaments for New Zealand. Does this have a negative impact on the progression of the sport and if so how?

A: Yes, it for sure does impact the growth of the sport. If you compare hockey to other mainstream sports such as rugby, soccer, and basketball, it becomes a luxury sport just to play, especially in NZ where equipment and ice rinks are hard to come by. You can’t just go to the park and play hockey with your friends like you can with the aforementioned sports unless you wanna play street hockey, but not enough people are in the sport to be able to do that. So there’s that component where it’s hard to get into and stay in the sport in the first place. Now you factor in the sacrifice/investment you and your parents have put in to be able to get to be a national team caliber player. The early mornings, late nights, broken sticks, hard work, finance, etc. That’s where I’ve been very fortunate as my family has sacrificed a lot to help support my journey. Nevertheless, now you’re at the top of the country and you have to pay a lot of money to represent your country. It’s unfair to compare hockey to other big sports right now as they all get paid to play for the national team whereas we have to pay to play making hockey a secondary priority for most to work, school, or other life commitments.  That certainly stunts the growth of the sport to some capacity. That being said, the hockey community is full of great people and is growing and getting better every year. I remember when I first started, there were about 15 maybe 20 kids on the ice at once. Now, I go home to help out the rink is flooded with kids and families. It’s great to see. Growing up I played the same team of about 10 kids every Sunday morning. Now, there is a u12 cross-ice super-league with numerous teams playing at once. at both ends of the ice and they are much better than when I was their age.

Jacob Carey playing for the Canterbury Red Devils in the NZIHL (James Allan/Instagram)

Bonus Q: What is the greatest accomplishment of your career?

A: I think my greatest accomplishment is yet to come. But for now, I’m proud of the work we’ve put in and will always put in to achieve my goals.

Bonus Q: Your go-to pre-game meal?

A: Sweet potatoes and chicken.

You can follow Jacob Carey on Instagram @ jacob.carey94

Interview: Jacob Carey Read More »

Recap of the 2024 IIHF World Championships

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Czechia celebrates gold at the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship (IIHF.com)

With Czechia winning gold at the Men’s World Championship on home ice, that officially put an end to the international season.

A total of 34 IIHF World Championships were played across different divisions at the Men’s, Women’s, Men’s U20, Men’s U18, and Women’s U18 levels. There were also an additional four development tournaments and non-IIHF sanctioned events. Let’s recap the champions of the world in 2024!

Men’s World Championship

  1. Czechia (13th title)
  2. Switzerland
  3. Sweden
  4. Canada
  5. United States
  6. Germany
  7. Slovakia
  8. Finland
  9. Latvia
  10. Austria
  11. Norway
  12. Kazakhstan
  13. Denmark
  14. France
  15. Great Britain (Relegated to D1A)
  16. Poland (Relegated to D1A)
  17. Hungary (Promoted to Top Division)
  18. Slovenia (Promoted to Top Division)
  19. Italy
  20. Romania
  21. Japan
  22. South Korea (Relegated to D1B)
  23. Ukraine (Promoted to D1A)
  24. Lithuania
  25. Estonia
  26. China
  27. Spain
  28. Netherlands (Relegated to D2A)
  29. Croatia (Promoted to D1B)
  30. Serbia
  31. United Arab Emirates
  32. Israel
  33. Australia
  34. Iceland (Relegated to D2B)
  35. Belgium (Promoted to D2A)
  36. New Zealand
  37. Georgia
  38. Bulgaria
  39. Taiwan
  40. Türkiye (Relegated to D3A)
  41. Thailand (Promoted to D2B)
  42. Kyrgyzstan
  43. Luxembourg
  44. Turkmenistan
  45. South Africa
  46. Mexico (Relegated to D3B)
  47. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Promoted to D3A)
  48. North Korea
  49. Hong Kong
  50. Philippines
  51. Singapore
  52. Iran (Relegated to D4)
  53. Mongolia (Promoted to D3B)
  54. Kuwait
  55. Indonesia
  56. Malaysia

Suspended: Belarus, Russia

Women’s World Championship

  1. Canada (13th title)
  2. United States
  3. Finland
  4. Czechia
  5. Switzerland
  6. Germany
  7. Sweden
  8. Japan
  9. China (Relegated to D1A)
  10. Denmark (Relegated to D1A)
  11. Norway (Promoted to Top Division)
  12. Hungary (Promoted to Top Division)
  13. France
  14. Austria
  15. Netherlands
  16. South Korea (Relegated to D1B)
  17. Slovakia (Promoted to D1A)
  18. Latvia
  19. Italy
  20. Great Britain
  21. Slovenia
  22. Poland (Relegated to D2A)
  23. Kazakhstan (Promoted to D1B)
  24. Spain
  25. Mexico
  26. Taiwan
  27. Iceland
  28. Belgium (Relegated to D2B)
  29. North Korea (Promoted to D2A)
  30. Australia
  31. Hong Kong
  32. New Zealand
  33. Türkiye
  34. South Africa (Relegated to D3A)
  35. Ukraine (Promoted to D2B)
  36. Romania
  37. Lithuania
  38. Serbia
  39. Croatia
  40. Bulgaria (Relegated to D3B)
  41. Thailand (Promoted to D3A)
  42. Estonia
  43. Israel
  44. Singapore
  45. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Suspended: Russia

