The final instalment of the South African Ice Hockey Federation’s spell as 2023 world championship hosts will reach its conclusion with the highly anticipated International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) senior men’s Division III-Group A championships, at the Ice Station, at GrandWest, from Monday April 17 to Sunday April 23.
Following the success of the Women’s World Division II Group B Championship in February and the under-18 edition in March, at the same venue, it’s now time for the senior men to take to the ice. Teams taking part in championships are Turkmenistan, Chinese Taipei, Luxembourg, Thailand and hosts South Africa.
A country hosting three back-to-back world championships in the same year is unheard of, said IIHF vice president Europe and Africa, Henrik Bach Nielsen, in a complimentary speech following the success of women’s championships in February.
IIHF council member Marta Zawadzka echoed her sentiments at the under-18 post championship presentation, giving the South African Ice Hockey Federation (SAIHF) an equally glowing report.
SA Ice Hockey Federation president, Jason Cerff thanked ice hockey’s international governing body for supporting and believing in the country’s ability to host major tournaments.
“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.”
Fixtures:
Day One: Monday April 17
4pm Thailand v Chinese Taipei
8pm Turkmenistan v South Africa
Day Two: Tuesday April 18
8pm Luxembourg v Thailand
Day Three: Wednesday April 19
4pm Luxembourg v Turkmenistan
8pm Chinese Taipei v South Africa
Day Four: Thursday April 20
8pm Thailand v Turkmenistan
Day Five: Friday April 21
4pm ChineseTaipei v Luxembourg
8pm South Africa v Thailand
Day Six: Saturday April 22
Rest Day
Day Seven: Sunday April 23
2pm Turkmenistan v ChineseTaipei
8pm South Africa v Luxembourg
Tickets cost R100 through Computicket.
