The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) published its plans for women’s ice hockey following the Semi-Annual Congress that took place in Nice (FRA) last week. As a result, the Top Division World Cup, in which Austria will take part for the first time next year, will be held in November from 2026. Plans are also being pursued for a European Championship, which will be anchored in the international calendar annually from 2027 and played in April.
“The fact that the World Cup is clearly decoupled from the men’s championship in the spring is very positive for the development of women’s ice hockey,” says Martin Kogler, general manager of women’s ice hockey at the ÖEHV, about the decision. This is expected to result in greater awareness and visibility, even if this initially poses a few challenges for the leagues and clubs in terms of game plans.
The World Cup will take place before the start of the PWHL. This should make it possible for all top players to take part in the World Cup, it no longer clashes with the final phase of the North American professional league, there is a clear gap to the men’s World Cup and it enables a complete World Cup program even in an Olympic year. The next World Cup will be held in November 2026 in Herning (DEN) and a location to be determined. Austria is in a group with the USA, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Germany.
IIHF introduces European Championships
From 2027 onwards, a European Championship will also be played in April, creating more opportunities for top international competitions, ensuring the development of players throughout the season and increasing the visibility of women’s ice hockey across Europe.
With regard to the planned European Championship, discussions are still ongoing about the tournament format and the number of participating nations.
Martin Kogler: “The fact that a European Championship will be played in addition to the World Cup in the future will help the European nations in their development. It offers the opportunity to play a high-quality tournament again at the end of the season and also act as host.”
www.eishockey.at, Image: Nicolas Zangerle/NZ Photos
