Liechtenstein’s national ice hockey team is not allowed to play a World Cup
October 5, 2022 at 6:18 p.m
After the success of the Liechtenstein national ice hockey team at the IIHF Development Cup 2022 in Füssen with second place, the preparations for the new 22/23 season are about to begin. Ice hockey Liechtenstein had to change the planning because of the energy saving measures, especially in the youth field.
Without an ice rink, there is no participation in the World Cup
To prepare for the next challenges, the national team will meet at the end of September to determine where they stand. After brunch in the Sücka mountain inn, important things were exchanged and dates for the preparatory training were communicated. Ice hockey Liechtenstein is currently not a full member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). Reasons for this are, among other things, that there is no ice rink in the country and there is no championship operation. Therefore, the national team is denied the desired participation in a world championship. The hope now rests on Liechtenstein being eligible to participate in the IIHF Development Cup 2023.
“It is still our goal to measure ourselves against other nations,” emphasizes Karl-Otto Gamperli, President of the Liechtenstein Ice Hockey, Inline and Skate Association (LEIV). The national team is still looking for new players of all ages. “Players with Liechtenstein citizenship should please get in touch if you are interested in getting a taste of it or in permanent participation.”
Dependent on guest rights for the offspring
The LEIV now also invites young players to training sessions with the national team. In their training, one is dependent on guest rights because there is no ice rink with the necessary infrastructure in this country. Neither Vaduz nor Buchs will put their systems into operation next winter. Thanks to a cooperation, Liechtenstein children from the age of four can attend the hockey school at SC Rheintal free of charge. Ice hockey Liechtenstein organizes a driving and support service for this purpose. In anticipation that the Sargans ice rink will be open next winter, a collaboration has been initiated. The “Kids on Ice Day” in Malbun is also scheduled to take place again on January 15, 2023. (pd/red)