Luc Tardif, the president of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), addressed the media in his annual medal-day World Junior Championship press conference, held at the Scandinavium in Gothenburg. He expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament, describing it as a holiday gift to hockey fans and a showcase for the sport’s upcoming stars. Tardif praised Sweden’s hosting capabilities and confirmed the country would again host the World Championship in 2025.
The IIHF president announced that the agreement with Hockey Canada extends to 2034, ensuring that the World Juniors will be hosted in Canada biennially, with Ottawa set for 2025, followed by the United States in 2026, and returning to Canada in 2027.
On the topic of the Olympics, Tardif conveyed optimism about ongoing discussions with all stakeholders, including the NHL, NHLPA, IIHF, and IOC. He hinted at a positive announcement expected before the end of February regarding Olympic participation and is aiming for a commitment that would cover the next two Olympic cycles.
Safety concerns regarding the inclusion of Russia and Belarus in IIHF competitions remain paramount. Tardif reiterated that their participation would depend entirely on the safety of athletes and the feasibility of hosting secure events.
Anders Larsson, head of the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation, contributed to the discussion by highlighting the impressive attendance figures expected for this year’s World Juniors in Sweden, potentially surpassing the record set in Malmo in 2014.
