Ice hockey in Belarus and several have also played in the National Hockey League in North America. Ice hockey in Belarus Ice hockey in Belarus is governed by the Belarus Ice Hockey Federation. Belarusian men's and junior national teams participate at the IIHF World Championships. Belarus has been a member of the IIHF since May 6, 1992. The national hockey team finished fourth at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics following a memorable upset win over Sweden in the quarterfinals, and regularly competes in the World Championships, often making the quarterfinals. The Belarusian Extraliga was founded in 1992. Numerous Belarusian players are present in
Kazakhstan women's national ice hockey team tournament contested at the Asian Winter games. The squad has claimed a medal in every tournament including three golds. The national under-18 team debuted in 2007 during qualification for the first ever IIHF Under 18 women's world championships (contested in 2008). Kazakhstan women's national ice hockey team The Kazakhstan women's national ice hockey team represents Kazakhstan at the International Ice Hockey Federation's IIHF World Women's Championships. The women's national team is controlled by Kazakhstan Ice Hockey Federation. Kazakhstan has 127 female players in 2011. The Kazakhstani team's current world ranking is 7th, moving up one spot from last year. By