Jewish and Israeli Leaders Suggest North America as Host for 2025 Hockey Championship

In response to Australia’s cancellation of the 2025 IIHF World Championship Division IIA, Jewish and Israeli hockey leaders are working to relocate the tournament to North America, ensuring the event proceeds on a grand stage despite growing security concerns.

The Australian Ice Hockey Federation (IHA) announced last week that it was withdrawing from hosting the international tournament in Melbourne, citing safety risks tied to Israel’s participation. While the IHA’s official statement did not explicitly mention Israel, local media reported that the security concerns revolved around Team Israel’s attendance.

“The decision was primarily made to ensure the safety and security of athletes, volunteers, spectators, and other participants,” the IHA stated.

The cancellation comes amid rising antisemitic incidents across Australia, including a December arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. Ryan O’Handley, President of Ice Hockey Australia, expressed concern over the growing anti-Israel protests in Victoria, noting that police warned of a high likelihood of disruptions if the event proceeded.

"The protests and anti-Israel activities in Melbourne have escalated significantly since we won the bid to host the championship," O’Handley stated in an internal email.

Determined to keep the championship alive, a newly formed Organizing Committee in North America has stepped up with a proposal to host the event in a premier U.S. venue on the East Coast.

Mikhael Horowitz, former CEO of the Ice Hockey Federation of Israel, sees this as more than just a solution to a problem it’s an opportunity.

“We see this as an opportunity to take a lower-level championship, typically held in small venues, and bring it to a grand stage in North America. This isn’t just about solving a problem; it’s about inspiring players and growing the sport globally,” Horowitz explained.

The proposed world-class venue will ensure the best possible conditions for players and fans. To eliminate travel concerns, the committee and sponsors are working to subsidize transportation costs, ensuring full participation from all teams.

Despite challenges, Israeli hockey continues to rise on the international stage. The U20 team will compete in Serbia this month after winning gold last year, moving up a division. The women’s national team is also set to compete in February, marking another milestone for the sport in Israel.

As the hockey world awaits a final decision, Horowitz remains hopeful:

“We have reached out directly to the president of the International Ice Hockey Federation and are hopeful that the council will vote to approve our proposal. We have approximately four months to finalize the plan.”

While Australia’s decision reflects the broader security challenges Israeli athletes face, the resilience of Israel’s hockey community is unwavering. This move to North America could not only secure the 2025 championship but also elevate the sport for Jewish and Israeli players worldwide.

Israel’s sports community continues to push forward. Share this story and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest developments.