The International Ice Hockey Federation is searching for a new president, and one candidate is already campaigning in a unique way.
IIHF Senior Vice-President Petr Briza is releasing a five-part series of videos on his YouTube channel which will discuss his proposals for his vision of what the organization can build towards through its next Olympic cycle.
"Looking back in time, I'm very glad that together we managed to overcome all obstacles," Briza said in his video."Starting with the COVID pandemic and continuing with the crucial geopolitical challenges up to the present."
Briza was elected to the IIHF Council in 2016 and became has served in that role since 2021. He has also been serving as IIHF Treasurer, Chair of the Development Committee, and Chair of the Clubs and Leagues Committee throughout that time.
"IIHF needs long-term visions with short-term goals over the time horizons," Briza added."IIHF needs a stability and consistency and availability of the leadership for next two Olympic cycles."
Before joining on as senior vice-president, Briza played for 23 years across three top European leagues and represented his country in seven IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships and three Olympic Winter Games. He retired as a goaltender in 2006 and was later honored with induction into the Czech Hockey Hall of Fame.
Current IIHF president Luc Tardif announced in March that he would not seek re-election when his term ends in October. Tardif has been in the role since succeeding Rene Fasel back in 2021.
"In reality, I'm talking about eight years plan, with checkpoints after every second year, and later after every season," Briza said of his vision. "This is the only way how to include all member national associations, council, how to monitor our steps, how to track our progress, and at the end, how to deliver the results.
The IIHF announced nine nominated candidates who could potentially serve as the organization's new president earlier this year, with the election set to take place in Tenerife, Spain on October 2, 2026.