The Eishockey-Weltmeisterschaft 2025 is set to captivate fans from May 9 to May 25, as the world's top ice hockey nations converge in Herning, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden. With 16 teams competing in a total of 64 matches, the tournament promises to deliver thrilling action, showcasing the best talents in the sport. The German national team, coming off a silver medal finish in 2023, aims to make its mark again, but faces tough competition in a challenging group.
Germany's journey begins on Saturday, May 10, 2025, when they take on Hungary at 16:20 in Herning. This match is crucial for the DEB-Team, which is looking to start strong in Group B, which also includes the defending champions Czech Republic, the USA, and Switzerland. The group stage will be held at the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning, where the German team will play all its preliminary matches.
After their opener against Hungary, Germany will face Kazakhstan on May 11, followed by a tough match against Norway on May 13. The schedule continues with a highly anticipated game against Switzerland on May 15, and then a showdown with the USA on May 17. The group stage will culminate in a match against the Czech Republic on May 19 and a final group game against the host nation, Denmark, on May 20.
"We have high expectations for this tournament," said German head coach Harold Kreis. "The team has shown great potential, and with players like Moritz Seider and Lukas Reichel joining us, we believe we can compete at a high level. Our goal is to reach the quarter-finals and, with a bit of luck, maybe even more."
Seider, a standout defenseman who missed the NHL playoffs with the Detroit Red Wings, brings valuable experience to the squad. Reichel is also expected to make a significant impact, adding depth to the German lineup. The presence of these NHL talents is crucial as Germany looks to build on its past successes.
The Eishockey-Weltmeisterschaft 2025 will feature a total of 64 matches played over 17 days. The tournament kicks off with a thrilling opening day on May 9, where two heavyweights, the USA and the Czech Republic, will also be in action. The first day will see Austria face Finland and Sweden take on Slovakia, while Denmark will go against the USA in the evening.
The tournament format consists of two groups of eight teams, with each team playing every other team in their group. The top four teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, culminating in the final match on May 25 at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm.
Fans will have ample opportunity to catch the action, as ProSieben and ProSieben MAXX will broadcast 20 games live, including all matches featuring the German team, both semi-finals, the third-place match, and the final. Additionally, fans can stream the matches for free on platforms like Joyn and ran.de, with all games available on Sportdeutschland.tv for those wanting to catch every moment of the tournament.
Germany's group stage matches are set to be thrilling encounters. Following the match against Hungary, the team will be tested against Kazakhstan, where a win is expected to set a positive tone for the rest of the tournament. The match against Norway will be another crucial test, as the team seeks to secure points against a competitive opponent.
As the tournament progresses, the match against Switzerland will be one to watch. The Swiss team, known for its strong defensive play, will challenge Germany's offensive capabilities, making it a pivotal game for both teams. The USA match will also be a highlight, as the American team is traditionally strong and will provide a formidable challenge.
Germany's final group game against the Czech Republic will be a must-watch, especially given the intense rivalry and the stakes involved. With the Czech team being the reigning champions, Germany will look to make a statement and potentially secure a favorable position heading into the knockout rounds.
The knockout stage will feature the top teams from each group facing off in a best-of-one elimination format. The quarter-finals will take place on May 22, followed by the semi-finals on May 24, and the final on May 25. The atmosphere in Stockholm is expected to be electric, especially with the home crowd supporting Sweden, who are also strong contenders for the title.
In recent years, the Eishockey-Weltmeisterschaft has seen exciting performances and unexpected results. The 2024 tournament saw the Czech Republic claim gold, while Germany's impressive silver finish in 2023 has raised expectations for this year's competition. As the tournament approaches, fans are eager to see if Germany can replicate its past success and make a deep run in the championship.
With the stage set and the teams ready to compete, the Eishockey-Weltmeisterschaft 2025 promises to be an unforgettable event for ice hockey enthusiasts around the globe. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the ice to see who will emerge victorious and take home the coveted title.
