IIHF moves Women’s World Cham­pi­onship to November and launches new compe­ti­tion with Euro­pean Cham­pi­onship

“The fact that the World Championship will be clearly separated from the men’s event in spring is very positive for the development of women’s ice hockey,” said Martin Kogler, ÖEHV General Manager of Women’s Ice Hockey, commenting on the decision. This is expected to generate greater attention and visibility, even if it initially presents a few challenges for leagues and clubs with regard to their schedules.

The World Championship will therefore take place before the start of the PWHL. This is intended to enable all top players to take part in the World Championship, avoid a clash with the final phase of the North American professional league, create a clear separation from the men’s World Championship and allow for a full World Championship programme even in an Olympic year. The next World Championship will be held in November 2026 in Herning (DEN) and a venue yet to be determined. Austria is in a group with the USA, Czechia, Switzerland and Germany.

From 2027, a European Championship is also to be played each April, creating more opportunities for top-level international competition, ensuring the development of players throughout the season and increasing the visibility of women’s ice hockey across Europe.

Discussions are still ongoing regarding the tournament format and the number of participating nations for the planned European Championship.

Martin Kogler: “The planned addition of a European Championship alongside the World Championship in future will help European nations in their development. It offers the opportunity to play another high-quality tournament at the end of the season and to host it themselves.”