GB to host Olympic Qualifiers in Cardiff

Photo: James Assinder

Great Britain will host the third round of qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cardiff. The event will run from 8-11 February 2024.

"The decision to organise Olympic Qualifiers was taken after our fixtures meeting by the IIHF and IOC. Ice Hockey UK kept us informed of developments, and we will, of course, be releasing players called into the national team for the entire week of competition," explained EIHL Chairman Tony Smith.

"The league's ten teams agreed, however, that they will need to play through as planned on these dates. Players called into the national team will be unavailable for EIHL games during that week."

Great Britain will come up against Romania, China and a qualifier from the previous round. The group winners will progress to Final Qualifying in August 2024 for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

It's the second time in four years that the UK has held this stage of the Olympic Qualifiers, with Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena hosting the tournament in February 2020.

Ice Hockey UK CEO, Henry Staelens, said: "It's going to be a special event and great to be taking GB Men's competitive hockey to Cardiff, who have been really good to work with during our conversations with them.

"I'm sure the fans will pack the place out and create a brilliant atmosphere as we aim to progress to the next round."

Cardiff Devils MD, Todd Kelman, said: "We are pleased to be able to host such a prestigious event.

"We look forward to working with Ice Hockey UK to bring this tournament to Vindico Arena and hopefully have plenty of fans cheering on GB."