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The '''International Ice Hockey Association''' was a governing body for international [[ice hockey]]. It was established in 1940 when the [[Canadian Amateur Hockey Association]] wanted more control over international hockey, and was in disagreement with the definition of amateur used by the International Olympic Committee. The [[USA Hockey|Amateur Hockey Association of the United States]] co-founded the association, with the [[Ice Hockey UK|British Ice Hockey Association]] joining later. The association oversaw the relationships between the [[National Hockey League]], and leagues within the national amateur associations. W. G. Hardy served as its president, and planned for an amateur hockey World Series after [[World War II]]. The association was merged into the [[International Ice Hockey Federation|Ligue Internationale de Hockey sur Glace]] in 1947.

==Background==
In the wake of Canada not winning the gold medal in [[ice hockey at the 1936 Winter Olympics]], the [[Canadian Amateur Hockey Association]] (CAHA) pushed for an updated definition of amateur that met the realities of present-day sport in Canada, and would permit Canada to use its best non-professional players at international competitions. The revisions were led by W. G. Hardy and George Dudley on behalf of the CAHA, and were opposed by the Amateur Athletic Union of Canada (AAU of C) and its president W. A. Fry. The CAHA requested four changes to the amateur code of the AAU of C, which included; that players who tried out unsuccessfully for a professional team should be reinstated as amateurs; that professional and amateur hockey teams should be allowed to play exhibition games against each other; that players should be allowed to seek legitimate employment in hockey; and that players should be reimbursed by their employers for time lost from work while competing on behalf of their clubs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.macleans.ca/article/1936/11/1/should-we-revise-our-amateur-laws|title=Should We Revise Our Amateur Laws?|last=Hardy|first=W. G.|date=November 1, 1936|publisher=Maclean's |access-date=2019-11-30}}</ref> The AAU of C rejected three of the four proposals, which led to the CAHA separating from its parent organization.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pro. Vs. Amateur Games Approved If Exhbition|date=November 20, 1936|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=1|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-20-1936-1463557/}}{{free access}}</ref>

International hockey in the United States in 1937 was governed by the [[Amateur Athletic Union]]. After the CAHA split ways from the AAU of C, the American union terminated its working agreement with the CAHA that allowed for the transferring of players and exhibition games between the two countries.<ref>{{cite news|title=No Concern Felt Here Over Trouble In Eastern Loop|date=March 2, 1937|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=13|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-02-1937-1465110/}}{{free access}}</ref> American hockey promoter Tommy Lockhart recognized the need for a national governing body to efficiently manage hockey within the United States, rather than several different groups.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ushockeyhalloffame.com/page/show/818905-thomas-f-lockhart|title=Thomas F. Lockhart|website=United States Hockey Hall of Fame|access-date=2020-01-01}}</ref> Later in 1937, he founded the [[USA Hockey|Amateur Hockey Association of the United States]] (AHAUS).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hhof.com/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/LegendsMember.jsp?mem=b196502&type=Builder&page=bio&list=ByName|title=Lockhart, Thomas -- Honoured Builder|website=Legends of Hockey|publisher=Hockey Hall of Fame|access-date=2020-01-01}}</ref>

In September 1938, the CAHA and AHAUS reached a working agreement which regulated international games in North America, set out provisions for transfer of players between the organizations, and recognized of each other's authority.<ref>{{cite news|title=Canadian-U.S. Amateur Hockey Pact Is Signed|date=September 6, 1938|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=13|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-06-1938-1467867/}}{{free access}}</ref> Since both the CAHA and the Amateur Athletic Union were members of [[Ligue Internationale de Hockey sur Glace]] (LIHG), the American union protested the CAHA affiliation with AHAUS. The CAHA felt that AHAUS was the most comprehensive ice hockey governing body in the United States, and stayed with the 1938 agreement. The decision would potentially lose Canada its membership in the LIHG, and the ability to compete at the [[Ice Hockey World Championships]] or [[ice hockey at the Olympic Games]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Hockey Blow-up Looming|last=McGeachy|first=J. B.|date=February 14, 1939|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=1|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-14-1939-1469757/}}{{free access}}</ref> The LIHG ruled in favour of the protest, but the CAHA continued its association with AHAUS. LIHG president [[Paul Loicq]] subsequently chose to allow for the continued negotiations.<ref>{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. Sessions Conclude|date=April 12, 1939|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=6|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-12-1939-1470240/}}{{free access}}</ref> By then, the AAU of C decided to adopt the definition of amateur as laid out by the respective world governing body of each sport as recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and looked to bring the CAHA back under its jurisdiction.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hockey Chief In Favor of A.A.U.'s New Definition|date=November 18, 1938|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=18 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-18-1938-1469035/}}{{free access}}</ref> The CAHA updated its constitution to define an amateur player as one who, "either has not engaged or is not engaged in organized professional hockey", and ultimately declined to rejoin the AAU of C.<ref name="apr-16-1940">{{cite news|title=New Controlling Body Formed At C.A.H.A. Meet|last=Clarke|first=Robert|date=April 16, 1940|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=15|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-16-1940-1471642/}}{{free access}}</ref>

