Zac Electrifly

In Group A was Canada, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Finland, Austria, Norway, Denmark and Great Britain. In Group B was Sweden, the United states, Germany, Slovakia, Latvia, Kazakhstan, France, and Poland. Canada won Group A. Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Finland also advanced to the elimination stage. Sweden won Group B. The United States, Germany, and Slovakia also advanced to the elimination stage. Great Britain and Poland came in last in their groups. As a result they were relegated for 2025. Canada and Sweden were the only teams to not lose a game during the group stage.

In the first Quarterfinal game, Canada beat Slovakia 6-3. Canada was in control of that game the entire time. In the second Quarterfinal game, Sweden beat Finland 2-1 in overtime. In that game neither team scored until the third period. Finland tied the game in the final minute to force overtime. In the third Quarterfinal game, Switzerland beat Germany 3-1. Seitzerland went up by two goals in the first period and were able to hold onto their lead. In the final Quarterfinal game, the Czech Republic beat the United States 1-0. A lack of offense from the United States lead to this upset.

In the first Semifinal game, The Czech Republic beat Sweden 7-3. After a tied first period, the Czech Republic put on an impressive offensive display to win the game. Sweden couldn’t keep up. The Czech Republic made the Gold Medal Game for the first time since 2010. Sweden went on to play in the Bronze Medal Game. It was Swedens first time in the Bronze Medal Game since 2014. Switzerland upset Canada in the second Semifinal game, Switzerland beat Canada 3-2 in a shootout. Switzerland advanced to the Gold Medal Game. This was the first time Switzerland was in the gold medal game sin 2018. This was the first time since 2018 that Canada was in the Bronze Medal Match.

Switzerland took on the Czech Republic in the Gold Medal Game. The score was tied up at 0-0 going into the third period. The Czech Republic scored two goals in the third period to win the game. The final score was 2-0 Czech Republic. The Czech Republic won the 2024 Ice Hockey World Championship. This was their first win since 2010. This is their seventh overall Ice Hockey World Championships win. They have never lost in a Ice Hockey World Championships Gold Medal game. This is the first time since 2022 that the host nation has won the tournament. The last shutout in the Ice Hockey World Championship Gold Medal Game was in 2016. Switzerland won the Silver Medal. This was their first medal since 2018. Switzerland has not won a Gold Medal Game despite four appearances.

Canada took on Sweden in the Bronze Medal Game. Sweden has a 1-0 lead after the first period. Canada tied the game in the second period. Sweden scored three goals in the third to win the game. The final score was 4-2 Sweden. Sweden won the Bronze Medal. That was their first medal since 2018. This was Canada’s first time not winning a medal since 2018. 2018 was the last time they came in fourth place. Canada has finished four place or higher since 2015. Canada has not won a Bronze Medal game since 1995.

The Czech Republic won the final standings. The United States and Canada underperformed as usual. This is usually due to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, AHL Playoffs, ECHL Playoffs, and CHL Playoffs, taking up majority of the North American players time. I honestly think this tournament would be better in on ice play and growth if it took place every four years instead of every year like the FIFA World Cup. It should have a qualifying structure like the FIFA World Cup as well. It should also be played in late June or July when professional hockey leagues are on their off seasons. Anyway, Great Britain and Poland have been relegated again after just being promoted. The United States Matt Boldy who plays for the Minnesota Wild of the NHL won the scoring title for this event with six goals in eight games. Leonardo Genoni of Switzerland was the top goaltender in this tournament. He plays for Zug EV in the Swiss-A league. He only allowed ten goals in eight games.