The idea for a World Cup in university hockey has been in the works since 2016. In 2017, former European University Hockey Association (EUHA) president Jaroslav Straka developed the concept of organizing the WCoUH. The foundation was laid through the Erasmus+ project, “Sport and Education in Europe – Change of Status Quo.” His dream became a reality largely thanks to the sports diplomacy and cooperation between the EUHA (European University Hockey Association), ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association), and RSHL (Russian Student Hockey League).

 

History

2018
The inaugural World Cup of College Hockey 2018 (WCoCH 2018) took place in Banská Bystrica and Brezno, Slovakia, and Krynica-Zdroj, Poland. Three international teams, representing the USA, Russia, and a European Union team (comprising players from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland), competed for the championship.

  1. Gold Medal: SHL – Student Hockey League (Russia)
  2. Silver Medal: ACHA – American Collegiate Hockey Association
  3. Bronze Medal: EUHA – European University Hockey Association

 

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, all international events were suspended between 2019 and 2022. However, in 2022, Romania, particularly the Szeklerland Ice Hockey Academy, expressed interest in reviving the tournament. Special thanks go to Attila Nagy and his team for their perseverance and commitment, ensuring the event could be postponed and organize in 2023.

2023

The second edition of the World Cup of University Hockey 2023 (WCoUH 2023) was held in Carta (Karcfalva), Romania. The competition featured teams from eight countries—USA, Canada, Romania, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Sweden, and Hungary. It brought together the European University Hockey Association (EUHA) and the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), representing some of the best collegiate hockey players from around the world.

  1. Gold Medal: USA
  2. Silver Medal: Canada
  3. Bronze Medal: Slovakia

 

Impact of WCoUH

The WCoUH provides an excellent platform for competitive hockey games and serves as an opportunity for sharing best practices in university hockey development, event organization, and supporting the dual careers of student-athletes. By bringing together diverse nations and associations, the event fosters the growth of university hockey worldwide.

Ice hockey is not just a game; it’s a tool that connects people and nations!