It includes a framework for coaching development as well as for players, with a new video titled "Drill Hub" also being posted.

IIHF President René Fasel celebrated the launch of the Development Hub during a video call with each of the 81 member associations of the IIHF.

"All of you now have access to over 500 ice hockey drill and exercise videos, and so many other resources that have been carefully chosen to help you develop your coaches and players within your countries," said Fasel.

The launch comes during a period where many ice hockey nations are unable to participate on ice due to limitations caused by COVID-19.

It is also a boost to nations in the wake of many IIHF competitions being cancelled due to the pandemic.

The IIHF Development Hub will equip member associations with the necessary resources to rebuild their domestic development plans, it is hoped.

"The idea came from the top IIHF leadership and the two respective Committees, those being coaching as well as youth and junior development," said IIHF membership development manager Aku Nieminen, who has seen more than 100 people contribute to the project over the past couple of years.

"We acknowledged the need for us to refresh and invest more into our online resources and make those available to the world in order to support the Member National Associations and their clubs in the development of the game.

"Not all materials are brand new, but we have certainly created a lot of new resources and addressed new areas on which we have not given guidance before.

Different aspects of ice hockey are covered in the new Development Hub, including player recruitment, learn to play, player development and coaching and development programmes.

There are already more than 500 videos in the library for the player development guide, focusing on skills for both on and off the ice.