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
Russia women's national ice hockey team Russia women's national ice hockey team The Russian women's national ice hockey team represents Russia at the International Ice Hockey Federation's IIHF World Women's Championships. The women's national team is controlled by Ice Hockey Federation of Russia. Russia had 2,376 female players in 2018. On 1 April 1994, Russia played its first game in Brampton, Canada, losing 1–2 to Switzerland. Russia is currently ranked 4th in the world in women's ice hockey. This is also the highest rank in team's history. Three times – at 2001 Women's World Ice Hockey Championships, the 2013 IIHF Women's World Championship and the 2016