In recent weeks, the IIHA have received official notification from IHUK regarding the establishment of Ice Hockey Northern Ireland (IHNI).
IHUK have confirmed that IHNI has been formally recognised as being the representative committee for clubs in Northern Ireland. It is a structured committee with representation from the various clubs in Northern Ireland to work as a collective for the betterment of the sport in Northern Ireland and to act as a central point for all Northern Ireland clubs.
It has also been pointed out to the IIHA by IHUK that at all times the National Governing Body for the sport throughout the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has been and will remain IHUK. This is an important point because this has also been stated by the IIHA on numerous occasions over the past 18 – 20 months following clarification and confirmation from both the IIHF and IHUK.
The IIHA will continue to work very closely with IHUK in order to grow and develop the sport throughout the island of Ireland while we look forward to working very closely with IHNI to achieve that same aim.
Taking account of this, should any of the IIHA’s players wish to train or play with any of the clubs affiliated with IHNI and IHUK then they are advised to first contact the IIHA for further information using office@iiha.org. Likewise, should any of the IIHA’s teams wish to organise and play games against any team in Northern Ireland, or anywhere else for that matter, they are advised to first contact the IIHA for further information using office@iiha.org. This is to ensure that there are no issues with regard to either registration of players and insurance cover. It is also to ensure that all players and teams can continue to play with as little disruption as possible.
The IIHA encourage and support all players who wish to train with teams in Northern Ireland as it will only assist in achieving the aim to grow and develop the sport throughout the island of Ireland.
Likewise, if any players have any concerns or questions with regard to player eligibility to play for the Irish National Teams or to play within the competitions of the IIHA then they are advised to contact the IIHA using office@iiha.org.