The IIHF’s site visit in Belfast, at the SSE Arena and the tournament hotels began yesterday with a reception at City Hall in Belfast.

Ice Hockey UK, the SSE Arena and Belfast Giants are hosting the 2017 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division I Group B from 23rd to 29th April.

Ahead of each World Championship tournament, the IIHF and Infront – the IIHF’s exclusive marketing and media partner for the event – tour the facilities, including the rink and hotels, to check they are up to the required standard.

Officials from the IIHF, Ice Hockey UK, Belfast Giants and the SSE Arena were invited to the reception in the Lord Mayor’ Parlour by the Lord Mayor, Alderman Brian Kingston, on Monday.