Ice hockey by country: Difference between revisions

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This is a list of ice hockey countries around the world.

Africa

Africa does not have any ice rinks or ice hockey, except Algeria, Morocco and South Africa. South Africa and Morocco are IIHF members. Namibia is also an IIHF member, but as an affiliate member, Namibia have only played inline hockey.

Country	Notes
Algeria	There is an ice rink in Tizi Ouzou and two are in Algiers. The Algerian Association of Ice and Inline Hockey was founded in 2006. The Algerian national team participated in the Arab Cup of Ice Hockey in 2008.^[1]
Kenya	There is an ice rink in Nairobi and a pickup hockey league exists.^[2] Johnny Oduya, who won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013, is of Kenyan descent.^[3]
Morocco	IIHF member. There are two ice rinks and 156 registered players.^[4] There are 4 teams, the Capitals, Les Ifis, Falcons, and Cobras. The Moroccan national team participated in the Arab Cup of Ice Hockey in 2008.
Namibia	IIHF member. There is a team called the Windhoek Lions. No ice hockey is played, but inline hockey is played. Namibia is an IIHF affiliate member for inline only.^[5]
South Africa	IIHF member. 5 rinks. 483 registered players.^[6] There are two regional leagues in the country, the Gauteng Premier League and Western Province Championship. The top teams meet for the national title in the Interprovincial Championships. South Africa has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.
Tunisia	There is an ice rink in Hammamet called Blue Ice. The Tunisian Ice Hockey Association was founded in 2009. The 2010 IIHF Congress was held in Tunis.
Uganda	There is an ice rink in Kampala. There is a team called the Kampala Alligators.

North America

Country	Notes
Bahamas	There is a rink at Breezes Ski Resort. The rink measures 1,600 square feet. Ice hockey skates, sticks, and pucks are given to guests during their stay.^[7] No competitive games are played.
Canada	IIHF member. 7,631 rinks. 625,152 registered players. Seven Canadian teams participate in the National Hockey League. Canadian teams also participate in several North American minor leagues, the AHL and the LNAH. Canada has men’s, women’s, junior, men’s under-18, and women’s under-18 national teams. The Stanley Cup, awarded since 1893, is the major professional national championship. The Allan Cup, awarded since 1909, is the Canadian senior national championship. The Memorial Cup, awarded since 1919, is the Canadian major junior national championship.^[8] The University Cup, organized by Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), has been awarded since 1963. The Clarkson Cup, awarded since 2009, is the Canadian women’s national championship.
Greenland	The country participated in ice hockey at the Arctic Games. There are some outdoor ice rinks throughout the country.
Jamaica	IIHF member. The Jamaican Olympic Ice Hockey Federation was founded in late 2011 and it joined the IIHF in May, 2012. There is one rink and 20 registered players in the country.^[9]
Mexico	IIHF member. 23 rinks. 2,345 registered players.^[10] The Mexican Elite League has been the national league since 2010. Before the LME, a Mexican Ice Hockey Championship was held. Mexico has men’s and junior national teams.
Puerto Rico	There are ice rinks in Aguadilla and San Juan, but no ice hockey is played. In 2006, as part of the pre-season for the 2006–07 NHL season, the Florida Panthers and the New York Rangers played an exhibition game in Puerto Rico.^[11]
Saint Pierre and Miquelon	There are two teams, the Cougars and Missiles. There is an ice rink. The national team played an exhibition game against France in 2008.
United States	IIHF member. 2,145 rinks. 510,279 registered players. 23 of 30 National Hockey League teams are based in the United States. There are also numerous minor leagues below the NHL with the majority of the teams in the U.S. (AHL, ECHL, CHL, SPHL, and FHL). The NCAA Ice Hockey Championship has been held yearly since 1948. The U.S. has men’s, women’s, junior, men’s under-18, and women’s under-18 national teams.

South America

Country	Notes
Argentina	IIHF member. Close to 30 rinks. The men’s national team made its debut on February 18, 2012, losing 5:1 to Mexico. A repeat of the game was held on the 19th, with Argentina falling 10:1. The women’s national team also made its debut on February 18, 2012, beating Mexico 1:0 in their first international game. Mexico defeating Argentina 7:1 on February 19, 2012. The Argentine national team participated in the 2014 Pan American Ice Hockey Tournament. They finished in 4th place after losing to Colombia 9:1 in the bronze medal game.
Bolivia	Ice hockey activities existed in the 1970s, but no hockey is played now, although the country has rinks in Santa Cruz de la Sierra and La Paz.
Brazil	IIHF member. There are a number of rinks around the country and some hockey is played. The Brazilian Championship has been contested since 2008. Mike Greenlay and Robyn Regehr, who both played in the NHL, were born in Brazil. The Brazilian national team made its debut on March 2, 2014, losing 16:0 to Mexico in their first international game during the 2014 Pan American Ice Hockey Tournament. They finished in last place after losing all four games.
Chile	IIHF member. There are ice rinks in Santiago and Puerto Montt, but no ice hockey is played. Chile is an IIHF affiliate member for inline only.
Colombia	There are two ice rinks in Bogotá. Roller hockey is played. The Colombian national team made its debut on March 2, 2014, winning 11:1 over Argentina in their first international game during the 2014 Pan American Ice Hockey Tournament.^[12] They finished in 3rd place after defeating Argentina 9:1 in the bronze medal game.
Ecuador	There is an ice rink in Quito and a hockey league exists.
Peru	There is an ice rink in Lima called Iceland Park, and some informal ice hockey matches are played, but no league exists.