==Foundation of the association==
On April 15, 1940, the CAHA and AHAUS agreed to form a new governing body known tentatively as the International Ice Hockey League, and invited the [[Ice Hockey UK|British Ice Hockey Association]] (BIHA) to join. Hardy who was also the CAHA president, stated that "the purpose of the new association is to promote the game of hockey among the three Anglo-Saxon nations".<ref name="apr-16-1940" /> He was named president of the new body, and Lockhart was named first vice-president. The BIHA was asked to nominate the second vice-president position.<ref name="apr-16-1940" />

Hardy explained the International Ice Hockey Association as a means of shifting the control of world hockey from [[Belgium]] to Canada, "where it rightfully belonged".<ref name="jan-04-1941">{{cite news|title=Dr. Hardy Outlines Scheme At Annual Gathering C.A.H.A.|date=January 4, 1941|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=18|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-04-1941-1472071/}}{{free access}}</ref> He also noted the inactivity of the LIHG resulting from [[World War II]]. He sought for acceptance by the IOC on terms acceptable to the CAHA. A constitution for the new association was delegated to a committee including future CAHA presidents Hanson Taylor Dowell and W. B. George.<ref name="jan-04-1941" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Rules, Playdowns Discussed At C.A.H.A. Meeting|date=January 4, 1941|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=21|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-04-1941-1472072/}}{{free access}}</ref> The constitution stated that the associations president must be an executive officer or a past-president of the CAHA. The CAHA gave C$500 to the association, and an honorarium to Hardy for expenses.<ref>{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. Meeting Ends at Weekend After Completing Major Business|date=January 6, 1941|newspaper=Medicine Hat News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=3|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-06-1941-1472097/}}{{free access}}</ref>

==Professional–amateur relations==
Amateur and junior ice hockey teams in Canada were upset about losing players to professional leagues without compensation, and Hardy set about to negotiate reimbursement of the Canadian teams when a player became professional.<ref name="sep-13-1940">{{cite news|title=N.H.L. Will Pay I.H.A. $500 Cash For Signing Up Amateur Players|date=September 13, 1940|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=16 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-13-1940-1471668/}}{{free access}}</ref> The CAHA had introduced player contracts for the 1940–41 season, with the goal to keep junior-aged and amateur players under service in Canada instead of leaving for professional leagues.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Controlling Body Formed At C.A.H.A. Meet|last=Clarke|first=Robert|date=April 16, 1940|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=15 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-16-1940-1471642/}}{{free access}}</ref>

In September 1940, Hardy announced a one-year agreement was reached with the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL) to reimburse the amateur associations, which included $250 for signing an amateur and another $250 if the amateur played in the NHL.<ref name="sep-13-1940" /> The new professional-amateur agreement was signed by Frank Calder on behalf of the NHL in October 1940, and also applied to leagues in the BIHA and the Eastern Amateur Hockey League in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|title=Clubs Will Share Reimbursement Under This Plan|date=October 18, 1940|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=20 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-18-1940-1471816/}}{{free access}}</ref> The distribution of the development funds from the NHL was based on the service time the amateur had with each respective club.<ref>{{cite news |title=Notes On Meeting Of A.A.H.A.|date=November 12, 1940|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=5 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-12-1940-1471858/}}{{free access}}</ref> The agreement included allowing the NHL to sign a limited number of junior age players.<ref name="jan-02-1941">{{cite news|title=Close Co-Operation Exists Between Hockey Organizations|date=January 2, 1941|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=12 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-02-1941-1472056/}}{{free access}}</ref>

Hardy decided on disputes of players becoming professionals, and reinstatements as amateurs.<ref>{{cite news|title=Regina Claims Players|date=October 27, 1941|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=16|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-27-1941-1472376/}}{{free access}}</ref> He committed to decide on all application within 15 days to expedite transfers and reinstatements due to wartime enlistments and travel restrictions.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hope Announce Lengthy List At Week-End|date=November 8, 1941|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=18|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-08-1941-1472394/}}{{free access}}</ref> He stated, "we believe that the movement between professional and amateur ranks should be made as easy as possible", which included former professionals being welcomed back in amateur.<ref name="jan-02-1941" />

