Home SPORTS Ice Hockey World Championships 2025: Teams, Schedule, and Favorites

Ice Hockey World Championships 2025: Teams, Schedule, and Favorites

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Get ready for the 2025 Ice Hockey World Championships. Check out the Group B teams, including Denmark, Czech Republic, Switzerland, USA, Germany, Norway, Hungary, and Kazakhstan, as they battle for a spot in the playoffs.



Host nation Denmark faces tough competition in Group B of the Ice Hockey World Championships. They'll play against defending champions Czech Republic, the U.S., and Switzerland.


Denmark's Challenge at the 2025 World Championships

Denmark aims to improve on their 13th-place finish from last year, when they were outscored 29-15, and hopes to capitalize on having the tournament partly staged on home ice. However, they'll face a significant challenge without their NHL stars, including Nikolaj Ehlers, Lars Eller, Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Frederik Andersen, who played key roles in past successes.


The Danish defense, led by Jesper Jensen Aabo, will need to be solid, while goaltending duo Frederik Dichow and Sebastian Dahm will face tough tests against top teams. Crucial matches against Hungary, Kazakhstan, Germany, and Norway will determine Denmark's chances of reaching the playoff stages.


Czech Republic's Quest for Back-to-Back Titles

The Czech Republic arrives in Denmark as reigning world champions, seeking to repeat their title-winning feat from last year under coach Radim Rulik. With stars like David Pastrnak and Filip Hronek, anything less than a medal would be a disappointment.


Goalkeeper Karel Vejmelka is expected to lead the team, though replicating Lukas Dostal's all-star performance will be challenging. Veteran captain Roman Červenka, the IIHF Male Player of the Year, aims to inspire the squad of primarily Europe-based skaters to success.


Germany's Medal Hopes

Germany has consistently reached the playoffs in seven of the last eight World Championships, including a silver medal finish in 2023. With veteran NHL players like Philipp Grubauer, Moritz Seider, Tim Stutzle, and JJ Peterka, another quarterfinal spot seems achievable.


Despite past defeats to top teams like Sweden, the USA, and Switzerland, coach Harald Kreis' team hopes to challenge for medals if they can hit form at the right time during the tournament in Herning.


Switzerland's Consistent Contender Status

Switzerland has made significant progress in ice hockey over the last decade under coach Patrick Fischer, who has led the team since 2015. After reaching the final last year and finishing as runner-up, the Swiss have proven themselves as consistent contenders, with three silver medals in the last 13 years (2013, 2018, and 2024).


41-year-old Andres Ambühl will play his last World Championship, leading a strong Swiss team featuring players like Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, Jonas Siegenthaler, Janis Moser, and goalie Leonardo Genoni.


Switzerland's tournament begins with a rematch of last year's final against the Czech Republic.


U.S. Medal Hopes

The U.S. hasn't won gold at the Ice Hockey World Championships since 1933, but with a roster full of NHL experience under coach Ryan Warsofsky, they have a good chance of reaching the final.


The Americans boast significant firepower upfront, led by players like Clayton Keller, who had a 90-point season, and Tage Thompson, who surpassed 40 goals for the second time this year.


Defensively, Brady Skjei brings nearly 700 NHL games of experience, while young talents like Logan Cooley and Cole Hutson add promising depth to the team.


The Americans have a strong track record, reaching the final at the past 11 World Championships.


Norway's Challenge

Norway has been in the top division since 2006, reaching three quarterfinals since 2008. With a strong desire to preserve their elite status, especially after missing out on recent Olympic qualifications, they'll look to perform well on home Nordic soil.


However, Norway's team is depleted, missing some key players who previously led the charge, which could impact their chances.


Norway will be without key players like NHL's Mats Zuccarello and AHL prospects Emilio Pettersen and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard.


The team will also miss longtime power forward Patrick Thoresen, who retired from the national team at 41, following in the footsteps of Henrik Haukeland.


Hungary's Survival Challenge

Hungary returns to the top division after a one-year absence with low expectations, aiming to avoid relegation. Their goal will be to outdo teams like Kazakhstan and Norway, which could be challenging given their reliance on veterans like Istvan Sofron, Istvan Bartalis, and Balazs Sebok.


Kazakhstan's Challenge

Kazakhstan finished 12th last year, but replicating that performance will be tough, especially with key players Nikita Boyarkin and Andrey Shutov out injured.


The team, led by veterans Roman Starchenko and Nikita Mikhailis, hopes to secure crucial points early on to ensure their spot in the top division before facing tough matches against the Czechs, Americans, and Swiss.



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