The peak of the season is fast approaching for the U18 national teams from Slovakia, Japan, Norway, Denmark, France and Kazakhstan.

The 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship Division I, Group A will take place in Piestany Arena from 11 to 17 April, where the U18 players will compete for a return to the world elite in the U18 category.

It has been almost three years since the last top event in this age category took place in Slovakia. Originally, the championship was supposed to be played in 2020 in the town of Spisska Nova Ves, but its organisation was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the negative epidemiological situation, the tournament did not take place a year later either. This year, however, according to the current regulations in Slovakia, the stadium can be filled to its maximum capacity.

"Given our experience, we are 100% prepared to organize the event. We will do our best to create the best possible conditions for all participants. Naturally, as a representative of Slovak hockey, I hope that our boys will return to the elite and build on the great result of the national A-team at the Winter Olympics in Beijing,” says Miroslav Šatan, President of the Slovak Ice Hockey Association.

The organizers decided to move the championship to Piešťany due to insufficient accommodation capacities in Spišská Nová Ves.

"Piešťany as a spa town has all the prerequisites to create the right background for the players not only in terms of accommodation, but also for regeneration opportunities. We believe that we will be good hosts and the residents and visitors will create a great atmosphere for the players," adds the Mayor of Piestany Peter Jancovic.

The six participating countries will play a total of 15 games. The best team will advance directly to the world elite, while the last team will be relegated one category lower.

The sale of tickets has already started. Fans can purchase tickets through the Ticketportal network, either online at https://www.ticketportal.sk/ or directly in Ticketportal stores. Tickets for Slovak national team matches are sold in two price categories.

Spectators will pay EUR 12 for a seated ticket, a standing ticket costs EUR 6.

Tickets for other matches are sold at a flat price of EUR 2.

The press can apply for accreditation for the event until 31 March. The registration form is available at https://forms.gle/YxeNswkV8s8EYE2q6