The Belgian ice hockey community has reason to celebrate once again. Last month, Tina Moons and Ben Boute successfully completed the prestigious IIHF MNA Developer program. Their graduation marks not only a personal achievement, but also a significant reinforcement and rejuvenation of the federal structure of the Royal Belgian Ice Hockey Federation (RBIHF).
Chairman Marc Verlinden, who emphasized the importance of succession planning as a cornerstone of his leadership when elected, sees these appointments as a concrete step toward long-term continuity. “It is essential to invest today in the leaders of tomorrow,” Verlinden explains. “With Tina and Ben, we are bringing in not only expertise, but also fresh energy and new perspectives.”
Ben Boute – MVP of the Class, Driving Youth Development
Ben Boute, who was also named MVP of his class, will now oversee the entire development program from U8 to U20. In this role, he will work closely with Kelly Verbinnen on development leagues, with Nick Baeten on Talent Pool activities, and will lead the national U18 and U20 teams. His appointment brings a strong boost to youth development and talent nurturing in Belgium.
Tina Moons – Leading the National Women’s Program
Tina Moons also steps into a key leadership role within the federation. She will head the entire national women’s program from U8 to SEN. Her responsibilities include development leagues, the Talent Pool, and the national women’s teams U18 and SEN. Her appointment marks a major step forward in the professionalization and growth of women’s ice hockey in Belgium.
A Broader Vision for Growth and Retention
These appointments are part of a broader strategic vision. RBIHF is preparing to introduce new roles focused on recruitment and retention in the coming month, aimed at supporting the sport’s growth and providing stronger support to clubs. This is a clear illustration of how the federation, under Marc Verlinden’s leadership, is committed to sustainable development, talent management, and future-proofing its structure.