The 62-year-old Swiss dentist was first elected as head of the IIHF in 1994 when he suceeded Gunther Sabetzki, who had held the post since 1975.

If Fasel completes his latest full term he will become the longest-serving President of the IIHF. 

Since becoming president, Fasel, also member of the International Olympic Committee's ruling Executive Board, has played a key role in forging closer ties between the IIHF and the NHL, the sport's most powerful professional league.

He has vowed to do everything in his power to ensure as many NHL players as possible participate in the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi.

The IIHF's three vice-presidents were also elected by acclmation.

Finland's Kalervo Kummola will continue to represent Europe and Africa after being re-elected. 

Canadian Bob Nicholson was elected as new vice-president for the Americas to succeed countryman Murray Costello, who retired.

Hong Kong's Thomas Wu was elected as new Vice President for Asia and Oceania, replacing Japan's Shoichi Tomita, who has stood down.

A new ruling Council was also elected. 

Germany's Beate Grupp, Sweden's Christer Englund, America's Tony Rossi and Spain's Frank Gonzalez retained their places and will be joined by Hungary's Zsuzsanna Kolbenheyer, Russia's Vladislav Tretiak, France's Luc Tardif, Slovakia's Igor Nemecek and Denmark's Henrik Bach Nielsen, who were all elected. 

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