President of the IIHF since 2021, Luc Tardif announced on Sunday his intention not to run for a second term as head of the organization.
Luc Tardif does not plan to stay in his position for long. After three decades under René Fasel’s leadership, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) saw a Frenchman take over as president in 2021 when the former player of the Rouen Dragons was elected. The native of Trois-Rivières thus became the first French representative to hold this position since Louis Magnus in 1914. A first term that will ultimately be the only one for the 73-year-old leader. Indeed, through a statement, Luc Tardif announced his intention not to seek a second term as head of the IIHF.
Tardif: “It’s time to pass the baton”
He will serve until next October before handing over to his successor. This will mark the end of 25 years of commitment to the international federation, of which he was a member, committee member, council member, treasurer and then president. “While the IIHF is currently in a strong and stable position, I believe it is time to pass the baton to a new generation of leaders,” he said. Luc Tardif says he made this decision “after much reflection” with the wish that “a new leader takes the reins and continues to advance ice hockey”.
Tardif promises “a smooth and effective transition”
He wanted to make this announcement as soon as possible so that “the organization and our future leaders can prepare for the future.” “I am committed to facilitating a smooth and effective transition, in the interest of the global ice hockey community,” adds the one who claims to still have “a lot to do” during the last six months of his term. Admitting to “intend to spend more time with (his) family in the future”, Luc Tardif affirms that “ice hockey will always be a part of (him)”, especially with the 2028 Men’s World Championship organized in Paris and Lyon, as well as the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps.