By 1942, the agreement had brought in $17,241 in development fees to junior teams. Demand for junior-aged players during the [[1941–42 NHL season]] was higher due to war-time travel restrictions on older players.<ref>{{cite news|title=Amateurs Receive $17,000|date=April 20, 1942|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=15 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-20-1942-1474767/}}{{free access}}</ref> Calder reported there was a general agreement with the amateur leagues that a junior-aged player should be able to determine his own financial future due to the war.<ref>{{cite news|title=Young Players For N.H.L. Clubs?|date=August 22, 1942|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune |location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=19|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-aug-22-1942-1474780/}}{{free access}}</ref>

In 1943, Hardy recommended adjustments in amateur payments for players becoming professional, since many later enlisted shortly after signing a contract.<ref>{{cite news|title=$38,000 Profit In Puck Series|date=April 26, 1943|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune |location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=16|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-26-1943-1474824/}}{{free access}}</ref> He felt that under normal circumstances, junior-aged players should not be signed to professional contracts. He negotiated wartime measures with the NHL, without opposition being raised by presidents of the provincial associations.<ref>{{cite news|title=Halt Concessions To Major League|date=October 29, 1943|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=16 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-29-1943-1474827/}}{{free access}}</ref> The Pacific Coast Hockey League began in 1944, and competed for junior-aged players. Hardy ruled that since the league operated under affiliation with AHAUS, the existing international transfer rules and professional–amateur agreement would apply to the new league.<ref>{{cite news|title=Protest Signing Teen-age Players|date=October 17, 1944|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=12|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-17-1944-1475399/}}{{free access}}</ref>

In April 1945, Hardy was re-elected president, and Lockhart was re-elected first vice-president. Frank F. Sargent was elected the second vice-president, and Dudley was elected the secretary.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hanson Dowell Heads C.A.H.A.|date=April 17, 1945|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=8|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-17-1945-1475471/}}{{free access}}</ref> By 1946, the professional–amateur agreement provided more than $45,000 in development fees. The association and the NHL agreed to enforce suspensions for players not fulfilling a tryout contract.<ref name="jan-02-1946">{{cite news|title=Allan Cup Finals Awarded To West|date=January 2, 1946|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=11|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-02-1946-1475539/}}{{free access}}</ref> Hardy then declined transfers to those under such a contract.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hardy Backs Up Scottish Loop|date=August 30, 1946|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=15|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-aug-30-1946-1475620/}}{{free access}}</ref>

In May 1946, the NHL proposed a flat payment of $20,000 to cover all players being signed to professional contracts, whereas the CAHA requested $2000 for any player remaining in the NHL for more than a year.<ref name="may-03-1946">{{cite news|title=NHL Makes $20,000 Offer: Pros Propose Flat Payment to C.A.H.A.|date=May 3, 1946|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=15|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-03-1946-1493529/}}{{free access}}</ref> Hardy felt the CAHA was at a disadvantage to press too hard, and wanted to maintain good relations with the NHL and AHAUS.<ref>{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. Rejects National League Proposal: Amateurs To Press For Better Deal|date=May 6, 1946|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=12|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-06-1946-1493541/}}{{free access}}</ref> The flat rate offer was later accepted with the stipulation that a junior-aged player could sign a contract at age 16, but not play professional until age 18.<ref>{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. and N.H.L. Reach Hockey Player Agreement|date=June 20, 1946|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=16|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-20-1946-1493559/}}{{free access}}</ref>

Lockhart threatened to resign as vice-president and withdraw AHAUS from the association in January 1947, after the CAHA requested a $100 fee for international transfers. He refused the fee, stating the CAHA had no authority to make that request. Several players had left Canada without proper documentation, but Hardy ultimately allowed the players to remain in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|title=Amateur Hockey Groups In Muddle|last=Dumsday|first=William H.|date=January 18, 1947|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=17|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-18-1947-1462553/}}{{free access}}</ref>

==World hockey relations==
At the 1944 CAHA general meeting in Montreal, a motion was passed to sever relations with the LIHG. Another a motion of confidence was passed in the International Ice Hockey Association, and closer relationships between the CAHA, AHAUS and the BIHA.<ref>{{cite news|title=Old Slate Of Officers Re-elected By C.A.H.A.|date=April 13, 1944|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=10|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-13-1944-1475331/}}{{free access}}</ref>