Asia and Oceania

Country	Notes
Afghanistan	There was an ice rink in Kabul, but it was closed and later destroyed. The A-13 team ball hockey league was created by Canadian Soldiers in 2006. There are ball hockey rinks in Kabul and Kandahar.
Australia	IIHF member. 20 rinks. 3,658 registered players. The Australian Ice Hockey League has been the country’s national league since 2000. Prior to that, the Goodall Cup was the national championship from 1909-1999. It is now awarded to the AIHL champion. From 1955-1976, an Australian Club Championship was also held. Australia has men’s, women’s, junior, men's under-18, and women's under-18 national teams.
Bahrain	There is one ice rink with a small recreational hockey league. Bahrain has sent teams to tournaments around Asia. Bahraini teams won tournaments in Dubai in 1995 and 1996 and finished as runner-ups in 1994. The Bahraini national team made its debut on January 8, 2010, playing a friendly game against Kuwait, which they lost 10-3. They participated at the Asian Winter Games in 2011, finished last in the Premier Division, and the Gulf Ice Hockey Championship in 2012.
Brunei	There is an ice rink in Bandar Seri Begawan, but no ice hockey is played. Craig Adams, who played in the NHL, was born in Seria.
China	IIHF member. 58 rinks. 610 registered players. The Chinese Ice Hockey Championship has been held since 1953. The country’s top team, China Dragon, plays in the multi-national Asia League. China has men’s, women’s, junior, men’s under-18, and women’s under-18 national teams.
Chinese Taipei	IIHF member. 4 rinks. 546 registered players. The Chinese Taipei Ice Hockey League has existed as the country’s top level league since 2004. Prior to that, in some years, a national championship was contested. The Chinese Taipei national team has participated in the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia every year since 2008, and the Asian Winter Games in 2011. Chinese Taipei has men’s and junior national teams.
Hong Kong	IIHF member. 4 rinks. 496 registered players. The Hong Kong Ice Hockey League has been played since 1995. The Hong Kong national team participated in the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia every year since 2008. Hong Kong has men’s and junior national teams. Although the country did not participated in any World Championship since 1988.
India	IIHF member. 12 rinks and one IIHF standard rink exist. 910 registered players. The Indian Ice Hockey Championship has been contested since 2001. The Indian national team participated in the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia in 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2013.
Indonesia	The country has a few ice rinks and there is a small recreational league in Jakarta. Richie Regehr, who currently played for MODO Hockey of the Swedish Hockey League, was born in Bandung.
Iran	There is an ice rink in Tehran, but no ice hockey is played. Farzad Houshidari is Iran's only ice hockey player. Notable players of Iranian descent are Daniel Rahimi and Mika Zibanejad.
Israel	IIHF member. 2 rinks. 653 registered players. The Israeli Hockey League, founded in 1993, is the national league in the country. Israel has men’s and junior national teams.
Japan	IIHF member. 110 rinks. 15,474 registered players. The Japan Ice Hockey League was the national league in the country from 1966-2004, when it folded in favor of the multi-national Asia League. Since 1933, a cup competition, the All Japan Ice hockey Championship has been held. A women’s counterpart has been held since 1982. Japan has men’s, women’s, junior, men’s under-18, and women’s under-18 national teams. The Japanese women's national team qualified for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Kazakhstan	IIHF member. 18 rinks. 4,324 registered players. The Kazakhstan Championship, founded in 1992, is the country’s top level league. The Kazakhstan Cup has been held since the 2001-02 season, with the exception of 2004-05 and 2009. Kazakhstan’s top team, Barys Astana, participates in the multi-national Kontinental Hockey League. Kazakhstan has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.
North Korea	IIHF member. 3 rinks. 1,575 registered players. The North Korean Championship has been contested since 1956. North Korea has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.
South Korea	IIHF member. 43 rinks. 2,106 registered players. The top Korean teams, Anyang Halla and High1 participates in the multi-national Asia League. The Korea Domestic Championship, open to both club teams and university teams, has been held since 1955. From 1996-2003, the Korean Ice Hockey League also existed. South Korea has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.
