The Game is Global, Part 2: The state of play for Ukraine, Estonia, Japan, and Romania

Laskavo prosymo, Tere tulemast, Irasshaimase and Bine ati venit to the second edition of The Game is Global. In this edition, we'll look at the state of play for a Baltic minnow, two Black Sea nations with opposite hockey trajectories and the Land of the Rising Sun. How are Ukraine, Estonia, Japan, and Romania faring in the world of ice hockey and what is in store for fans of these nations in the next four years? Keep reading to find out as we continue our countdown to Beijing!

No. 27-ranked Ukraine 

Profile

Governing Body: Federatsiya khokeyu Ukrayiny, FHU (aka Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine)

Joined IIHF: May 6, 1992

Population (2021): 43,999,924

Current World Rank: 27th Points: 1,675

Number of Players (2020): 5,340

Number of Rinks (2020): 27

Referees (2020): 52

Population/Player: 8,239.69

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