Men’s U20 World Championship

  1. United States (6th title)
  2. Sweden
  3. Czechia
  4. Finland
  5. Canada
  6. Slovakia
  7. Switzerland
  8. Latvia
  9. Germany
  10. Norway (Relegated to D1A)
  11. Kazakhstan (Promoted to Top Division)
  12. France
  13. Denmark
  14. Austria
  15. Hungary
  16. Japan (Relegated to D1B)
  17. Slovenia (Promoted to D1A)
  18. Ukraine
  19. Italy
  20. Estonia
  21. Poland
  22. Croatia (Relegated to D2A)
  23. South Korea (Promoted to D1B)
  24. Lithuania
  25. Great Britain
  26. China
  27. Netherlands
  28. Spain (Relegated to D2B)
  29. Romania (Promoted to D2A)
  30. Serbia
  31. Iceland
  32. Australia
  33. Belgium
  34. Taiwan (Relegated to D3A)
  35. Israel (Promoted to D2B)
  36. New Zealand
  37. Bulgaria
  38. Türkiye
  39. Mexico
  40. Kyrgyzstan (Relegated to D3B)
  41. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Promoted to D3A)
  42. Luxembourg
  43. South Africa

Suspended: Belarus, Russia

Men’s U18 World Championship

  1. Canada (5th title)
  2. United States
  3. Sweden
  4. Slovakia
  5. Finland
  6. Czechia
  7. Switzerland
  8. Latvia
  9. Norway
  10. Kazakhstan (Relegated to D1A)
  11. Germany (Promoted to Top Division)
  12. Ukraine
  13. Austria
  14. Hungary
  15. Denmark
  16. Japan (Relegated to D1B)
  17. Slovenia (Promoted to D1A)
  18. Lithuania
  19. Estonia
  20. France
  21. South Korea
  22. Italy (Relegated to D2A)
  23. Poland (Promoted to D1B)
  24. Great Britain
  25. Netherlands
  26. Romania
  27. Croatia
  28. Serbia (Relegated to D2B)
  29. China (Promoted to D2A)
  30. Spain
  31. Bulgaria
  32. Australia
  33. Taiwan
  34. Israel (Relegated to D3A)
  35. Belgium (Promoted to D2B)
  36. Mexico
  37. Türkiye
  38. Iceland
  39. New Zealand
  40. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Relegated to D3B)
  41. Hong Kong (Promoted to D3A)
  42. Turkmenistan
  43. Thailand
  44. South Africa

Suspended: Belarus, Russia

Women’s U18 World Championship

  1. United States (9th title)
  2. Czechia
  3. Canada
  4. Finland
  5. Sweden
  6. Slovakia
  7. Switzerland
  8. Germany (Relegated to D1A)
  9. Japan (Promoted to Top Division)
  10. Italy
  11. Hungary
  12. Austria
  13. France
  14. Denmark (Relegated to D1B)
  15. Norway (Promoted to D1A)
  16. Spain
  17. Poland
  18. Australia
  19. South Korea
  20. Taiwan (Relegated to D2A)
  21. China (Promoted to D1B)
  22. Great Britain
  23. Netherlands
  24. Latvia
  25. Kazakhstan
  26. Türkiye (Relegated to D2B)
  27. New Zealand (Promoted to D2A)
  28. Iceland
  29. Belgium
  30. Mexico
  31. Bulgaria
  32. South Africa

Suspended: Russia

Other Tournament Champions

  • IIHF Men’s Development Cup: Ireland
  • IIHF Women’s Development Cup: Colombia
  • IIHF Women’s Asia and Oceania Cup: Iran
  • IIHF U18 Asia and Oceania Cup: Uzbekistan
  • Hlinka Gretzky Cup: Canada
  • Amerigol Latam Cup – Men’s Division 1: Argentina
  • Amerigol Latam Cup – Women’s Division: 🌎 Caribbean
  • Amerigol Latam Cup – Men’s Division 2: Armenia HC
  • World Junior A Challenge: Canada West
  • World U-17 Hockey Challenge: Canada White
  • Winter Youth Olympics – Men’s Ice Hockey: United States
  • Winter Youth Olympics – Women’s Ice Hockey: Sweden

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Singapore Stays In The World Championship Despite Having No Rink

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Singapore at the 2022 IIHF Men’s World Championship Division IV (Singapore Ice Hockey Association/Joanna Tan)

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 defeats Iran by an 8-5 score to avoid relegation from the Men’s World Championship D3B.

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.

https://twitter.com/H0ckeyWorldwide/status/1773945084947431710

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.

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Yutaka Fukufuji Continues Career

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Yutaka Fukufuji playing for the HC Nikkō Ice Bucks (h.c.tochigi_nikko_icebucks/Instagram)

Japan’s ageless wonder will continue his playing career!

