Ice hockey in Belarus 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 the Kontinental Hockey League in Eurasia, particularly for Belarusian club HC Dinamo Minsk,
Latvia women's national ice hockey team 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 for an Olympic tournament. Having failed to qualify for Group A of the 1999 world championship, Latvia debuted in the Women's world championship within Group B. In the following Tournaments, the Latvian Team competed at this level (renamed Division I in 2003). They were saved from demotion in 2005, further to the