In April 1945, Hardy envisioned an amateur hockey World Series after World War II, involving teams from Canada, the United States, England and Scotland.<ref name="apr-18-1945">{{cite news|title=Hardy Sees Amateur Hockey "World Series" After War|date=April 18, 1945|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=19|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-18-1945-1475505/}}{{free access}}</ref> The proposed series would be an annual event between the North American and European champion to begin in 1947 or 1948.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dispute Over Team Selection Denied|date=November 27, 1946|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-27-1946-1475623/}}{{free access}}</ref>

Hardy expected hockey to grow after the war, and said proper rules had been established to limited transfers and prevent raiding of Canadian rosters. He expected a large number of Canadian soldiers stationed in Europe to remain there playing hockey.<ref name="apr-18-1945" /> Post-war plans were discussed on how to co-ordinate classification of clubs for international competition.<ref name="jan-02-1946" /> In May 1946, the [[Swedish Ice Hockey Association]] and [[Fédération Française de Hockey sur Glace|French Ice Hockey Federation]] expressed interest in joining the association.<ref name="may-03-1946" />

==Merger with the LIHG==
The association met in August 1946 in New York City, along with guests from the [[Scottish Ice Hockey|Scottish Ice Hockey Association]], French and Swedish associations.<ref>{{cite news|title=Will Discuss World Hockey|date=July 31, 1946|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=15|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jul-31-1946-1475611/}}{{free access}}</ref> At the meeting, it was agreed to propose a merger with the LIHG to oversee international ice hockey. A proposal would also be submitted for the Ice Hockey World Championships to alternate between Europe and North America, with the Olympic hockey tournaments played under the same rules as the CAHA and the NHL.<ref>{{cite news|title=World Hockey Merger Urged|date=August 13, 1946|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=12 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-aug-13-1946-1458525/}}{{free access}}</ref> Hardy's resolution from 1941 stated the merger was acceptable if the CAHA definition of amateur was approved, the membership and voting system was acceptable to the CAHA, and that AHAUS be admitted as a member to the merged organization. The CAHA sought to have Hardy nominated as vice-president of the new governing body, and Dudley as its secretary.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dowell Will Attend Hockey Merger Parley|date=December 28, 1946|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=29|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-dec-28-1946-1475655/}}{{free access}}</ref>

The CAHA attended the LIHG meeting during the [[1947 World Ice Hockey Championships]] in [[Prague]], and pushed for the definition of amateur to be anyone not actively engaged in professional sport.<ref>{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. Seeks Recognition Of Definition|date=February 5, 1947|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=27|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-05-1947-1462557/}}{{free access}}</ref> Incoming CAHA president Allan Pickard stated that the CAHA and AHAUS would operate with complete autonomy under the structure of the agreement to join the LIHG.<ref>{{cite news|title=Harmony Prevails On Hockey Front|last=Clarke |first=Robert|date=May 6, 1947|newspaper=Medicine Hat Daily News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=3 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-06-1947-1462597/}}{{free access}}</ref> The LIHG agreed to a merger where the presidency would alternate between North America and Europe every three years, and recognized AHAUS as the governing body of hockey in the United States. A decision on increased voting power for the CAHA was deferred, and the CAHA was permitted to have its own definition of amateur as long as teams at the Olympic games adhered to existing LIHG rules. Hardy agreed to the merger and accepted the vice-presidency of the LIHG.<ref>{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. Gains Few Points At Prague Hockey Confab|date=March 22, 1947|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=33|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-22-1947-1462563/}}{{free access}}</ref> The Association was dissolved on July 1, 1947.<ref>{{cite news|title=May Not Have Team at Olympics|date=May 6, 1947 |newspaper=Medicine Hat Daily News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=3 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-06-1947-1462598/}}{{free access}}</ref> The LIHG was renamed the [[International Ice Hockey Federation]] in 1948, and Hardy served as its president from 1948 to 1951.<ref name="Trimmer">{{cite news|title=Prof. George Hardy: Author-Educationist |last=Trimmer|first=Bob|date=September 21, 1963|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=5 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-21-1963-1461284/}}{{free access}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{IIHF}}

{{Wikipedia}}

[[Category:Ice hockey governing bodies]]

International Ice Hockey Association - Revision history

Admin: Created page with "The '''International Ice Hockey Association''' was a governing body for international ice hockey. It was established in 1940 when the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association..."