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
Latvia women's national ice hockey team extension of the division elite. Their best performance was realized during the 2007 Tournament with a second place of Division I, complemented by an IIHF rank of 11th. However, in 2008, they were relegated due to a last place finish. They remained in Division II but earned promotion after the 2009 Tournament. Latvia women's national ice hockey team The Latvian women's national ice hockey team represents Latvia at the International Ice Hockey Federation's IIHF World Women's Championships and is controlled by the Latvian Ice Hockey Federation. Latvia had 77 female players in 2011. The Latvian team has never qualified itself