As Russia lost the right to host the event owing to the crisis of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Latvia and Finland stated their willingness to co-host the 2023 World Ice Hockey Championship.
Between May 13 and May 29, Tampere and Helsinki, Finland, will host the event this year. When Belarus was denied the opportunity to co-host, the 2021 edition was held in Riga, Latvia.
According to sources, the International Ice Hockey Federation is happy that Finland and Latvia have submitted a combined offer to host the competition in 2023.
Igars Calvetis, head of the Latvian Ice Hockey Federation, stated both Riga and Tampere are potential venues for the championship games, adding, “We are seriously exploring the prospect of hosting the championship with Finland.”
Said he, “Our crew is completely ready, we have experience, and we know how to work with everyone. We are prepared to take on duties and are in discussions with the Finns.”
The International Federation is expected to decide on hosting the 2023 edition during its general assembly meeting, which is planned to take place in Tampere from May 26 to 28.
