Euro Ice Hockey Challenge
Norway's Jonas Andersen going for a goal against Croatia.
Photo © Ijshockey.com
The European Challenge was sanctioned by the IIHF in October 2001 as a structured system of challenge tournaments for national teams around the Division I level.
Most teams use the competition as preparation for the World Championships or Olympics, allowing less experienced players to collect valuable ice time in their national colours.
The IIHF confirmed at the Semi-Annual Congress in Sweden in October 2001 that 12 nations will take part in tournaments during national team breaks during 2002/03, 2003/04 and 2004/05 seasons.
The Nations included are: Ukraine, Austria/Netherlands on a tournament by tournament basis), Italy, Latvia, Slovenia, Poland, Belarus, Norway, Great Britain, France, Denmark, and Hungary.
ITA, LAT. GBR organised the Challenge Aug 26th to Sept 1st 2002.
FRA, HUN, NOR organised the Challenge Nov 4th to Nov 10th 2002.
DEN, SLO, UKR organised the Challenge Dec 9th to Dec 15th 2002.
AUT, BLR, POL organised the Challenge Feb 3rd to Feb 9th 2003.
Results can be found on the results page
For the 2003/04 season there have been some changes to report. Austria, Ukraine and Great Britain no longer take part in the EIHC and they've been replaced by Netherlands (who already shared a spot with Austria last season), Kazakhstan and Croatia (played one tournament replacing Italy last year).
The IIHF have agreed that all participating nations own the commercial rights to their own jerseys and helmets as well as all TV rights and promotional activity.
The European Challenge started in 2002 and is an organised schedule for national teams around the Division I standard.
2003/04 EIHC Schedules
2003/04 EIHC Standings
2002/03 Results
Latest news:
Ukraine outstanding
Third undisputable win in Tilburg.
10th February 2008 at 21:15 GMT
Croatia held scoreless again
Ukraine and Hungary day 2 winners of the Dutch EIHC tournament.
9th February 2008 at 22:29 GMT
Tricorp Workwear Challenge (EIHC) is being played in Tilburg
Ukraine and Netherlands day one winner.
9th February 2008 at 00:53 GMT
Norway wins Monc Blanc Tournament in France
Mats Zuccarello Aasen continues to impress.
8th February 2008 at 23:38 GMT
France and Norway undefeated
Half of the French EIHC tournament is played.
7th February 2008 at 03:57 GMT
Belarus wins Norwegian LG Hockey Games
EIHC Italian Round, Asiago: results