The International Para Hockey Cup, is an annual Para Ice Hockey (formerly, ice sledge hockey) tournament hosted in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The tournament is an invitational format that brings four Para ice hockey teams together for an international competition.
The tournament features four teams per year and has seen teams from the Czech Republic, Russia, Canada, the United States, and Italy.
The tournament was created in 2021. The idea behind the tournament was to give an opportunity for additional international-level play.
The inaugural 2021 tournament was projected to feature four teams â Czech Republic, Canada, United States and Russia. Due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic Canada and the USA withdrew from the tournament, leaving only Czech Republic and Russia. The 2021 tournament ultimately would be a five-game series between the Czech Republic and Russia, with Russia winning all five games.
The 2022 and 2023 tournaments would see Czech Republic, Canada, United States and a "blended team" branded as the International Para Hockey Team or IPH Team. The USA would beat Canada in both gold medal matches.
The 2024 tournament would welcome Italy for the first time in place of the IPH Team. It was held under the patronage of the Embassy of Canada in Prague. The USA would again beat Canada in the gold medal match.
The tournament took place at RT Torax Arena in Ostrava from December 12 to 18, 2021.
The tournament took place at RT Torax Arena in Ostrava from September 24 to 30, 2022.
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
<br> Friday, September 30, 2022
The tournament took place at Ostravar Arena in Ostrava from October 2 to 8, 2023.
Saturday, October 7, 2023
<br> Sunday, October 8, 2023
The tournament took place at Ostravar Arena in Ostrava from October 7 to 13, 2024.
Saturday, October 12, 2024
<br> Sunday, October 13, 2024