Kuwait	IIHF member. 2 rinks. 340 registered players. In 2009, the Kuwait Hockey League was held, with Kuwait City winning. The league has not been held since. The Kuwaiti national team has participated in the Asian Winter Games in 1999, 2007, and 2011, the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia every year since 2010, and the Gulf Ice Hockey Championship in 2010 and 2012.
Kyrgyzstan	IIHF member. 5 rinks. 330 registered players. The Kyrgyzstan Championship has been held since 2008. In 1962, the Kyrgyz national team played a game against Lithuania losing 7-2. They participated at the 2011 Asian Winter Games, winning the Premier Division. Kyrgyzstan hosted the 2014 IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia Division I in Bishkek.
Lebanon	They had a team, Veg Group Beirut, but the sole Lebanese rink is closed.
Macau	IIHF member. 1 rink. 106 registered players. The Macau national team has participated in the Asian Winter Games in 2007, and the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia every year since 2008. They also participated in the Guangzhou-Hong Kong-Macau Ice Hockey League in 2007-08, going 0-1-5.
Malaysia	IIHF member. 1 rink. 230 registered players. The Malaysian Ice Hockey League has existed since 2002. The Malaysian national team participated in the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia every year since 2008, and the Asian Winter Games in 2007 and 2011.
Mongolia	IIHF member. 12 rinks. 976 registered players. The Mongolia Hockey League was founded in 1991, is the country’s national league. The Mongolian national team participated in the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia in 2009, 2010, and 2013, and the Asian Winter Games in 1999, 2003, and 2011.
New Zealand	IIHF member. 9 rinks. 1,277 registered players. The New Zealand Ice Hockey League has been the national league since 2005. Prior to its founding, the New Zealand Championship was contested in some years. New Zealand has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.
Oman	IIHF member. There is an ice rink in Muscat. There are two teams, the Wadi Dogs and Muscat Cobras. The Oman Ice Sports Committee was founded and it joined the IIHF in May, 2014. The Omani national team participated in the Gulf Ice Hockey Championship in 2010, 2012 and 2014.
Pakistan	There are ice rinks in Lahore and Karachi. No ice hockey is played, only field hockey is played. Although the country participated at the Hockey World Cup and the Olympic Games.
Philippines	There are three ice rinks and a recreational hockey league around the capital, Manila, the Manila Ice Hockey League.
Qatar	IIHF member. 70 registered players. The Qatar Ice Hockey Federation was founded in 2010 and it joined the IIHF in May, 2012. There are two ice rinks in Doha (Gondolania Ice Arena and City Centre Mall). The Qatar Ice Hockey League has been the country's national league since 2005. The Qatari national team participated in the Gulf Ice Hockey Championship in 2014.
Saudi Arabia	There are ice rinks in Dhahran, Jeddah, and Riyadh. The Saudi Arabian national team participated in the Gulf Ice Hockey Championship in 2010.
Singapore	IIHF member. 1 rink. 434 registered players. The Singapore National Ice Hockey League is the national league in the country. It was held yearly from 1995-2009, but has not been held since. The Singapore national team participated in the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia in 2008, 2010, and 2013.
Tajikistan	There is an ice rink in Khujand, which is opened in 2012,^[13] but no ice hockey is played.
Thailand	IIHF member. 3 rinks. 145 registered players. The Thai World Hockey League was founded in 2003, is the national league in the country. The Thai national team participated in the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia every year since 2008, and the Asian Winter Games in 2003, 2007, and 2011.
Turkmenistan	There are two ice rinks in Ashgabat (Milli Olimpiýa Sport Köşgi and Gyşky Oýunlar Sport Toplumy). Ice hockey is played. In 2013, the Turkmen national team held its first international match against Minsk City, which they won by 7:2.
United Arab Emirates	IIHF member. 4 rinks. 371 registered players. The Emirates Ice Hockey League is the national league in the country. The UAE national team has participated in the IIHF World Championship Division III in 2010, 2013, and 2014, the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia every year since 2009, the Asian Winter Games in 2007 and 2011, and the Gulf Ice Hockey Championship in 2010 and 2012.
Uzbekistan	There is a synthetic ice sheet in Tashkent. The regular ice rink in Tashkent closed around 1990. Binokor Tashkent played in the Vtoraya Liga/Pervaya Liga (2nd and 3rd level Russian leagues) from 1970-1988. In 1986, the Uzbek national team played a game against Latvia, losing 5-2. Ice hockey in Uzbekistan was revived in 2012 and the Uzbekistan Hockey League was founded in 2013.

