The International Ice-Hockey Federation (IIHF) does not blame the Latvian organizers of the World Ice-Hockey Championship for the ice damage in Arena Skonto, as a Swiss company, which was recommended by the IIHF, performed all the works in the hall, the championship organizers' representative Zanda Rasuma told the Baltic News Service.
Due to the damage of ice, game between Switzerland and Sweden had to be interrupted for about an hour on Wednesday [May 10], and later ended with a result 4:4.
The IIHF representatives have not given a slightest hint that the organizers were to be blamed for the broken ice, said Raisuma. Specialists of the IIHF, who recommended Swiss company, said that the damaged ice can be repaired and they did it.
"The games still can be held in Arena Skonto," said Rasuma. There are no games planned in the hall on May 11, and the specialists will be able to fix the sideboards, which were loose and made the ice break.
In the second round of the world championship, which starts on Thursday, eight out of 18 games will be held in the Arena Skonto.