Swedish Ice Hockey Association (SIHA)
Homepage:
http://www.swehockey.se/

History:
Founded in 1922, the Swedish Ice Hockey Association (SIHA) boasts of an entire line-up of winning national teams. To date, SIHA has had seven World Championship gold medals (1953, 1957, 1962,1987,1991,1992, and 1998); one Olympic gold medal in 1994; one Junior World Championship Gold Medal in 1981; 10 Junior European Championship gold medals (1972, 1974, 1977, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1990, 1993, 1994, and 1998); and one Women European Championship gold medal in 1996.

Given its international success, it comes less of a surprise that ice hockey is very popular in Sweden. In fact, there are about 66,603 licensed players with the SIHA – 14,660 of which are senior players over 20 years old; 51,943 are junior players younger than 20 years old; 2,888 are female players; 1,873 are male referees, and 20 are female referees.