Future WU Host Stages IIHF WC as Test Event

IIHF Council Member Ernest Aljancic opened the tournament along with Minister of Health Dr Recep Akdag, the Major of Erzurum Ahmet Küçükler and the Governor of Erzurum Sami Bulut. Photo: TBHF

Erzurum, the host city for the 25th Winter Universiade in 2011 is hosting a test event in its first finished ice hockey venue, as it is hosting the 2009 IIHF World Championship Ice Hockey for U18, Division III, Group B.

While Turkey is not most known for winter sports, Erzurum, situated 1,757 metres above sea level with current temperatures of slightly above the freezing point, is a good place for ice hockey. It’s the biggest city of Eastern Anatolia.

Four U18 national teams (Iceland, Bulgaria, Ireland and host Turkey) compete to win the tournament and to reach promotion to the Division II level. After a round robin with three games per team, a playoff round with semi-finals, a bronze-medal game and a gold-medal game follow.