IIHF Men’s World Championship 2021: Time, TV channel, live stream, where, when, schedule
It’s that special time of year, when Stanley Cup playoff action is heating up and the hockey world can also watch their countries go for gold.
After the 2020 tournament was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the IIHF Men’s World Championship is back in 2021. Sixteen teams will compete in the 17-day tourney set to take place in Latvia.
Normally a way for NHLers who don’t make the postseason to continue plying their trade, the 2021 tournament is jam-packed with youngsters aiming to prove their NHL worth, including a number of prospects set to be drafted in July. Among the group of first-round hopefuls are the United States’ Matty Beniers (who won gold at the 2021 juniors) and Canada’s Owen Power. There are also recent top draft picks such as Canada’s Cole Perfetti (Jets) and Braden Schneider (Rangers).
USA Hockey is aiming for its third gold medal (1933 and 1960) while Hockey Canada is going for gold medal No. 26 and its first since 2016. If Canada does snag the gold, then it will tie Russia/the Soviet Union for the most in tournament history.
Here’s everything to know about the 2021 world ice hockey championship, including how to watch games on TV and stream online, plus the full schedule, scores and standings.
When is the 2021 Men’s World Championship?
Sixteen teams divided into two groups will compete in the preliminary round. Each team will play the other seven teams in their group over the course of the first 12 days of the competition ending on June 1.
The top four teams in each group after the prelims will advance to the quarterfinals on June 3. After the semifinals on June 5, the bronze-medal and gold-medal games will take place on Sunday, June 6.
Where is the 2021 Men’s World Championship?
The 2021 edition will be held in Riga, Latvia, at two rinks: the Arena Riga and the Olympic Sports Centre. It has been 15 years since Riga hosted the tournament; Sweden won the gold there in 2006.
This year’s tournament originally was scheduled to be co-hosted by Belarus (Minsk) and Latvia, but the International Ice Hockey Federation moved it in February because of political unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic.
What channel is the 2021 Men’s World Championship being aired on?
In the United States, every American game, along with select games of other countries, will be shown on NHL Network. NHL Network can be streamed on fuboTV and Sling TV. In Canada, TSN will air every game of the 2021 tournament with select games also appearing exclusively on TSN.ca or the TSN App.
Which teams are in the 2021 Men’s World Championship?
Sixteen teams, divided into two groups of eight, are participating.
Why is Russia listed as ‘ROC’?
The World Anti-Doping Agency banned Russia from international competition for four years last December. The ban includes Olympic Games and world championships and Russia’s flag or name cannot be used. Athletes, however, are not banned from competing but can only do so under a neutral flag.
ROC stands for Russian Olympic Committee, and instead of the national anthem being played, Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 will be played.
When is Canada vs. USA?
There will be a Battle of North America in this tournament as the two teams are in the same group. The teams will meet Sunday, May 23, at 1:15 p.m. ET.
2021 Men’s World Championship standings
GROUP A
GROUP B
Wins in regulation = 3 points
Overtime win = 2 points
Overtime loss = 1 point
Full schedule for the 2021 Men’s World Championship
Participating teams are each guaranteed seven group-stage games. Teams that advance to the final day of competition (bronze-medal or gold-medal game) will play 10 contests total.
(All times Eastern)
Who won the 2020 Men’s World Championship?
The 2020 tournament was canceled because of COVID-19.
Finland won the 2019 edition, defeating Canada 3-1 in the gold-medal game in Slovakia. Notable names from Canada’s roster included Shea Theodore, Mark Stone, Anthony Cirelli, Darnell Nurse and Jonathan Marchessault. The final game saw the Senators’ Matt Murray and the Blackhawks’ Kevin Lankinen between the pipes. An undrafted Kaapo Kakko was on Finland’s championship team.
Who has won the IIHF Men’s World Championship the last 10 years?
Which countries have won the most medals at the IIHF Men’s World Championship?
* Includes Soviet Union
^ Includes Czechoslovakia
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