Europe

Country	Notes
Andorra	IIHF member. There is an ice rink in Canillo. 56 registered players. There is a team, Andorra Hoquei Gel. Canillo hosted the 1997 IIHF World Championship Group D.
Armenia	IIHF member. The Armenian Hockey League, founded in 2000, is the country’s national league. Teams are Urartu Yerevan, Dinamo Yerevan, Shirak Gyumri, ASC Yerevan, and Shengavit Yerevan. The Armenian men’s national team was suspended by the IIHF on April, 2010, for use of ineligible players in the 2008 IIHF World Championship Division III Qualification and the 2010 IIHF World Championship Division III Group A. The Armenian junior national team participated in the IIHF World U20 Championship in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
Austria	IIHF member. 117 rinks. 11,372 registered players.^[14] In 1912, Austria hosted the European Championships, finishing in 3rd place. The tournament was later annulled, because Austria was not an IIHF member at the time. The Erste Bank Eishockey Liga, founded as the Austrian Championship in 1922, is the top level league, and also consists of teams from Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovenia. The Nationalliga is the second level league, and the Oberliga is the third level league. Austria has men’s, women’s, junior, men’s under-18, and women’s under-18 national teams.
Azerbaijan	IIHF member. There is an ice rink in Baku at the Elite Shopping and Entertainment Center. In 1961 Baku hosted a tournament were the different soviet republics played against each other. However, the country did not have a team at the tournament and no ice hockey is played now.
Belarus	IIHF member. 33 rinks. 7,255 registered players.^[15] Hockey was developed in Belarus after World War II, and Dinamo Minsk was founded in 1946. They played in the top level Soviet League. The Belarusian Extraliga, founded in 1992, is the top level league, and the Vysshaya Liga is the second level league. When Belarus was part of the Soviet Union, an unofficial Belarusian Championship was contested in some years. Belarus has men’s and junior national team.
Belgium	IIHF member. 19 rinks. 1,032 registered players.^[16] The Belgian Hockey League, founded in 1911, is the top level league, and the Belgian National League is the second level league. The top Belgian teams also participate in the North Sea Cup, which has teams from Belgium and the Netherlands. Since 1986, the Belgian Cup has also been contested. The Belgian Supercup was held from 2002-2006. Belgium has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.
Bosnia and Herzegovina	IIHF member. 2 rinks. 208 registered players. Teams are HK Bosna, HK Stari Grad, HK Ilidža 2010, and HK Alfa. A national championship was first held in 2002-03, but was not contested again until 2009-10. It has been contested yearly since then. The Bosnian Cup (also known as the Jaroslav Jandourek Cup) has been held since 2010. Bosnia men’s national team participated in the Division III qualification in 2008, losing 10:1 to Greece, and 18:1 to Armenia. The result was later changed to a 5:0 Forfeit victory for Bosnia, after it was found that Armenia had used several ineligible players. Bosnia also has a junior team, which participated in the U18 World Championships in 2003 and 2004.
Bulgaria	IIHF member. 8 rinks. 488 registered players.^[17] The Bulgarian Hockey League, founded in 1952, is the country’s top level league. The Balkan League, which also consists of teams from Greece, is the amateur second level of hockey. Prior to the founding of the Bulgarian Hockey League, various tournaments were played. From 1927-1934, the Bulgarian Tournament Cup was held. From 1935-1943, the BFKHL Cup was held (the 1944 edition was not completed because of WWII). In 1949 the Championship on the occasion of V congress of BCP was held. In 1950 and 1951, the Metropolitan Championship was held. The Bulgarian Cup has been contested since 1954. Bulgaria has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.
Croatia	IIHF member. 6 rinks. 552 registered players.^[18] The Croatian Ice Hockey League, founded in 1991, is the country’s national league. KHL Medveščak Zagreb also competes in the top level Austrian league, the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga. KHL Medveščak Zagreb II and KHL Mladost participate in the Slohokej Liga, which has teams from Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria. Croatia has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.
Cyprus	There are ice rinks in Famagusta and Limassol, which is in Northern Cyprus. There are two teams, the Limassol Solar Bears, and the Famagusta Ice Crows, which is also in Northern Cyprus.
Czech Republic	IIHF member. 181 rinks. 107,722 registered players.^[19] The Czech Extraliga, founded in 1993, is the top level league, the 1. Liga is the second level league, and the 2. Liga is the third level league. The Tipsport Hockey Cup has been contested since 2000. The Czech Republic has men’s, women’s, junior, men’s under-18, and women’s under-18 national teams.
Denmark	IIHF member. 25 rinks. 4,198 registered players.^[20] The AL-Bank Ligaen, founded in 1954, is the top level league, and 1. Division is the second level league. The Danish Cup has been held since 1997. Denmark has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.
Estonia	IIHF member. 13 rinks. 1,341 registered players.^[21] The Meistriliiga, founded in 1934, is the country’s national league. It was still contested, even when Estonia was part of the Soviet Union. In the 2006-07 season, a second level league, the Esiliiga was also held. From 1996-1998, and in 2007, the Estonian Cup was contested. In 2008, the Estonian Supercup was held. Estonia has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.
Finland	IIHF member. 274 rinks. 66,636 registered players.^[22] The Liiga (formerly know as the SM-Liiga) is the top level league, the Mestis is the second level league, the Suomi-sarja is the third level league, and II-Divisioona is the fourth level league. The SM-sarja was the top level league from 1927-1975, before it was replaced by the SM-liiga. In 1964 and 1965, the Finnish Cup was contested. Finland has men’s, women’s, junior, men’s under-18, and women’s under-18 national teams.
