North Macedonia men's national ice hockey team
North Macedonia's men's ice hockey team, IIHF associate since 2001.
The North Macedonia men's national ice hockey team represents the country in international ice hockey. Governed by the Macedonian Ice Hockey Federation, it has held associate membership in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) since October 4, 2001. The team has not participated in any IIHF World Championship tournaments.
The squad played its first unofficial match on March 27, 2011, in Skopje, losing 4–1 to Bulgaria’s Red Star Sofia. On December 20, 2014, it faced the Bulgarian U20 team in two exhibition games in Skopje, losing the first 6–5 in overtime but winning the second 4–3 in a shootout—its first victory. The team made its international debut on January 20, 2018, with two exhibition games against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, winning the first 8–7 and losing the second 7–6 in overtime the following day.
Quick Facts
- Association
- Macedonian Ice Hockey Federation
- General Manager
- Nikola Tasev
- Coach
- Gjorgi Grchev
- Home Stadium
- Boris Trajkovski Hockey Arena
- Iihf Code
- MKD
- Regional Name
- Development Cup
- Regional Cup Apps
- 1
- Regional Cup First
- 2018
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The team played its first unofficial game on 27 March 2011 against Red Star Sofia of Bulgaria in Skopje, losing 4–1. On 20 December 2014, Macedonia played two exhibition games against the Bulgarian U20 national team in Skopje, losing the first 6–5 in overtime and winning the second 4–3 following a shootout, which marked the team's first ever win. Macedonia have still never entered any IIHF World Championship tournaments. On 20 January 2018, Macedonia made its international debut with two exhibition games against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo, winning the first 8–7 and losing the second 7–6 in overtime.
Reader's Guide
The North Macedonia men's national ice hockey team is notable as the national representative of North Macedonia in ice hockey, having been an IIHF associate member since 4 October 2001. Despite this long-standing membership, the team has never entered any IIHF World Championship tournaments, focusing instead on exhibition matches. Its first unofficial game was in 2011, and its first win came in 2014 against a Bulgarian U20 side. The team's international debut occurred in 2018 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The team's history reflects a developing program that has yet to compete in major IIHF events, with its recorded games limited to friendlies and exhibition contests. The all-time record against other nations was last updated on 21 November 2018, and against other clubs on 21 December 2014.
Did You Know?
- The team became an IIHF associate member on 4 October 2001.
- Its first unofficial game was on 27 March 2011 against Red Star Sofia in Skopje, a 4–1 loss.
- The team's first ever win was on 20 December 2014, a 4–3 shootout victory over the Bulgarian U20 national team.
- North Macedonia made its international debut on 20 January 2018 against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the North Macedonia men's national ice hockey team?
It is the national squad that represents North Macedonia in international ice hockey, administered by the Macedonian Ice Hockey Federation. The team holds an associate membership in the IIHF, a status it has carried since 2001.
When did North Macedonia join the IIHF?
The country was granted associate membership in the International Ice Hockey Federation on October 4, 2001. That date predates the squad's first actual on-ice game by roughly a decade.
What was the first match the North Macedonia men's national ice hockey team played?
The squad took the ice for its first unofficial contest on March 27, 2011, in Skopje, where it lost 4–1 to Bulgaria's Red Star Sofia. That game marked the very start of the team's competitive record.
When did North Macedonia record its first-ever win in ice hockey?
The team picked up its first victory on December 20, 2014, beating the Bulgarian U20 national side 4–3 in a shootout during the second of two exhibition games in Skopje. The opening game that same day had slipped away 6–5 in overtime.
Has the North Macedonia men's national ice hockey team ever competed in an IIHF World Championship?
No, the squad has never appeared at any IIHF World Championship tournament. Its international experience to date is confined to exhibition and friendly matches against other national teams and club sides.
More in International and Olympic Ice Hockey, Part 2 1-24
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