The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) President Luc Tardif recently visited Shenzhen and Hong Kong, China to attend the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division IB and meet with representatives of the Chinese Ice Hockey Association and the Hong Kong, China Ice Hockey Association.
With an increasing number of IIHF events being hosted in Asia, the visit focused on reviewing the progress of ongoing development initiatives, strengthening cooperation with Member National Associations, and exploring future opportunities in coaching, officiating, grassroots participation, and event hosting. During the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division IB in Shenzhen, China’s Men’s National Team secured the silver medal following a strong and consistent performance throughout the tournament. At the same time, several IIHF Development Programs for Coaching and Officiating were conducted in cooperation with the Chinese Ice Hockey Association, the tournament was further used to implement and enhance its On-Ice and Off-Ice Official License Program, while also advancing its Learn to Play License Program.
Key topics discussed included coaching and officiating education, sustainable national league structures across all age categories, the successful hosting of international events such as the Asian Winter Games and the Asia Championships, and the continued development of grassroots hockey programs.
“Over the last three years, the IIHF has worked with the Chinese Ice Hockey Association to implement several development projects and activities. This was very well done,” said Tardif. “It is now time to further consolidate the programs and events already established and take the next steps to continue growing ice hockey. China is interested in establishing several new initiatives including our Youth Hockey Director Program concept in the coming season, we are very much looking forward to see what the future holds.”
In neighboring Hong Kong, China, the Hong Kong, China Ice Hockey Association hosted three IIHF World Championships during the season — an all-time record for the federation.
“The service level the Organizing Committee provided to the teams and the IIHF, along with the promotional activities and fan engagement, was exceptional,” said Tardif. “They set the bar high and were trend-setting in many areas. Ice hockey in Hong Kong, China has improved significantly over the past three years, and everyone is eager to take the next step and continue to progress.”
During the visit, meetings were also held with local sports authorities to highlight the progress and success of ice hockey development initiatives in the region. As a next step, the Hong Kong, China Ice Hockey Association will present its new five-year strategic plan — developed in cooperation with the IIHF Development Department — to the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.
With an increasing number of IIHF events being hosted in Asia, the visit focused on reviewing the progress of ongoing development initiatives, strengthening cooperation with Member National Associations, and exploring future opportunities in coaching, officiating, grassroots participation, and event hosting. During the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division IB in Shenzhen, China’s Men’s National Team secured the silver medal following a strong and consistent performance throughout the tournament. At the same time, several IIHF Development Programs for Coaching and Officiating were conducted in cooperation with the Chinese Ice Hockey Association, the tournament was further used to implement and enhance its On-Ice and Off-Ice Official License Program, while also advancing its Learn to Play License Program.
Key topics discussed included coaching and officiating education, sustainable national league structures across all age categories, the successful hosting of international events such as the Asian Winter Games and the Asia Championships, and the continued development of grassroots hockey programs.
“Over the last three years, the IIHF has worked with the Chinese Ice Hockey Association to implement several development projects and activities. This was very well done,” said Tardif. “It is now time to further consolidate the programs and events already established and take the next steps to continue growing ice hockey. China is interested in establishing several new initiatives including our Youth Hockey Director Program concept in the coming season, we are very much looking forward to see what the future holds.”
In neighboring Hong Kong, China, the Hong Kong, China Ice Hockey Association hosted three IIHF World Championships during the season — an all-time record for the federation.
“The service level the Organizing Committee provided to the teams and the IIHF, along with the promotional activities and fan engagement, was exceptional,” said Tardif. “They set the bar high and were trend-setting in many areas. Ice hockey in Hong Kong, China has improved significantly over the past three years, and everyone is eager to take the next step and continue to progress.”
During the visit, meetings were also held with local sports authorities to highlight the progress and success of ice hockey development initiatives in the region. As a next step, the Hong Kong, China Ice Hockey Association will present its new five-year strategic plan — developed in cooperation with the IIHF Development Department — to the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.