In 2015 the IIHF World Championship of ice hockey is played in Czech Republic May 1 – May 17. In the group stage the 16 teams are divided into two groups. The teams in each group will face each other once and the top 4 teams in each group will go through to the quarterfinals.
Group A:
Sweden
Canada
Czech Republic
Switzerland
Latvia
France
Germany
Austria
Comment: Group A is hard to predict. The results rely much on a number of factors:
- Will Sweden get any reinforcements from the NHL?
- Will Czech Republic be raised or drowned by the home pressure?
- Is Canada motivated to play the tournament?
- Can Switzerland cut off a scalp or two as the usual underdog?
The above four teams should reach the quarterfinals anyways, in which order time will tell.
Group B:
Finland
Russia
United States
Slovakia
Norway
Belarus
Slovenia
Denmark
Comment: Finland, Russia and United States should be able to reach the quarterfinals but the battle for the fourth spot is going to be hard. Slovakia could claim it but Norway, Denmark and Belarus are all known to take the odd win against stronger teams every now and then.
Playoffs:
The playoffs start with quarterfinals May 14.
The semifinals are played May 16.
The bronze medal game and the final are played May 17.
We’re looking forward an exciting World Championship!
