“U20 World Cup is considered a test event for the Olympics”

In the following interview, Zisser talks about the topics and focal points discussed at the congress, about the upcoming season with the Olympic Games in Milan and about the plans for the coming weeks and months.

Did you get back from Stockholm safely?

Stefan Zisser: "Yes, thank you. Not only did I attend the IIHF Congress, but I also watched a lot of ice hockey and thoroughly enjoyed the great atmosphere in the stands of the beautiful arena."

What were the topics discussed at the IIHF Congress?

Zisser: "Firstly, the various World Cup tournaments for the coming season were awarded. The individual bids were presented in the morning, and the voting took place in the afternoon. With the exception of the A World Cup, where all members can vote, only the six participating nations vote in the remaining tournaments. In addition, some rule changes were discussed. Minor adjustments were made to some rules – but nothing drastic. Furthermore, with a view to the 2026 Olympic Games, details of the contract with the NHL were discussed. The main topics were insurance and medical support for the players."

Will there be a World Cup in Italy next season?

Zisser: "We have been awarded the contract to host the U20 World Championships, Division I, Group B. This will take place shortly before Christmas in Milan and serve as a test event for the Olympic Games two months later. The World Championship matches will be played at the PalaItalia Santa Giulia and the Rho Milano Fiera. The U18 World Championships, Division I, Group B, in which Italy is participating, will take place in Tallinn. The Azzurre will participate in the World Championships, Division I, Group A in Budapest, while the Women's U18 World Championships, Division I, Group A, will likely also be held in Italy. Since there was no bid, it is quite possible that the FISG will apply to host the event. The decision will be made at the semi-annual congress in Nice in early October."

Italy's national team is playing at the top level again. © Vanna Antonello

The World Championships in Division I Group A in Sfantu Gheorghe are already more than three weeks ago. What is your analysis and conclusion for the title fights in Romania?

Zisser: "The title fights were a rollercoaster of emotions. There were good games and not-so-good ones. In the end, we were lucky enough to achieve our goal of promotion. Even though we didn't get promoted on our own, we should take the successes as they came and not focus on the negatives."

What is planned for the next weeks and months?

Zisser: "A lot is planned. There will be no summer preparation, as we are facing an extremely long season, which will not end until the end of May with the World Cup in Switzerland. Furthermore, the logistics are not easy, as several players are overseas. A tournament is planned for November and December, with the first one probably in Poland and then either Hungary or Slovakia. In addition, a short training camp of seven or eight days combined with two test matches is planned before the Olympic Games in February. I am currently in talks with Germany, among others.

What is the women's roadmap to the Olympic Games?

Zisser: "The women have a mammoth program ahead of them. They will hold a two-week training camp at the CONI Center in Formia starting June 23rd. On August 20th, there will be an on-ice training camp at a location yet to be determined. Test matches against Japan and Slovakia are also planned. We plan to play another tournament in November, before the team begins its Olympic preparations in Montreal from November 20th until shortly before Christmas. After the New Year, coach Stephanie Poirier's team will move back to Canada, where they will not only train but also play some test matches against college teams."

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Hockey

Tennis

Winter sports

Learn More

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Favorites

“U20 World Cup is considered a test event for the Olympics”

Stefan Zisser witnessed the decisive games of the 88th Ice Hockey World Championship up close last week. The sports director of the Italian national teams was in Stockholm from last Wednesday to Monday, where he attended the annual congress of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

Comments (0)