Federation withdrew the title of Banská Bystrica

Vladislav Nikiforov suspended for 15 months

Kazakh defender Vladislav Nikiforov, 19, was disqualified by the IIHF Disciplinary Council for 15 months - until February 8, 2021. In a doping test taken on November 8, 2019, when the Kazakhstan U20 national team played at the Baltic Challenge Cup in Tallinn, meldonium was found, which is included in the WADA list of prohibited substances.

In his explanation, the player indicated that meldonium was prescribed to him by a doctor last summer. He admitted that he did not inform the doctor that he was a hockey player. The athlete also said that he had no intention of using prohibited substances.

The International Hockey Federation found that the anti-doping rule violation was not committed intentionally. In addition, the young age of the hockey player and his lack of knowledge about doping were taken into account. The player declined the appeal and decided on the IIHF Disciplinary Board.

(26 Mar 2020)

Shakhtar to the finals in Belarus

No corona break in Belarus. Today Shakhtar Soligorsk beat Neman Grodno 1-0 to qualify for the finals against Yunost. The finals start on Friday.

(24 Mar 2020)

Greg Ireland is the new coach of team Italy

Following the resignation of Clayton Beddoes at the beginning of March, Italian Federation announced Greg Ireland as new coach of national team. Ireland, 54, from Orangeville, Ontario, currently the coach of HC Bolzano, start his work with the National team as soon as the emergency of the COVID 19 virus will pass. After the announcement of the IIHF of the cancellation of the World Top Division, the next commitment for team Italy is the Olympic qualifying tournament at the end of August in Riga, Latvia.

(22 Mar 2020)

Kazakhstan Cup moved from August to December

The Kazakhstan Cup, traditionally the opening season tournament, will be moved from August to December due to the Covid-19 emergency. Dates and venues will be determined later.

(20 Mar 2020)

KHL suspended playoffs until April 10

The KHL decided to suspend the playoffs after a recommendation by the authorities and taking into account the epidemiological situation. If restrictive measures are reduced or lifted after April 10, the league will be ready for the second stage of the championship. The format and dates will be announced later.

(17 Mar 2020)

Israel suspend league

With a short statement, Israeli Federation announces that following the spread of Covid-19 and the measures taken by goverment, all ice hockey leagues are suspended until further notices

(16 Mar 2020)

Telford Tigers win National Ice Hockey League

When they defeated London raiders last night telford became the champions of the National Ice hockey League in the UK, the second tier of hockey there.

(16 Mar 2020)

AIHL postponed the begin of season, New Zealand confirms the start until now

The AIHL (Australian Ice Hockey League)2020 season will be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The season was scheduled to begin on 18 April. No future date was scheduled.
In New Zealand, where the league start is scheduled for mid-May, the Federation released a short statement confirming for now the competition: "As yet, there has been no delay to the NZIHL 2020 season, but we are monitoring the situation closely"

(15 Mar 2020)