Election preview — 1 October 2026
The International Ice Hockey Federation will elect its next president in Tenerife, Spain, on 2 October 2026. With Luc Tardif choosing not to seek re-election, the federation’s member national associations face a decision that will shape international hockey’s leadership for the next four years.
Nine presidential candidates were confirmed during the nomination process. The election also covers the wider IIHF Council, making this a change of governing team rather than simply a replacement at the top.
A new chapter after Luc Tardif
Tardif became IIHF president in 2021, succeeding René Fasel. In March 2026, he announced that he would not seek another term, remaining in office until his mandate concludes in October.
His departure opens the presidency to candidates with different experiences of the sport: international players, national-federation leaders and officials involved in development, championship organisation and governance.
The choice belongs to representatives of the IIHF’s member national associations. It is not a public ballot, and media assessments of the candidates should not be mistaken for confirmed voting support.
Nine candidates in the presidential field
The IIHF confirmed its election candidates on 24 June 2026. The presidential field, also reproduced in The Hockey News’ election coverage, comprises:
- Petr Bříza — Czechia.
- Henrik Bach Nielsen — Denmark.
- Frank González — Spain.
- Sergey Goncharov — Belarus.
- Zakaria Khechuashvili — Georgia.
- Jaan Mölder — Estonia.
- Aivaz Omorkanov — Kyrgyzstan.
- Matjaž Rakovec — Slovenia.
- Franz Reindl — Germany.
This is the confirmed nomination field, not an election result.
Petr Bříza brings experience as the IIHF’s senior vice-president, a position he has held since 2021. A former international goaltender, he joined the Council in 2016 and has also served as treasurer and chaired the development and clubs and leagues committees.
Franz Reindl likewise joined the Council in 2016. His background combines international playing experience, German federation leadership and championship organisation. His IIHF responsibilities include chairing the event and championship committee and the athletes committee.
Henrik Bach Nielsen and Aivaz Omorkanov are also IIHF vice-presidents. Alongside the other nominees, their participation makes this a broader contest than a choice between two prominent names.
More than a presidential election
Delegates will elect a 15-member Council: one president, one senior vice-president, three regional vice-presidents and ten other Council members.
The IIHF’s announcement states that at least three Council members must be male and at least three must be female. The elected leadership will serve a four-year term.
The incoming president will lead a governing team whose combined experience and decisions will influence the federation’s direction. The Council result therefore deserves attention alongside the presidential vote.
Long-term plans need measurable commitments
Bříza has presented one publicly documented campaign through a five-part video series. According to The Hockey News’ coverage of his proposals, he advocates an eight-year planning horizon covering two Olympic cycles, with regular progress checks.
That is a candidate’s proposal, not an adopted IIHF programme. It also extends beyond the four-year term being decided in this election.
For national associations, clubs and facilities, the useful questions are practical. How will the next leadership support participation? How will it strengthen competitions and assist developing hockey nations? What published objectives will allow members to judge progress?
Why Napapiri supports Frank González
Napapiri has publicly endorsed Frank González for IIHF president. Our support rests on his experience across playing, refereeing, championship operations, facilities and national-federation leadership.
As explained in Napapiri’s profile of González, his career includes service on the IIHF Council from 2003 to 2016 and leadership of the federation’s facilities committee from 2013 to 2020.
For a real-ice rink specialist, that connection between sporting development and infrastructure is particularly relevant. Training programmes, club activity and competitions all require access to suitable ice.
González’s work in Spain also connects international governance with the practical challenges of developing ice sports outside hockey’s largest markets.
Our endorsement does not diminish the experience of the other candidates. It is a statement of support, not a prediction of the result, and it does not imply that an election victory would create a commercial relationship with Napapiri.
A campaign governed by clear rules
The IIHF’s Election Conduct Guidelines, updated on 9 September 2026, require factual, respectful campaigning.
Candidates must not circulate false, misleading or unsubstantiated information. Their campaign materials must respect other candidates and the federation.
Immediately before the elections, each candidate can present their credentials, vision and objectives. Presentations are limited to five minutes, with the order determined by a random draw. They cannot include references to other candidates.
The guidelines also apply to third-party endorsements. Supporting a candidate does not remove the obligation to report accurately and respect the democratic process.
From the ballot to the ice
For municipalities, sports facilities and developing national associations, the election’s significance lies in what follows: the priorities, programmes and decisions of the new leadership.
The vote itself does not build a rink, guarantee funding or expand participation. Those outcomes require practical work, suitable facilities and cooperation between federations, clubs and local partners.
Napapiri wishes Frank González success while respecting the decision of the voting associations. Once the IIHF confirms the result, attention should turn from the campaign to the incoming president and Council’s work—supporting hockey from its international championships to the rinks where players first learn the game.
Cover: Luc Tardif at a press conference before the French Cup final, 17 February 2013. Archive photograph, not the 2026 election. Photo: Pierre-Yves Beaudouin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0. Original photograph used without alteration.
