Under-18 ice hockey championships get under way

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Under-18 World Championship is currently under way at the Ice Station at GrandWest until Thursday March 16. South Africa will face New Zealand, Thailand and Hong Kong. Picture: Fuad Esack

Following the success of last month’s 2023 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Ice Hockey Women’s World Division II Group B Championship, at The Ice Station, at GrandWest, it’s all systems go for the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Under-18 World Championship, set to take place at the same venue, from Monday March 18 to Thursday March 16..

With colder temperatures dropping down on the Mother City, the South African Ice Hockey Federation (SAIHF), in conjunction with GrandWest, is turning up the heat, playing host to three major international championships in the first quarter of this year, including the women’s world championships in February, the upcoming under-18 series and the senior men’s championships in April.

Teams taking part in next week’s under-18 championships are: New Zealand, Hong Kong, Thailand, and hosts South Africa.

Team SA’s Hlemelo Booi takes a shot at goal during a warm up match against New Zealand ahead of this week’s IIHF Under-18 World Championship. Picture: Fuad Esack

IIHF vice president Europe and Africa Henrik Bach Nielsen gave hosts South Africa two thumbs up at last month’s women’s championships, saying it’s unheard of for countries to host three major IIHF tournaments in the same year.

“Once again, we will enjoy the warm hospitality from the South African Ice Hockey Federation and their skilled team of volunteers. I thank our South African friends for their willingness to host another IIHF event.

SA’s Hlemelo Booi and his teammates will have their work cut out at this week’s IIHF Under-18 World Championship following his side’s 7-1 defeat in a warm up match against New Zealand last week. Picture: Fuad Esack

SA Ice Hockey Federation president, Jason Cerff, extended a warm welcome to all participating teams, saying, “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.”