France	IIHF member. 129 rinks. 18,041 registered players.^[23] The Ligue Magnus, founded in 1906, is the top level league, Division 1 is the second level league, Division 2 is the third level league, and Division 3 is the fourth and lowest level league. The Coupe de France was held from 1975-1978, 1987, 1994, and yearly since 2000. The Coupe de la Ligue and Match des Champions have both been held since 2007. France has men’s, women’s, junior, men’s under-18, and women’s under-18 national teams.
Georgia	IIHF member. 4 rinks. 335 registered players.^[24] There was a 4 team league that operated in the 2007-08 season. The 4 teams that participated in the league were the Ice Knights, Grey Wolves, Mimino, and the Fiery Crusaders. In 1962, the Georgian SSR participated in the Winter Spartakiad in Sverdlovsk. The national team did not played any games until 2010, when they played South Africa, losing 8:1, and Armenia, losing 22:1.
Germany	IIHF member. 246 rinks. 34,256 registered players.^[25] The Deutsche Eishockey Liga, founded in 1994, is the top level league, the 2. Eishockey-Bundesliga is the second level league, the Oberliga is the third level league, and the Regionalliga is the fourth level league. The German Ice Hockey Championship was contested from 1912-1948. The Oberliga, currently the third level league, was the top level league in West Germany from 1948-1958, and the Bundesliga was the top level league from 1958-1994. The German Cup (Deutscher Eishockey-Pokal) has been held yearly since 2002. Germany has men’s, women’s, junior, men’s under-18, and women’s under-18 national teams.
Great Britain	IIHF member. 84 rinks. 6,798 registered players.^[26] The Elite Ice Hockey League is the country’s top level league, the English Premier Ice Hockey League is the second level league, and the English National Ice Hockey League is the third level league. The Scottish National League is the top level league in Scotland, and the de-facto fourth level British league. The Elite Ice Hockey League has teams from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Prior to the Elite Ice Hockey League, the British National League was the top level league from 1954-1960, the British Championship was the national championship from 1966-1982, the British Hockey League was the top level league from 1982-1996, and the Ice Hockey Superleague was the top level league from 1996-2003. The English Cup was held in 1999, 2001, and 2002. Great Britain has men’s, women’s, junior, men’s under-18, and women’s under-18 national teams. The Scottish Cup has been held since 1997, the Scottish Autumn Cup since 2001, and the Scottish Spring Cup from 2001-2006. Scotland and England both have men’s and women’s national teams, and Wales have women’s national team.
Greece	IIHF member. Currently no IIHF standard rinks. 713 registered players.^[27] The Greek Ice Hockey Championship has been contested on-and-off since 1989. Greece has men’s and junior national teams.
Hungary	IIHF member. 36 rinks. 3,913 registered players.^[28] The top four Hungarian teams participates in the multi-national MOL Liga. The OB I bajnokság is the country’s top league, and the OB I/B. bajnokság is the second level league. The Hungarian Cup has been held since 1965, and in 1996 and 2008, the Hungarian Supercup was also held. Hungary has men’s, women’s, junior, men’s under-18, and women’s under-18 national teams.
Iceland	IIHF member. 3 rinks. 611 registered players.^[29] The Icelandic Hockey League has been the country’s national league since 1991. Before that, an Icelandic Championship was occasionally contested. Iceland has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.
Ireland	IIHF member. Currently no IIHF standard rinks. 297 registered players.^[30] The Irish Ice Hockey League was the country’s national league from 2007-2010. Before the IIHL, a national championship was held in some years. Ireland has men’s and junior national teams.
Italy	IIHF member. 69 rinks. 6,909 registered players.^[31] The Serie A, founded in 1924, is the top level league, the Serie A2 is the second level league, and the Serie C is the third level league. The Coppa Italia has held from 1973-1974, 1991, and 1998, before becoming an annual competition in 2001. Since 2001, the Supercoppa Italiana has also been held. Italy has men’s, women’s, junior, men’s under-18, and women’s under-18 national teams.
Latvia	IIHF member. 17 rinks. 4,569 registered players.^[32] The Latvian Hockey League, first contested from 1931-1944, and then again from 1991 onward, is the country’s national league. Latvia’s top team, Dinamo Riga, participates in the Kontinental Hockey League. The Latvian Cup has been held four times, in 1995, 1999, 2007, and 2008. Latvia has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.
Liechtenstein	IIHF member. Currently no IIHF standard rinks. 87 registered players.^[33] There is a team, EHC Vaduz-Schellenberg, that participates in the Swiss 4. Liga. The Liechtenstein national team has played two games against Luxembourg, losing 7:1 in 2003, and 4:2 in 2007.
Lithuania	IIHF member. 12 rinks. 1,073 registered players.^[34] The Lithuania Hockey League, first contested from 1926-1942, and then again since 1991, is the country’s top level league. The Lithuanian Cup was held only in the year 2000. Lithuania has men’s and junior national teams.
Luxembourg	IIHF member. 4 rinks. 392 registered players.^[35] The country’s top team, Tornado Luxembourg, plays in the fourth level French ice hockey league, the French Division 3. The Luxembourg Championship was played on-and-off from 1993-2003. The Luxembourg Cup, was also contested yearly from 1993-2003. The Cup has also been held in the 2006–07, 2010–11, and 2011–12 seasons. Luxembourg has men’s and junior national teams.
Macedonia	IIHF member. There is an ice rink in Skopje. 126 registered players.^[36] In 2011, the national team played a game against a Bulgarian club team, Red Star Sofia, losing 4:1. In 2012, HK Skopje played three games in the multi-national Total TV Hockey League, losing 5:4 to Iraklis Thessaloniki, and twice to HK Bosna, 3:1 and 9:2.
Malta	The only rink in the country has closed. There used to be a 4 team league, the Maltese Hockey League. No hockey activities now.
