Two referees in Riga

This year's IIHF World Championship Top Division will take place in Latvia from 21 May to 6 June. On Wednesday, the International Ice Hockey Federation nominated 36 referees, who will be divided into six teams of six (three head referees and three linesmen) due to COVID-19 guidelines.

Christoph Sternat (head referee) and Elias Seewald (linesman) are two Austrian referees who will also be involved in the championship in Riga. Both will officiate games and take part in training sessions exclusively within their group.

“Our referees have truly earned these nominations through their outstanding performances. They will certainly represent Austrian officiating well at the highest level at these World Championships,” says Gerhard Schiffauer, Referee in Chief of the Austrian Ice Hockey Federation.

Alongside Sternat and Seewald, Julia Kainberger will also be an Austrian referee at the IIHF Women's World Championship in Canada. Kristijan Nikolic and David Nothegger have also been selected as Austrian referees for the Para Ice Hockey World Championship from 19 to 26 June.