10 Key Takeaways from the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Sweden and Denmark

By Lucas Aykroyd

The 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship concluded recently in Stockholm and Herning, captivating fans with a series of thrilling matches and standout performances. As anticipation builds for the upcoming 2026 Olympics in Milan, here are ten significant insights gleaned from this year’s tournament.

1. A Historic Victory for the United States

The U.S. men's ice hockey team secured a monumental victory, ending a 92-year championship drought. Tage Thompson's overtime goal against Switzerland marked a significant achievement, adding to the momentum of USA Hockey, which also celebrated gold at the World Juniors and the Women's World Championship earlier this year. This victory has elevated expectations as the U.S. prepares for the Olympics, seeking its first Olympic gold since 1980. ### 2. Challenges for Switzerland and Sweden

Both Switzerland and Sweden faced disappointment, taking home silver and bronze medals, respectively. Switzerland, despite leading the tournament in scoring and boasting a strong roster, faltered under pressure in the final, marking their second consecutive year being shut out in championship games. Sweden's struggles were similarly evident as they lost to the United States in the semifinals for the second year running, highlighting their ongoing difficulty in clutch situations.

3. Goalies Take Center Stage

Leonardo Genoni of Switzerland was recognized as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, boasting an impressive statistics line with a 0.99 GAA and four shutouts. His achievement marks a trend, as he becomes the third goalie to earn MVP honors in recent years, following fellow netminders who won the award in previous tournaments.

4. Upsets Abound

Denmark recorded a historic upset against Canada, winning 2-1 in a quarter-final that many expected Canada to dominate. This surprising outcome is a reminder that in international hockey, upsets can occur, reminiscent of famous historical moments like the "Miracle on Ice."

5. Veteran Players Shine

Veteran players displayed resilience and skill, with several over the age of 35 making significant contributions. Sidney Crosby, 37, led the Canadian team with 12 points, while Czech captain Roman Cervenka, 39, notched 14 points. Swiss player Andres Ambuhl, playing in his last tournament at 41, also made an impact, emphasizing that age does not eliminate competitiveness in ice hockey.

6. Balancing Confidence with Realism

Switzerland's success in the preliminary rounds may have contributed to a false sense of security leading into the final match. While strong performances against weaker teams provided confidence, they highlighted the need for teams to maintain a realistic view of the competition as they approach critical knockout rounds.

7. Growth of Smaller Nations

The tournament underscored the advancing quality of smaller hockey nations, with teams like Austria and Slovenia making notable progress. Austria reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 1994, and Slovenia avoided relegation in a competitive field, showcasing the increasing parity in international hockey.

8. Norway's Consistency

Norway secured their place among the top 16 teams for the seventeenth consecutive year. Following a tumultuous tournament run, they secured a spot in 2026 with a determined win over Hungary, illustrating their steady growth in international play.

9. Finland's Offensive Struggles

Finland's men’s team continues to grapple with offensive issues, falling short in the last three tournaments, including their recent seventh-place finish. Their lack of goal production has hindered their ability to advance, raising questions about their offensive strategies as they prepare for the Olympics.

10. Candidates for the Olympic Roster

With the Olympics approaching, several players used this tournament to enhance their chances of being selected for their national teams. Performances from U.S. players like Thompson and Keller, alongside Canada’s Konecny, highlighted emerging talent that could play a key role in future competitions.

As the ice hockey community reflects on this year's tournament, these takeaways provide insight into the current landscape of international hockey and set the stage for the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan.