Hockey Association votes to keep old head

Igor Nemeček was re-elected Slovak Ice Hockey Association (SZLH) president for another four years at the association's congress in Bratislava that took nearly seven hours to complete. Nemeček, who has held the post since June 2011, received 58 votes. His challenger Richard Lintner, who was a member of Slovakia's squad that won the gold medals at the IIHF World Ice-hockey Championship in 2002, garnered support from 45 of the congress's delegates. Nemeček, 54, was also SZLH's secretary-general from 1999-2009. Also elected were the three members of SZLH's supervisory board - Andrej Gmitter (who will also act in the capacity of the board's chairman), Ivan Droppa and Lubomir Vaic. Nemeček had this to say after the vote: "Thanks to everyone who supported me." He went on to propose a list of six names for the executive committee, which was then approved. Meanwhile, Lintner wouldn't conceal his disappointment. "I was sure that the offer we come up with for Slovak ice hockey was unique. We've unveiled an attractive plan, and it seems that my competitor has made use of much of it and will attempt to draw from it," said Lintner, who played four seasons in the NHL with three different teams.