The 2025 IIHF World Championship kicked off today, bringing together 16 nations in a thrilling international ice hockey showdown. The tournament, hosted in Sweden and Denmark, features teams divided into two groups of eight, with Group A playing in Stockholm and Group B in Herning. This year’s championship runs from May 9 to May 25, and fans are eager to see if Team USA can finally break its gold medal drought, having last won the title in 1933.
As the tournament began, all eyes were on the opening matchups. In Group A, Finland faced Austria at 10:20 a.m. ET, while Slovakia took on Sweden later in the day at 2:20 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, in Group B, Czechia squared off against Switzerland at the same time as the United States prepared to battle Denmark.
Team USA, often viewed as the tournament's underdog, is loaded with talent this year. With players like Matty Beniers, Brady Skjei, and Joey Daccord, they are determined to redeem themselves after a disappointing performance last year, where they were eliminated in the knockout stages. The Americans are looking to assert themselves in Group B, which is considered competitive but manageable.
On the other hand, Czechia enters the tournament as the reigning world champions, boasting star player David Pastrnak among their ranks. The Czech team is known for its high-scoring games and will aim to replicate their successful run from last year. They will need to stay sharp against teams like Switzerland and the USA, who are both formidable opponents.
Canada, a perennial powerhouse in international hockey, is also looking to reclaim its glory after finishing fourth in last year's tournament. With Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon leading the charge, this squad is expected to make a strong push for the gold. Canada’s roster is packed with talent, including rising stars like Adam Fantilli and seasoned veterans like Marc-Andre Fleury. The pressure is on for Canada to perform, especially in a tough Group A that includes Sweden and Finland.
Sweden, the host nation, is always a contender, fielding a balanced team with a mix of youth and experience. Stars like Mika Zibanejad and Elias Lindholm will be crucial for their success. The Swedish squad is known for its disciplined play and strong defensive strategies, which will be tested in their opening matchup against Slovakia.
Speaking of Slovakia, they face a challenging road ahead, having lost many potential players to disputes with their federation. This situation leaves them relying on a mix of local league players and young prospects. As they navigate this difficult terrain, they will look to players like Juraj Slafkovsky to step up and lead the team.
Latvia, fresh off their historic bronze medal win last year, is another team to watch. They are known for their passionate fan base and underdog spirit. However, the pressure will be on to perform again, especially with tough matchups against Finland and Sweden looming.
Austria and Slovenia are also in the mix, with both teams hoping to pull off some surprises. Austria, led by Marco Kasper, is looking to build on last year’s performance, while Slovenia's success hinges on whether they can secure Anze Kopitar’s participation.
Finland, known for their hard-nosed style of play, is expected to be competitive. They feature a strong roster with players like Eeli Tolvanen and Joona Koppanen. The Finnish team will be eager to start strong against Austria in their opening match.
As the tournament progresses, the format will shift to a single-elimination playoff after the preliminary round, which means every game counts. The top four teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, set to take place on May 22. Following that, the semifinals will be held on May 24, culminating in the bronze and gold medal games on May 25.
Fans can catch all the action live. In the U.S., games will be broadcast on NHL Network, with streaming options available through platforms like Fubo and ESPN+. Canadian viewers can tune in via TSN, while fans in the U.K. can catch the games on Premier Sports. Additionally, ice hockey enthusiasts in Austria can watch select matches for free on ORF.
With so much talent on display and the stakes higher than ever, the 2025 IIHF World Championship promises to deliver excitement and drama. Will Team USA finally break their gold medal drought? Can Canada reclaim their status as the top nation? Only time will tell as the tournament unfolds in the coming weeks.
