It seems as though Irish hockey messed up when they didn't try to do what rugby has done for a hundred years and compete as an island under one federation instead of having the split (The IRFU is the governing body for the whole island, not just the Republic). Obviously politics (both national as well as IIHF politics) makes that much easier said than done.
This would be a good idea and wish it was started, but I think the damage is done for now. Something needs to be change!
This is what I know about the situation, correct me if I am wrong:
Northern Ireland (NI) players can get a Ireland passport if they claim Irish citizenship, then they must sign with the Ireland Ice Hockey Association (IIHA) and play 2 years in the Irish Hockey League to qualify for the national team. British Ice Hockey has recommeded players to do this, since they are on the island of Ireland, making travel easier and building up the IIHA. However, it seems the IIHA has messed up and was telling players from NI they do not need the ITC's and just come over and play.
This would be the same if a NI player who declared Irish citizenship, signed an ITC to play in Ireland, BUT decided they wanted to play for the Team Britain instead. That player would have to get their UK passport, then get an ITC to play in Wales, England, Scotland for 2 years, then will become eligible for Team Britain. You can see how this is a mess.
Well, now comes the truly messed up part, the IIHA sat on its hands while the ONLY rink in Ireland closed up shop! So how can a player from NI play in Ireland for 2 years when there is no rink in Ireland??
Team Ireland can't even find practice time.
There is a long list forming of complaints against the IIHA, some far fetched, but some seem credible. Even rumours of a suit against the IIHA by some disgruntled NI players and parents because the IIHA took registration money and now this issue is arising.
Can't say I have heard too many good things about the IIHA and it seems like things are coming to a head soon.
I hope the situation can get resolved soon. Hockey was just starting to grow there, terrible thing like this to happen!