Moldova	IIHF member.^[37] 2 rinks, but no IIHF standard rinks exist. In 2009-10, Dinamo Chisinau participated in the Romanian U12 League, and in 2010-11, they participated in the Romanian U14 League. In 2010, Platina Chisinau joined the Romanian U18 League.
Monaco	There is an outdoor ice rink and some hockey is played.
Netherlands	IIHF member. 28 rinks. 2,888 registered players.^[38] The Eredivisie, founded in 1945, is the top level league, the Eerste Divisie is the second level league, the Tweede Divisie is the third level league, the Derde Divisie is the fourth level league, and the Vierde Divisie is the fifth level league. The Dutch Cup was held in 1938 and 1939, and then annually since 1971. The Dutch Supercup was held in 1998 only. The Netherlands has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.
Norway	IIHF member. 46 rinks. 6,899 registered players.^[39] The GET-ligaen, founded in 1934, is the top level league, the 1. Divisjon is the second level league, the 2. Divisjon is the third level league, the 3. Divisjon is the fourth level league, and the 4. Divisjon is the fifth level league. Norway has men’s, women’s, junior, men’s under-18, and women’s under-18 national teams.
Poland	IIHF member. 41 rinks. 2,575 registered players.^[40] The Polish Hockey League, founded in 1926, is the top level league, and the Polish 1. Liga is the second level league. The Polish Cup was first held in 1970 and 1971, and has been contested annually since 2000. Poland has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.
Portugal	IIHF member.^[41] There is an ice rink in Lisbon. There are 3 teams, the Viseu Lobos, Inline All-Stars, and Serta Vikings competed for the national championship in 2001. A repeat of the championship has not occurred. The Portuguese national team played three unofficial games against a team made up of Portuguese immigrants from the United States and Canada in 2000. They lost all three games to the First Portuguese Canadian Cultural Centre, 18:6, 21:5, and 15:11.
Romania	IIHF member. 21 rinks. 1,188 registered players.^[42] The Romanian Hockey League, founded in 1923, is the top level league in the country. The Romanian Cup has been contested since 1969. Romania has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.
Russia	IIHF member. 2,450 rinks. 66,551 registered players.^[43] The multi-national Kontinental Hockey League is the top level league. The Vysshaya Liga is the second level league, and the Russian Hockey League (formerly the Pervaya Liga) is the third level league. Russia has men’s, women’s, junior, men’s under-18, and women’s under-18 national teams. Before the KHL was founded in 2008, the International Hockey League was the top level league from 1992-1996, and the Superleague was the top level league from 1996-2008.
Serbia	IIHF member. 4 rinks. 652 registered players.^[44] The Serbian Hockey League, founded in 1991, is the country’s national league. The Serbian Cup has been held three times, in 1995 and 1996 as the Yugoslav Cup, and in 2007. Serbia’s top team, HK Partizan Belgrade, also participated in the multi-national Slohokej Liga. Serbia has men’s and junior national teams.
Slovakia	IIHF member. 77 rinks. 9,230 registered players.^[45] The Slovak Extraliga, founded in 1993, is the top level league, the 1. Liga is the second level league, and the 2. Liga is the third level league. Slovakia has men’s, women’s, junior, men’s under-18, and women’s under-18 national teams.
Slovenia	IIHF member. 7 rinks. 886 registered players.^[46] Slovenian teams have participated in the multi-national Slohokej Liga since 2009. At the end of the year, there is a Slovenian Championship contested to decided the Slovenian national champion. The Slovenian Championship has been held since 1991. The Slovenian Cup was held in 1996, and in January and September 2000. The Slovenian Supercup was only held in 1999. Slovenia has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams. The Slovenian national team qualified for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Spain	IIHF member. 18 rinks. 854 registered players.^[47] The Liga Nacional de Hockey Hielo is the top level league in the country. It was founded in 1972. The Copa del Rey has also been contested since the 1972-73 season. Spain has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.
Sweden	IIHF member. 491 rinks. 64,214 registered players.^[48] The Swedish Hockey League (formerly the Elitserien) is the top level league, the HockeyAllsvenskan is the second level league, and Swedish Division 1 are the 3rd through 6th level Swedish leagues. From 1922-1952, there was a Swedish Championship played alongside the national league. In the year 1922 the Träningsserien was the top level league, from 1923-1927, it was the Class I, from 1928-1935 it was the Elitserien, and from 1935-1944 it was the Svenska Serien. The Swedish Division 1 was the top level league from 1944-1975, when it was replaced by the Elitserien. Sweden has men’s, women’s, junior, men’s under-18, and women’s under-18 national teams.
Switzerland	IIHF member. 187 rinks. 26,466 registered players.^[49] The National League A is the top level league, the National League B is the second level league. The Swiss 1. Liga, 2. Liga, 3. Liga, and 4. Liga make up the Regio League, which comprises the 3rd through 6th level Swiss leagues. Before the founding of the National League A in 1937, there were championships with and without imports allowed. The Swiss National Championship with no imports allowed, existed from 1909-1937, and the Swiss International Championship, with imports, existed from 1915-1933. The Swiss Cup was held from 1957-1966. Switzerland has men’s, women’s, junior, men’s under-18, and women’s under-18 national teams.
Turkey	IIHF member. 28 rinks. 1395 registered players.^[50] The Turkish Ice Hockey Super League, founded in 1992, is the top level league, and the Turkish Ice Hockey League is the second level league. Turkey has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.
Ukraine	IIHF member. 32 rinks. 4,367 registered players.^[51] The Ukrainian Hockey League, founded in 1992, is the top-level league in the country. The Ukrainian Cup was held in 2007. Ukraine has men’s, women’s, and junior national teams.

