Highlights from the 2023 IIHF Semi-Annual Congress

 The 2023 IIHF Semi-Annual Congress, held in Vilamoura, Portugal, brought together representatives from 71 Member National Federations, creating a global platform for discussions on the future of ice hockey. Beyond addressing critical business matters, the event served as a forum for reflection, development, and fostering connections among various organizations. Attendees from as far as Australia and New Zealand added an international perspective to this annual gathering.


Partnership Initiatives in North America:

During the IIHF Semi-Annual Congress in Portugal, significant partnerships were approved to advance the growth of various World Championship events. Notably, Hockey Canada made commitments to elevate women's hockey. Canada is set to host the Women's Worlds in the Olympic years of 2026 and 2030, along with staging the Women's U18s in 2026, 2028, and 2030.



Updated Agreement with Hockey Canada:

An ongoing agreement with Hockey Canada regarding the IIHF Women's World Championship underwent adjustments to accommodate playing the tournament in Olympic seasons. In addition, Hockey Canada expressed its interest in hosting more Women's U18 World Championships. Under the new agreement, Hockey Canada will host the Women's World Championship in 2026 and 2030 during Olympic years. Consequently, the 2027 tournament, originally planned for Canada, will be reallocated. Furthermore, Hockey Canada will host the Women's U18 World Championship in 2026, 2028, and 2030.


IIHF Sustainability Award Presented to Switzerland:

Sustainability was emphasized as a priority for all Member National Associations (MNAs). Switzerland received the IIHF Sustainability Award for its dedicated efforts in this regard. Since 2015, Switzerland has made significant strides in sustainability, with the 2023 IIHF U18 Men's World Championship being a prime example. The event featured action plans related to staff and volunteers, eco-friendly practices like using tap water, employing electric vehicles, and fostering strong community engagement, making it the most sustainable event of its kind to date.


Announcement of Tournament Hosts:

The meeting also approved host venues for pending tournaments:


2024 IIHF Men's World Championship Division IIIB: Sarajevo, Bosnia, from Feb. 23-29.

2024 IIHF Men's World Championship Division IV: Kuwait City, April 16-19.

2024 IIHF Women's World Championship Division IA: Austria (host city to be confirmed), April 21-27.

2024 IIHF Men's U18 World Championship Division IA: Denmark (host city to be confirmed), April 14-20.

2024 IIHF Women's U18 World Championship Division IA: Egna, Italy, Jan. 6-12.

Furthermore, the 2025 IIHF U18 Men's World Championship has been reassigned to the USA, and the 2026 IIHF U18 Men's World Championship will take place in Slovakia.


The next IIHF Congress is scheduled to convene in Prague, Czech Republic, during the 2014 IIHF Men's World Championship.

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