The 2024 IIHF World Championship kicks off this week, featuring the top 16 men’s national hockey teams, including defending champions Canada, the United States, and host nation Czechia. Fans worldwide are eager to catch the action, and here’s a guide on how to watch the 2024 IIHF Worlds for free. From May 10 to May 27, viewers can enjoy live coverage of the preliminary and knockout rounds.
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Discover the best streaming services offering free trials or promotions for new customers, allowing hockey enthusiasts to stream the games without cable subscriptions. The tournament will be held in Prague and Ostrava, Czechia from 10 to 26 May 2024.
Start date: Friday, May 10
End date: Sunday, May 26
Venue: Ostrava Arena / O2 Arena
TV channels: NHL Network, TSN, RDS
2024 IIHF World Championship Group A Preview
Austria: Austria aims to maintain its position in international hockey, teetering between top-tier and Division I play. Despite recent improvements, they face a tough challenge this year to stay competitive at the elite level.
Marco Rossi, fresh from an impressive NHL debut with the Minnesota Wild, will lead Austria’s offense. With a likely barrage of shots against them, coach Roger Bader’s strategy hinges on securing points in critical matchups against Denmark, Norway, and Great Britain.
Canada: Canada boasts a formidable lineup, fueled by young talent and seasoned veterans. Led by GM Rick Nash, who once led a youthful squad to gold in 2007, this team features rising stars like Connor Bedard and Dylan Cozens, alongside experienced players like Nick Paul and Brandon Hagel.
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With defensive stalwarts Owen Power and Colton Parayko anchoring the blue line, and strong goaltending, Canada eyes another shot at the championship.
Czechia: Czechia seeks redemption on home ice, aiming to overcome past disappointments. Coach Radim Rulik relies on a squad rich in domestic talent, complemented by NHL experience from players like Radko Gudas and Ondrej Palat.
Goalie competition among Lukas Dostal, Petr Mrazek, and Karel Vejmelka adds intrigue. Anything beyond a quarter-final exit would mark a successful campaign.
Denmark: Denmark’s longevity in the top division since 2003 is commendable, though their lack of depth limits their aspirations. Without key NHL players, they face an uphill battle under new coach Mikael Gath.
Great Britain: Great Britain’s recent resurgence in top-level tournaments is noteworthy, yet they face a daunting challenge against stronger opponents. With an aging defense, their focus is on avoiding relegation, banking on standout performances from netminders Ben Bowns and Jackson Whistle, and forward Liam Kirk.
Finland: Finland aims to rebound after a disappointing finish in 2023. Coach Jukka Jalonen emphasizes a Europe-first approach, with Mikael Granlund leading the charge. Despite a blend of experience and youth, a top-four finish is within reach.
Norway: Norway aims to break free from their recent mid-table performances, boosted by the return of Mats Zuccarello and the emergence of young talent like Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and Stian Solberg.
Switzerland: Switzerland seeks to capitalize on past successes by refining their strategy for the playoffs. With returning stars Nico Hischier and Nino Niederreiter, alongside the late addition of Roman Josi, they aim to go deeper into the tournament with a balanced two-way game.
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2024 IIHF World Championship Group B Preview
France: France, a consistent presence in the top pool since 2008, faces a perennial struggle with goal scoring. Coach Philippe Bozon returns with a blend of seasoned veterans like Stephane da Costa and fresh faces like Enzo Cantagallo. Their aim? To shake things up and secure playoff qualification, focusing on critical matchups against Poland and Kazakhstan.
Germany: Riding high from last year’s silver medal, Germany aims to maintain their momentum under coach Harold Kreis. With a solid lineup featuring JJ Peterka and Moritz Muller, anchored by goaltenders Philip Grubauer and Mathias Niederberger, they aim for another strong showing. However, repeating their finals appearance might prove challenging.
Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan, playing in the top division for the fourth consecutive year, focuses on securing another year at the top. With a limited talent pool primarily from the KHL, coach Galym Mambetaliev aims to capitalize on experience gained in previous tournaments, targeting crucial matchups against Poland and France to avoid relegation.
Latvia: Fresh off their historic bronze medal win, Latvia aims for a repeat performance. Led by captain Kaspars Daugavins and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, they aim for a quarter-finals appearance. With confidence from last year’s success, they believe anything is possible.
Poland: Promoted from Division I-A, Poland faces a tough challenge in their return to the top division. With key players like Krystian Dziubinski and Grzegorz Pasiut, they target crucial matchups against Kazakhstan and France to secure their place in the top pool.
Slovakia: Hoping for a rebound, Slovakia aims for a stronger showing under coach Craig Ramsay. With talent like Juraj Slafkovsky and veterans Tomas Tatar, they aim to secure a playoff berth after missing out last year.
Sweden: Despite recent disappointments, Sweden remains a formidable contender. Coach Sam Hallam leads a roster eager to gain experience ahead of upcoming tournaments. With stars like Rasmus Dahlin, they aim for a strong showing, eyeing redemption after crashing out in the quarter-finals last year.
United States: With a blend of NHL talent and young prospects, the United States aims for another strong performance. Led by stars like Johnny Gaudreau and supported by rising talents like Trevor Zegras and Cole Caufield, they target a podium finish after multiple bronze medal game appearances in recent years.