Former countries

Country	Notes
Bohemia	IIHF member.^[52] Was a country that existed until 1918 around the present day Czech Republic. The Bohemian Hockey League was played in 1909, 1911, and 1912. The Bohemian national team participated in international matches between 1909 and 1914. They won the European Championships in 1911, 1912 (later annulled), and 1914. Bohemia was an IIHF member.
Commonwealth of Independent States	The Unified Team represented the former Soviet Union countries at the 1992 Winter Olympics and the 1992 IIHF World Junior Championships.^[53] They won the gold medal in ice hockey at both events.
Czechoslovakia	They were an IIHF member. They competed in the World Championships, and the Olympic Games.^[54] Czechoslovakia split into Slovakia and the Czech Republic in 1993. The Czechoslovak Extraliga was the top level league from 1936-1992. Czechoslovakia has men’s and junior national teams.
East Germany	They were an IIHF member. They competed in the World Championships, and occasionally in the Olympics. East Germany unified with West Germany in 1990. The DDR-Oberliga was the country’s top league from 1949-1990. From 1970 on, the league consisted of only two teams, SC Dynamo Berlin and SG Dynamo Weisswasser. The DDR-Bestenermittlung was formed as the unofficial second league in 1970 by teams kicked out of the Oberliga, and from the former second level league, the Gruppenliga.
West Germany	They were an IIHF member. They competed in the World Championships, and the Olympic Games. West Germany unified with East Germany in 1990. West Germany had a very similar league system to present day Germany. West Germany has men’s and junior national teams.
Serbia and Montenegro	They were an IIHF member, and competed in the World Championships. In 2006 Serbia and Montenegro broke up into Serbia (as its own country) and Montenegro (as its own country).^[55] The national league consisted of only Serbian teams, and was identical to the Serbian Hockey League.
Soviet Union	They were an IIHF member. They competed in the World Championships, and the Olympic Games.^[56] The Soviet Union broke up into 15 different countries in 1991. The Soviet League (also known as the Vysshaya Liga) was the top level league from 1946-1992. The Pervaya Liga was the second level league, the Vtoraya Liga was the third level league, and the Class B was the fourth level league some years. The Soviet Cup was contested 21 times between 1951 until 1989. The Soviet Union has men’s and junior national teams.
Yugoslavia	They were an IIHF member. They competed in World Championships and occasionally in the Olympics.^[57] Yugoslavia broke up into 5 (eventually 7) countries in 1992. The Yugoslav Ice Hockey League was the top level league from 1936-1991. The Yugoslav Cup was held from the 1965-66 season until 1991. Yugoslavia has men’s and junior national teams.

