All set for senior men’s ice hockey championships

The International Ice Hockey Federation senior men’s Division III-Group A championships, will take place at the Ice Station, at GrandWest, from Monday April 17 to Sunday April 23. The championships follows hot on the heels of last month’s under-18 edition, pictured here, held at the same venue. SA’s Iwan Albertyn wins possession during his side’s under-18 match against New Zealand. Picture: Fuad Esack

The final instalment of the South African Ice Hockey Federation’s spell as 2023 world championship hosts will reach its conclusion with the highly anticipated International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) senior men’s Division III-Group A championships, at the Ice Station, at GrandWest, from Monday April 17 to Sunday April 23.

Following the success of the Women’s World Division II Group B Championship in February and the under-18 edition in March, at the same venue, it’s now time for the senior men to take to the ice. Teams taking part in championships are Turkmenistan, Chinese Taipei, Luxembourg, Thailand and hosts South Africa.

A country hosting three back-to-back world championships in the same year is unheard of, said IIHF vice president Europe and Africa, Henrik Bach Nielsen, in a complimentary speech following the success of women’s championships in February.

IIHF council member Marta Zawadzka echoed her sentiments at the under-18 post championship presentation, giving the South African Ice Hockey Federation (SAIHF) an equally glowing report.

SA Ice Hockey Federation president, Jason Cerff thanked ice hockey’s international governing body for supporting and believing in the country’s ability to host major tournaments.

“SAIHF wishes all countries participating in this tournament the very best. May we all enjoy the tournament and may the best team win.”

Cerff also expressed his thanks to all sponsors, including the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Government, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and all volunteers. “We would like to wish all players, volunteers and officials a pleasant tournament and look forward to sharing in the celebration of ice hockey in South Africa over the week of the tournament,” he said.

“We would also like to invite our visitors to explore and enjoy our beautiful country and in particular, Cape Town.”

Fixtures:

Day One: Monday April 17

4pm Thailand v Chinese Taipei

8pm Turkmenistan v South Africa

Day Two: Tuesday April 18

8pm Luxembourg v Thailand

Day Three: Wednesday April 19

4pm Luxembourg v Turkmenistan

8pm Chinese Taipei v South Africa

Day Four: Thursday April 20

8pm Thailand v Turkmenistan

Day Five: Friday April 21

4pm ChineseTaipei v Luxembourg

8pm South Africa v Thailand

Day Six: Saturday April 22

Rest Day

Day Seven: Sunday April 23

2pm Turkmenistan v ChineseTaipei

8pm South Africa v Luxembourg

Tickets cost R100 through Computicket.