Organisers switched the hosts from Spišská Nová Ves to Piešťany after it was decided the former Slovakian town did not have sufficient accommodation capacity.

"Piešťany as a spa town has all the prerequisites to create the right background for the players not only in terms of accommodation, but also for regeneration opportunities," said Peter Jancovic, the Mayor of Piešťany.

"We believe that we will be good hosts and the residents and visitors will create a great atmosphere for the players."

The under-18 national team of the hosts, Japan, Norway, Denmark, France and Kazakhstan are scheduled to compete in this year’s edition with the teams fighting for a return to the world elite under-18 category.

The six teams will play 15 matches in total and the winner will progress to the world elite while the bottom-placed side will be relegated to the category below.

This edition of the competition was due to be staged in 2020 but the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to be postponed.

The IIHF noted that current regulations in Slovakia means stadiums can reach their full capacity.

"Given our experience, we are 100 per cent prepared to organise the event," said Miroslav Šatan, President of the Slovak Ice Hockey Association.

"We will do our best to create the best possible conditions for all participants.

"Naturally, as a representative of Slovak hockey, I hope that our boys will return to the elite and build on the great result of the national A-team at the Winter Olympics in Beijing."