References

^ http://www.hockeyalgeria.com/history/
^ http://www.hockeykenya.com/hockey/
^ http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/entertainment/thenairobian/article/4240/kenyan-export-shining-at-the-sochi-olympics
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/morocco/
^ http://www.niiha.com/#!untitled/component_14104
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/south-africa/
^ http://www.goawaytravel.com/html/breezes_bahamas.html
^ Mckinley M, Hockey: A People's History
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/jamaica/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/mexico/
^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_pUmmlckG0
^ "Colombia Wins First Ever Hockey Game At Inaugural Pan-Am Hockey Tournament". thehockeyhouse.net. 2014-03-02.
^ "Ice rink opens in Khujand". news.tj. 2012-10-30.
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/austria/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/belarus/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/belgium/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/bulgaria/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/croatia/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/czech-republic/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/denmark/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/estonia/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/finland/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/france/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/georgia/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/germany/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/great-britain/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/greece/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/hungary/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/iceland/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/ireland/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/italy/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/latvia/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/liechtenstein/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/lithuania/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/luxembourg/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/fyr-macedonia/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/moldova/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/netherlands/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/norway/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/poland/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/portugal/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/romania/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/russia/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/serbia/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/slovakia/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/slovenia/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/spain/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/sweden/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/switzerland/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/turkey/
^ http://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/ukraine/
^ Zeisler L, Historical Dictionary of Ice Hockey, p. 85
^ Zeisler L, Historical Dictionary of Ice Hockey, p. 275
^ Zeisler L, Historical Dictionary of Ice Hockey, p. 85
^ Zeisler L, Historical Dictionary of Ice Hockey, p. 344
^ Zeisler L, Historical Dictionary of Ice Hockey, p. 275
^ Zeisler L, Historical Dictionary of Ice Hockey, p. 344

External links

[1] ttp://www.hockeyalgeria.com/history/

[2] ttp://www.hockeykenya.com/hockey/

[3] ttp://www.standardmedia.co.ke/entertainment/thenairobian/article/4240/kenyan-export-shining-at-the-sochi-olympics

[4] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/morocco/

[5] ttp://www.niiha.com/#!untitled/component_14104

[6] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/south-africa/

[7] ttp://www.goawaytravel.com/html/breezes_bahamas.html

[8] Mckinley M, Hockey: A People's History

[9] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/jamaica/

[10] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/mexico/

[11] ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_pUmmlckG0

[12] "Colombia Wins First Ever Hockey Game At Inaugural Pan-Am Hockey Tournament". thehockeyhouse.net. 2014-03-02.

[13] "Ice rink opens in Khujand". news.tj. 2012-10-30.

[14] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/austria/

[15] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/belarus/

[16] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/belgium/

[17] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/bulgaria/

[18] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/croatia/

[19] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/czech-republic/

[20] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/denmark/

[21] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/estonia/

[22] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/finland/

[23] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/france/

[24] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/georgia/

[25] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/germany/

[26] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/great-britain/

[27] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/greece/

[28] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/hungary/

[29] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/iceland/

[30] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/ireland/

[31] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/italy/

[32] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/latvia/

[33] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/liechtenstein/

[34] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/lithuania/

[35] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/luxembourg/

[36] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/fyr-macedonia/

[37] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/moldova/

[38] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/netherlands/

[39] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/norway/

[40] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/poland/

[41] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/portugal/

[42] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/romania/

[43] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/russia/

[44] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/serbia/

[45] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/slovakia/

[46] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/slovenia/

[47] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/spain/

[48] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/sweden/

[49] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/switzerland/

[50] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/turkey/

[51] ttp://www.iihf.com/iihf-home/countries/ukraine/

[52] Zeisler L, Historical Dictionary of Ice Hockey, p. 85

[53] Zeisler L, Historical Dictionary of Ice Hockey, p. 275

[54] Zeisler L, Historical Dictionary of Ice Hockey, p. 85

[55] Zeisler L, Historical Dictionary of Ice Hockey, p. 344

[56] Zeisler L, Historical Dictionary of Ice Hockey, p. 275

[57] Zeisler L, Historical Dictionary of Ice Hockey, p. 344

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