Recent IIHF presidential and council elections at the Semi-Annual Congress have concluded, bringing sweeping leadership changes that will heavily influence the trajectory of international ice hockey. With Luc Tardiff stepping down, the IIHF entered a high-stakes presidential race that ultimately reshaped the governing body’s executive board and regional representation.
The Presidential Race: Franz Reindl Takes the Helm
The presidential election began with a three-way field: Petr Bříza, Franz Reindl, and Aivaz Omorkanov. In the initial round of voting, Petr Bříza led with 48 votes (41.03%), followed by Franz Reindl with 36 votes (30.77%), and Aivaz Omorkanov with 33 votes (28.21%). Because no candidate secured the required 50 percent majority, the race moved to a runoff ballot with Omorkanov removed.
In the second round, Reindl surged past Bříza to claim the presidency with 60 votes (51.28%), narrowly edging out Bříza, who finished with 57 votes (48.72%).
Who is Franz Reindl?
Reindl brings an extensive hockey resume to the IIHF presidency. A former player, he represented West Germany as a three-time Olympian, played in eight World Championships, and skated in the 1981 Canada Cup—highlighted by helping Germany capture a stunning bronze medal at the 1976 Innsbruck Olympics as a young player. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching and executive leadership, serving as head coach of ZSC Lions and becoming the founding CEO of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), building Germany’s premier professional hockey league into a powerhouse. His campaign heavily emphasized a forward-looking vision centred around major international events, the Olympics, and future World Cups.
Executive Board & Regional Leadership
Following the presidential vote, the IIHF filled its remaining top executive and regional leadership positions:
- Senior Vice President: Petr Bříza (CZE) secured the senior vice president role after multiple rounds of voting, retaining his place on the executive team.
- Americas & Oceania Regional Vice President: Mike Trimboli (USA Hockey President since 2021) ran unopposed and was elected with 93.10% of the vote.
- Asia Regional Vice President: Susie Jo (KOR), a 2018 Olympian with a decade of national team experience and current men’s national team assistant coach.
- Europe & Africa Regional Vice President: Igor Nemeček (SVK), former president of the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation.
The New IIHF Council
The newly elected 10-member IIHF Council features a diverse international blend of administrators, with a mandatory minimum representation of three women (Zsuzsanna Kolbenheyer and Merve Tunali securing seats through the dedicated female candidate rounds, alongside Marta Zawadzka and others joining the main council). The complete official council roster features:
- Heikki Hietanen (FIN)
- Aivaz Omorkanov (KGZ)
- Viesturs Koziols (LAT)
- Anders Larsson (SWE)
- Marta Zawadzka (POL)
- Sergey Goncharov (BLR)
- Stoian Batchvarov (BUL)
- Andy Mills (NZL)
- Zsuzsanna Kolbenheyer (HUN)
- Merve Tunali (TUR)
The Notable Omission: Canada Left Off the Board
One of the most striking takeaways from the election results is the complete absence of Canadian representation across the newly elected IIHF leadership, executive board, and council. With Hockey Canada’s leadership, including CEO Katherine Henderson, shut out from council seats, all signs point to a shifting geopolitical landscape within the IIHF.
While the United States retains regional representation through Mike Trimboli, the lack of Canadian voices on the board could have long-term implications. As international hockey becomes increasingly globalized and governed heavily by European and emerging hockey nations, Canada may face diminished influence in upcoming tournament hosting bids, scheduling decisions, and international policy discussions moving forward.
Looking Ahead
With Franz Reindl leading a refreshed IIHF council through a four-year mandate running from 2026 to 2030, the federation faces a pivotal era defined by major international competitions, upcoming Olympic cycles, and ongoing structural debates. How the new administration navigates global expansion and shifting political dynamics will dictate the sport’s health on the world stage for years to come.
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