The Int’l Ice Hockey Federation considers the April-May timeslot the “best” option to stage its annual world championship, according to President René Fasel. The timing of the world championship, however, has been a never-ending topic for discussion as it collides with the NHL Playoffs and therefore lacks many high-profile players. “I’ve been president for 22 years and every year I get asked the same question,” Fasel said. “We’ve done a lot of studies and investigation on the issue, and it’s the best solution, or less bad, or whatever you want to call it.” This year’s world championship, which will mark the 80th anniversary of the event, will take place in Russia from Friday until May 22. Fasel told SBD Global the governing body has looked at hosting the tournament in September or February, but decided that none of those options would be an improvement over the current date. The issue of NHL player involvement would be the same in September, as players and teams gear up for the new season, he added. And playing the world championship in February, Fasel is certain, would mean no NHL players at all. The current window, shortly after most European leagues conclude their seasons, gives federations the best opportunity to assemble talented national team rosters, including NHL players whose teams failed to qualify for the playoffs or got knocked out early.
MONEY MAKER: The senior men’s world championship is the IIHF's main revenue stream. “It’s our main income that gives us the power to finance all the other world championships,” Fasel said. “We have around 30 tournaments, and we spent around $21 million every year to run and support those different tournaments.” Last year’s world championship in the Czech Republic set a new attendance record as 741,690 spectators flocked to the 64 games, according to IIHF marketing partner Infront. The Swiss-based agency has a long-term deal with the federation that runs through ’23. Fasel said the guaranteed income from the Infront deal gives the IIHF the security to do all the planning necessary for the various championships during the year. Tournament partners include longstanding sponsors such as title sponsor Skoda, Nike, Tissot and AJ.
DIFFERENT PRODUCT: The NHL’s revived World Cup of Hockey event, which will take place in Toronto this September, has the full support of the IIHF. The eight-team event will feature six national teams as well as a European team and an U23 North America squad. Fasel does not expect the tournament to devalue the world championship. “No, not at all,” he said. “It’s such a different product. It will only consist of more or less NHL players. It will be entertainment, show and a promotion for hockey at its best.” In addition the WCOH will only be staged every four years and not annually like the world championship. Fasel is looking for an upset when the event returns this fall. “It would be fun if Europe would play against the under 23 selection in the final,” he said with a laugh. “It could happen. Why not?”