photo: © International Ice Hockey Federation
In May 2023, an historic meeting took place. The IIHF, in cooperation with the national federations of China, Japan, Kazakhstan, and Korea, agreed to collaborate on a pilot project for hockey development. That led to the decision to organize an IIHF Asia Championship Series for four consecutive years for both the men's and women's senior categories.
This event enables all participating teams to take advantage of the IIHF International Breaks, during which European countries also organize and play games as part of their national team preparation. In addition, it is a great chance to promote hockey in each country.
Beijing to host first, followed by Almaty
The first event for these Asian women's national teams will be held from 31 October to 3 November 2024 at the Shougang Ice Hockey Arena in Beijing, China. The men's national teams will follow suit one week later, from 6-10 November 2024 at the Halyk Arena in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
IIHF President Luc Tardif highlighted the importance of the event series: “We're taking the first steps here and using this platform to evaluate the impact in multiple areas. We may potentially organize more regional competitions and championships in the future. I thank the national federations and their Presidents for their commitment to working with us in this manner.”
Event details and future plans
The preparation for these ground-breaking events is well underway. National federations, organizing committees, and participating teams have made it a major priority. The events will be played in a single round-robin format according to the criteria of the IIHF Sport Regulations and IIHF Player Eligibility.
To tap into hockey's potential in Asia is one of our big goals and also part of the IIHF ICE26 Strategy," said IIHF Vice-President Aivaz Omorkanov. "We hope these events will reach a big audience via live broadcast feeds and streaming platforms to increase hockey's popularity in each country.”
While the European teams have several chances each season to organize similar events within a 1-2 hour flight radius, Asia obviously has certain geographic disadvantages in this regard. However, China, Japan, Kazakhstan, and Korea have committed to taking advantage of these events for their World Championship preparation. Consideration has also already been given to expanding this national team series for U20 or U18 national teams. However, the senior events need to be assessed first.
Here is the schedule of upcoming events:
This event enables all participating teams to take advantage of the IIHF International Breaks, during which European countries also organize and play games as part of their national team preparation. In addition, it is a great chance to promote hockey in each country.
Beijing to host first, followed by Almaty
The first event for these Asian women's national teams will be held from 31 October to 3 November 2024 at the Shougang Ice Hockey Arena in Beijing, China. The men's national teams will follow suit one week later, from 6-10 November 2024 at the Halyk Arena in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
IIHF President Luc Tardif highlighted the importance of the event series: “We're taking the first steps here and using this platform to evaluate the impact in multiple areas. We may potentially organize more regional competitions and championships in the future. I thank the national federations and their Presidents for their commitment to working with us in this manner.”
Event details and future plans
The preparation for these ground-breaking events is well underway. National federations, organizing committees, and participating teams have made it a major priority. The events will be played in a single round-robin format according to the criteria of the IIHF Sport Regulations and IIHF Player Eligibility.
To tap into hockey's potential in Asia is one of our big goals and also part of the IIHF ICE26 Strategy," said IIHF Vice-President Aivaz Omorkanov. "We hope these events will reach a big audience via live broadcast feeds and streaming platforms to increase hockey's popularity in each country.”
While the European teams have several chances each season to organize similar events within a 1-2 hour flight radius, Asia obviously has certain geographic disadvantages in this regard. However, China, Japan, Kazakhstan, and Korea have committed to taking advantage of these events for their World Championship preparation. Consideration has also already been given to expanding this national team series for U20 or U18 national teams. However, the senior events need to be assessed first.
Here is the schedule of upcoming events:
2024 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s Asia Championship
Beijing, China | 31 October to 3 November 2024Thursday, 31 October 2024
16:00 | KOR vs JPN
19:30 | CHN vs KAZ
Saturday, 2 November 2024
16:00 | JPN vs KAZ
19:30 | CHN vs KOR
Sunday, 3 November 2024
16:00 | KAZ vs KOR
19:30 | JPN vs CHN
2024 IIHF Ice Hockey Asia Championship
Almaty, Kazakhstan | 6-10 November 2024Wednesday, 6 November 2024
16:00 | JPN vs CHN
19:30 | KOR vs KAZ
Friday, 8 November 2024
16:00 | JPN vs KOR
19:30 | KAZ vs CHN
Saturday, 9 November 2024
16:00 | CHN vs KOR
19:30 | KAZ vs JPN
Upcoming hosts of IIHF Asia Championship Series (2025-28)
Women’s Category:• 2025 Season: China
• 2026 Season: Kazakhstan
• 2027 and 2028 Season: TBA
Men’s Category:
• 2025 Season: Kazakhstan
• 2026 Season: China
• 2027 and 2028 Season: TBA