IIHF Women's World Championship

A tournament with two superpowers

The first official Women's World Championship took place in Ottawa in 1990. Since then, Canada and the USA have almost always met in the final. The rivalry between the two countries is one of the most intense in ice hockey. In 2019 Finland broke this pattern: the Finns beat Canada in the semi-final and reached the final for the first time, losing to the USA only in a shootout.

Format

In the top division, the best teams play in two groups, with the stronger nations seeded in one group. This is followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final. Below that there are several divisions with promotion and relegation. In recent years the IIHF has enlarged the field to give more countries games against the world's best.

Rules

In principle, the same IIHF rules apply as for men. The most important difference: body checking is not allowed. Body contact when battling for the puck is permitted, but deliberate checks are penalised. This puts technique, speed and passing at the forefront. More on women's ice hockey in general is in the ice hockey entry.

Germany, Switzerland and Austria

• Germany has played mostly in the top division for many years and has reached the quarter-finals several times.
• Switzerland won World Championship bronze in 2012 and Olympic bronze in 2014 and is one of the strongest European teams.
• Austria competes in the divisions below and is fighting for promotion.

Significance for the sport

Alongside the Olympic Games, the Worlds are the most important stage for women players. With the founding of the professional PWHL league in 2024, many World Championship players have professional conditions for the first time. This also strengthens national teams, because players no longer have to train alongside a job.

Watching

The Women's Worlds usually take place in April. For fans, they are a good opportunity to experience top-level ice hockey in smaller arenas at affordable prices. Broadcasts are available via the IIHF and national broadcasters.

Venues

The Women's Worlds are held in changing countries, often in Canada, the USA, Finland, Sweden or Switzerland. In Olympic years they usually don't take place. The tournaments offer top sport in a friendly atmosphere, often in medium-sized arenas.