Ice Hockey World Championships 2024 | How to Watch it on TV & Stream
It's finally time for another Ice Hockey World Championship, and the excitement is at its peak. Historically, team USA has been a strong contender, and it remains to be seen how they will perform this year. Here is everything you want to know about the IIHF World Championships 2024!
Tournament Format
The 2024 Ice Hockey World Championships will feature 16 countries divided into two groups based on their world rankings. Each group consists of eight teams. During the group stage, each team plays against the other seven teams in its group. The top four teams from each group will then advance to the quarterfinals.
In the knockout phase, teams from different groups will compete according to a predetermined schedule: the first-place team from Group A will face the fourth-place team from Group B, the second-place team from Group A will face the third-place team from Group B, and so forth. After the quarterfinals, the tournament continues with the semifinals, where the highest-ranked team from previous matches faces the lowest-ranked, and the second-highest faces the third-highest. The winners of the semifinals will then compete in the grand final to contend for the gold medal, while the losers will play for the bronze.
Tournament Venues
The 2024 Ice Hockey World Championships will be hosted in the Czech Republic from May 10 to 26, specifically in the cities of Prague and Ostrava. These cities have previously hosted the championship, using the same arenas as in past years:
- O2 Arena in Prague - This arena is one of the largest in the Czech Republic and has hosted several major events, including previous Ice Hockey World Championships. Known for its fantastic atmosphere and modern facilities, it is a favorite among fans and players alike.
- Ostravar Arena in Ostrava - Like the O2 Arena, this venue has also hosted significant ice hockey events. Located in the industrial city of Ostrava, it is known for its lively audience and passionate local population, creating a unique and engaging atmosphere for the matches.
Group Stage of the IIHF World Championships
Group A
Group A looks strong with teams like Canada, Finland, and the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic, playing at home, has a good chance to advance far in the tournament, while Switzerland, despite inconsistent results, has the potential to surprise. Finland has historically been strong but was defeated in the quarterfinals by Canada in the last championship, indicating that nothing is guaranteed.
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- Czech Republic
- Switzerland
- Norway
- United Kingdom
- Austria
Group B
Group B includes countries such as the USA, Sweden, Germany, and Latvia. Team USA and Sweden are considered favorites in this group. Sweden, despite recent setbacks, is well-positioned to perform strongly, while Germany, which took the silver medal in 2023, shows that they are a team to reckon with. Latvia, having earned its historic first World Championship medal in 2023, cannot be overlooked and may prove a tough opponent for many.
- Sweden
- USA
- Poland
- Germany
- Kazakhstan
- Latvia
- France
- Slovakia
Team USA and the road to the final
Team USA enters the 2024 Ice Hockey World Championships with favorable conditions for a strong performance. They have historically been struggling at the world championships, and haven't won the tournament once since 1960(!). The past decade has been somewhat of a roller-coaster for the US national team, and the team is now hoping to improve on 2021 years' performance when they won the bronze medal.
With the team's composition and coaching staff, there is renewed hope that they can return to the podium. It will be crucial for the team to quickly find their game in the group stage and secure a favorable position for the playoffs. Sweden and Germany are likely to be the strongest challengers in Group B with their recent successes and skilled rosters.
Team USA's Schedule (ET Time):
- May 10, 02:20 pm Sweden vs. USA
- May 11, 02:20 pm USA vs. Germany
- May 13, 10:20 am USA vs. Slovakia
- May 16, 02:20 pm USA vs. France
- May 17, 02:20 pm Poland vs. USA
- May 19, 10:20 am Kazakstan vs. USA
- May 21, 10:20 am Latvia vs. USA
Where to Watch the 2024 Ice Hockey World Championships
Like us, do you want to catch every second of the 2024 Ice Hockey World Championships? Here at Livesportsontv.com, you can quickly and easily find where all the matches are broadcasted, ensuring you don't miss a moment of this year's hockey event!
Author: Dan Anderson