Official RIHF statement

In connection with the recent discussion in the media on the format of the Olympic ice hockey tournament the Russian ice hockey federation would likе to outline its position.

The Olympic ice hockey tournament is the most important international competition, and the male and female national teams must participate in it.

The National Hockey League holds the right to make a decision concerning its players' participation in the Olympic Games. However, the holding of the Olympic tournament does not depend on the NHL's position. The 2018 Olympic Games showed that the attention given to ice hockey and the level of the competition is still high despite the NHL players not participating.

The RIHF will by all means and at all levels defend the preservation of the Olympic ice hockey tournament in its current format with the world's strongest teams playing against each other with the best players.

The next IIHF congress will be held on September 27-28, 2018 in Malta.