The excitement is building as the Eishockey-WM 2025 prepares to drop the puck in Sweden and Denmark from May 9 to May 25. This year, hockey fans are in for a treat with multiple viewing options and a highly competitive lineup, including Germany's strong ambitions to reclaim its place among the elite in international ice hockey.
The tournament will take place in two vibrant cities: Stockholm and Herning. Stockholm's Avicii Arena, with a capacity of 13,850, will host several key matches, while Herning's Jyske Bank Boxen, holding 12,000 spectators, will be the battleground for Group B games. The anticipation is palpable as 16 nations gear up to vie for the coveted title.
Germany, fresh off a strong performance in the previous tournament, is eager to make a significant impact. The team reached the quarterfinals last year but fell to Switzerland with a score of 1-3. This time around, the expectations are high, especially with the DEB team facing formidable opponents in Group B: the defending champions, the Czech Republic, the silver medalists, Switzerland, and the USA.
Coaching the German national team is Harold Kreis, a former player who has become a club icon with the Adler Mannheim. Since taking over in March 2023, Kreis has worked tirelessly to prepare the team for the challenges ahead. "We are focused and ready to compete at the highest level," Kreis remarked, emphasizing the team's commitment to advancing further than last year.
The tournament format will see the 16 teams split into two groups of eight. Each team will play against every other team in their group, with the top four from each group moving on to the quarterfinals. The action kicks off with the group stage from May 9 to May 20, followed by the quarterfinals on May 22, the semifinals on May 24, and the final showdown on May 25.
For fans in Germany, there are three primary ways to catch all the action live. ProSieben will broadcast all games featuring the German national team live and free of charge, similar to the coverage in 2024. ProSieben MAXX will also air seven preliminary round games and one quarterfinal match. Commentators Basti Schwele and Rick Goldmann will provide insights, with Matthias Killing hosting and Uwe Krupp serving as the expert analyst.
In addition to these broadcasts, Sportdeutschland.TV has acquired the exclusive streaming rights for all 64 tournament games, with 43 of those games available only on their platform. Their commentary team includes Tobias Fischbeck, Christoph Fetzer, and Constantin Eckner, alongside experts Frank Mauer and Christian Ehrhoff.
Another option for fans is Magenta Sport, which will show 18 live games, including all matches featuring the German team. Veteran broadcaster Sascha Bandermann will lead the coverage, with Alex Kunz as the commentator and Patrick Ehelechner providing expert analysis.
As the tournament approaches, the schedule is packed with exciting matchups. Germany's first game is against Hungary on Saturday, May 10, at 16:20. Following that, they will face Kazakhstan on May 11, Norway on May 13, Switzerland on May 15, the USA on May 17, and finally, the Czech Republic on May 19, before concluding the group stage against Denmark on May 20.
The stakes are high in Group B, with each game pivotal for Germany's aspirations of advancing to the knockout stages. The team's recent history has set a solid foundation, and the players are eager to build on their past successes. "We know what we're capable of and are ready to show it on the ice," said team captain, emphasizing the squad's determination.
Fans can expect thrilling encounters as Germany battles some of the world's best teams. The atmosphere in the arenas is sure to be electric, with passionate supporters rallying behind their nations. The blend of seasoned veterans and young talent in the German squad presents a compelling narrative for the tournament.
As the opening match approaches, the excitement continues to build. The Eishockey-WM 2025 promises to deliver unforgettable moments, fierce competition, and the chance for Germany to make its mark on the international stage once again. With multiple viewing options, fans are well-equipped to follow every slap shot, save, and goal as their national team aims for glory.
Mark your calendars and get ready for a thrilling month of hockey action. The puck drops on May 9, and the journey to find the next world champion begins!