Yutaka Fukufuji has signed a one-year contract extension with the HC Nikkō Ice Bucks in the Asia League Ice Hockey, according to the team’s official Instagram account. At the age of 41, Fukufuji will be entering his 24th season of professional ice hockey and 9th consecutively with the Ice Bucks.

Last season, the goaltender had a 90.2 SV% while going 13-11-0, as Nikkō failed to qualify for the Asia League playoffs. Representing Japan at a 13th World Championship, Fukufuji would stop 43/46 shots in his nation’s only win (4-3 over Korea) that ultimately saved them from relegation out of Division 1A.

Fukufuji and his Ice Bucks did manage to find success in the 91st All Japan Ice Hockey Championship. He posted a 95.5 SV% over his 2 wins as he won the tournament for a second time in his career.

Fukufuji is most known as being the only Japanese player to play in the National Hockey League. After recording an 89.3 SV% at the Top Division of the World Championship and winning a second JIHL title with Kokudo, he was drafted 238th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 2004. Just three seasons later and the Kushiro native made his historic debut in ice hockey’s top league and finished that season with an 83.7 SV% over four appearances. His continuing impact on Asian hockey should never be forgotten.

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Armenia And Uzbekistan Set To Join IIHF Men’s World Championship In 2025

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Uzbekistan captain Zhasurbek Rustamkhonov receives the winning trophy at 2024 IIHF U18 Asia and Oceania Cup (uz.hockey/Instagram)

Armenia and Uzbekistan are prepared to join the IIHF Men’s World Championship in 2025. Sources from Kuwait have confirmed that next year’s Division 4 tournament will feature relegated Iran, Kuwait, Indonesia, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, and Armenia. There is currently no host for the championship, as the lowest tier of international hockey expands from four teams to six.

Armenia Returns

Armenia HC celebrating their championship at the 2023 Amerigol Latam Cup (armenia_hc/Instagram)

Armenia will be making a long-awaited return to the World Championship program. They previously participated in Division 3 of the Men’s World Championship from 2004-2006 — going 2-10-0 with a 30-234 goal differential — before withdrawing from D3Q in 2008 because they refused to show their player’s passports to IIHF officials. That same year marked the end of their participation at the World Juniors and U18 Men’s World Championship. However, the IIHF allowed them to return in 2010 as Division 3 hosts, losing in the finals to North Korea, but they were later disqualified after an investigation revealed they used ineligible players.

The Armenians would be suspended from the IIHF until 2015 and have since been trying to rebuild their program. The nation currently has a four-team league called the Armenian Hockey League (AHL), and they play at the Olympic-size Gazprom Armenia Educational-Sport Complex in Yerevan. This league has been active since 2015, and the most recent season featured 24 native Armenian players, along with 81 Russians, according to eliteprospects. HC Peppers forward and former Vancouver Canucks draft pick Artyom Manukyan is the most intriguing in the player pool. Paired alongside his brother Tigran Manukyan, a Ukrainian champion in 2019, this could mean Armenia might have a very competitive team next season.

At the 2023 Amerigol Latam Cup, a team called Armenia HC, which was made up of Canadians and Americans with Armenian heritage, made their debut. This was all in an effort to raise more awareness for ice hockey in Armenia and that appears to already be making an impact. Armenia HC would win the Men’s Division 2 tournament by defeating Venezuela (12-1) in the finals and is expected to return in 2024.

Uzbekistan Debut

Uzbekistan after winning gold at the 2023 IIHF U18 Asia and Oceania Championship (uz.hockey/Instagram)

Uzbekistan’s senior team previously played at the Winter Spartakiad Games against other Soviet states from 1978-1986. Their only wins would come over the Lithuanian SSR in 1978 and 1982, losing the other thirteen games. The Uzbeks would make a return to the international stage at the 2023 Kazan Cup — a friendly tournament created to develop Islamic nations. Uzbekistan won against the Jeddah Eagles (4-2) and Bahrain (17-0), but lost to a mixed team from Algeria, Morocco, and Lebanon (2-3).

Where the true development of the sport has been made in Uzbekistan is at the IIHF U18 Asia and Oceania Cup. Making their IIHF debut in 2023, the Uzbeks dominated with a perfect 5-0-0-0 record and 44-8 goal differential to win a historic first-ever gold medal. They would earn hosting rights to the tournament in 2024 and defend their title by defeating Thailand, who also won bronze at this year’s Division 3B tournament, by a 2-1 score in the finals. Just over 1,500 fans were in attendance at Humo Arena to watch that finals victory. Uzbekistan finished the event with an 86-6 goal differential over those six wins.

The star player on those golden teams was 2007-born forward Zhasurbek Rustamkhonov. A native of Tashkent, he scored 56 (28+28) points and was a +51 over a combined 10 games as Uzbekistan’s captain. Rustamkhonov, who played for Humo Tashkent in the Kazakh-based Pro Hokei Ligasy, also became the first ever Uzbek player to score a goal in a professional league this past season. The 2025 NHL Draft eligible will now be moving to HC Burgut, a second Uzbek club coming to the Kazakh league, for 2024-25. Uzbekistan also has its own six-team championship, as the nation looks poised for international success at the World Championship.

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