The Latvian Ice Hockey Federation (Latvian: Latvijas Hokeja federācija), commonly abbreviated as LHF is the governing body that oversees ice hockey in Latvia, including the Latvian Hockey Higher League, the Latvia women's national ice hockey team and the Latvia men's national ice hockey team.[3][4][5] It was founded in 1931 and was admitted to the IIHF the same year.
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| Association name | Latvian Ice Hockey Federation |
|---|---|
| IIHF Code | LAT |
| IIHF membership | 22 February 1931 |
| Association history | Latvia 1931–1946 Soviet Union 1946–1992 Latvia 1992–present |
| President | Aigars Kalvītis |
| IIHF men's ranking | 10  (27 May 2024)[1] |
| IIHF women's ranking | 29 (28 August 2023)[2] |
| http://www.lhf.lv/ | |
History
editThe predecessor of the LHF, the Latvian Winter Sport Union (Latvijas Ziemas sporta savienība, LZSS) was founded in 1926, although until 1931 it focused on the promotion of bandy instead of ice hockey. After the start of the Soviet occupation of Latvia in 1940, the LZSS was dissolved by Soviet authorities, although it was suspended from the IIHF only in 1946.
After the restoration of the independence of Latvia, the Latvian Hockey Federation was established in 1991 and re-admitted to the IIHF during its congress in Prague on May 6, 1992.[6] However, the Latvian national men's team was not restored back to the top division and had to play in Group C in its first World Championships since 1939. The team returned to the top flight in 1997. The women's national team played its first game in 1992.
Presidents of the LHF
edit- Vilnis Burtnieks (1992–1994)
- Kirovs Lipmans (1994–1995, 1998–2016)
- Uģis Magonis (1995–1998)
- Aigars Kalvītis (2016–present)
References
edit- ^ "IIHF Men's World Ranking". IIHF. 27 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ "IIHF Women's World Ranking". IIHF. 28 August 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
- ^ "Former Prime Minister appointed as President of Latvian Ice Hockey Federation". Retrieved 21 December 2016.
- ^ "Gas utility boss becomes Ice Hockey Federation president". Retrieved 21 December 2016.
- ^ "The History of Latvian Hockey". 18 November 2013. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
- ^ "Par LHF (Latvian Hockey Federation)". lhf.lv. Retrieved 23 May 2019.
External links
edit- Official website
- Latvia at IIHF.com