North Korea men's national ice hockey team
National men's ice hockey team of North Korea.
Last updated
The North Korea men's national ice hockey team (조선민주주의인민공화국 아이스하키 국가대표팀), referred to as DPR Korea by the IIHF, represents the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in international competition. The team has a history of inconsistent participation, having withdrawn from several IIHF tournaments due to financial constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic, and has frequently moved between Division II and Division III of the World Championships. As of the latest rankings, the team sits 54th in the IIHF World Rankings and 21st in the AIH Rankings of Asian national teams.
History
Ice hockey gained popularity in North Korea during the 1950s, when Soviet and Chinese workers introduced the game and its rules in the capital, Pyongyang. The Ice Hockey Association of the DPR Korea was founded in 1955, and the country joined the IIHF on 8 August 1964.
The first national championship took place in 1956, won by Amnokgang Pyongyang. The national team made its debut in 1974, competing in the C pool of the World Championships. It lost its first game 11–2 to Italy on 8 March 1974, but rebounded with a surprising victory over China.
Withdrawal from 2011, 2022 and 2023 IIHF tournaments
The team withdrew from the 2007 World Championships, leading to automatic relegation to Division III for the 2008 edition, where it finished first and earned promotion. In 2009, it played in Division II but finished last, dropping back to Division III for 2010. North Korea also withdrew from the 2011 Division II tournament, citing financial reasons, and the men’s team was scheduled to compete in Melbourne, Australia, for that event. Further withdrawals occurred in 2022 and 2023 from Division III A tournaments due to the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping the team inactive until 2024.
The team’s World Championship results include a 22nd-place finish in 1974 (8th in Pool C), a 41st-place finish in 2008 (1st in Division III), and a 39th-place finish in 2009 (6th in Division II, Group A). More recent finishes include 42nd place in 2012, 2013, and 2014 (all 2nd in Division III), and 41st place in 2015 (1st in Division III, promoted to Division II B). In 2019, the team placed 40th (6th in Division II, Group B) and was relegated to Division III A. After the pandemic-related cancellations and withdrawals, the team returned in 2024, finishing 48th (2nd in Division III B), and repeated that result in 2025 and 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the North Korea men's national ice hockey team and what is it called in official IIHF records?
It is the national men's ice hockey squad that represents the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in international play. The IIHF lists the team under the designation 'DPR Korea,' and it has held IIHF membership since 8 August 1964.
When did North Korea first play an international ice hockey match and what happened?
The team's debut on the world stage came on 8 March 1974, when they faced Italy. The result was a heavy 11–2 loss, marking the beginning of a long and still-developing international record.
How did ice hockey first take root in North Korea?
Domestic competition dates back to 1956, when Amnokgang Pyongyang won the inaugural national championship. That early domestic foundation eventually led to the team's 1964 IIHF admission and its first competitive outing against Italy a decade later.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: North Korea men's national ice hockey team (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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