RIHF General Director Dmitry Kurbatov will run for the IIHF Council

The Board of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) has decided to nominate General Director Dmitry Kurbatov for the Council of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

The relevant elections will indeed take place in October of this year.

The Board took into account Kurbatov's extensive experience, including international management and his authority within the global hockey family. Dmitry served on the Organising Committee for the 2000 World Championship in Saint Petersburg, has had extensive contact with the IIHF in various roles and oversaw the preparation and implementation of the RIHF's bids to host the 2016 and 2023 World Championships in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, the 2023 World Junior Championship in Novosibirsk and Omsk, the 2018 World Junior Championship in Chelyabinsk Region and the 2018 Women's World U18 Championship in Dmitrov.

RIHF President Vladislav Tretiak:

"Dmitry is one of the Russian ice hockey's most experienced figures. He has served our sport in senior positions of responsibility across more than 30 years, successfully managing key areas. Kurbatov's competence, strategic thinking and operational effectiveness are renowned throughout the hockey community.

"By nominating Dmitry to the IIHF Council, we hope for the support of our partners. Kurbatov is capable of advocating for the interests of Russian hockey, representing Russia with dignity on the international stage and making a significant contribution to the development of world hockey.

"Since 2021, Pavel Bure, the RIHF's Special Representative for International Affairs, has served as a member of the IIHF Council. He has accomplished a great deal of productive work, fulfilled his responsibilities and made significant efforts to resolve important issues. On behalf of the RIHF and myself, I would like to express my gratitude to Pavel."