IIHF World Championship 2025: What Canadian Fans Need to Know

When it comes to hockey, Canadians never need an excuse to rally around the red and white. The IIHF World Championship remains one of the most exciting tournaments on the calendar—a stage where national pride and pure hockey skill collide. 

From Team Canada’s push for gold to juicy underdog bets, there’s plenty to look forward to both on the ice and at the sportsbooks. 

Team Canada at the IIHF World Championship

Few teams carry the weight of expectations like Canada does at the IIHF World Championship. Team Canada is currently ranked 1st on the IIHF list, making it not just the fan favourite, but the actual front-runner to win the tournament. 

To date, Team Canada has won more medals on the IIHF World Championship than any other nation—53 in total. With 28 of those being gold, expectations are high once again, and fans are hopeful the Red and White will add another to the tally this year. 

Dates to Keep in Mind

The 2025 IIHF World Championship runs from May 9 to May 25, with games taking place in Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark.  

• Group stage wraps up on May 20 

• The knockout rounds begin with the quarterfinals on May 22 

• The semifinals start on May 24 

• The final medal games commence on May 25 

For those feeling a bit restless, there are tons of Canadian NHL betting sites that you can explore while waiting for the IIHF games to begin. 

Key Teams and Matchups to Watch

Canada headlines Group A, but it’s far from an easy ride. Traditional rivals Sweden and Finland are in the same group, setting the stage for high-stakes showdowns during the round-robin. Latvia and Slovakia have proven they can surprise bigger teams, while Austria and France are fighting to stay competitive in a stacked lineup. 

Over in Group B, teams like the United States, Czechia, and Switzerland are favourites to advance—and any one of them could meet Canada in the knockout stages. With the top four from each group crossing over in the quarterfinals, the road to gold promises unpredictable matchups.  

IIHF World Championship Betting Opportunities 

The IIHF World Championship is going to be thrilling to watch no doubt, but it’s also a great chance to find value in the betting markets. NHL stars join their respective teams after the playoff runs end, which creates more unpredictable matchups. 

Here’s a quick refresher on the most popular types of bets and where to spot value for the IIHF World Championship: 

• Moneyline bets: Backing Canada or any other team to win a single game. NHL stars join their respective teams after the playoff runs end, which creates more unpredictable matchups—giving sharp bettors plenty of opportunities to spot value.  

• Outright bets: Betting on who will lift the trophy at the end. The sooner you place a futures bet, the better the odds tend to be. Unlike NHL futures, where bettors might wait up to eight months for the season to wrap up, Canadian bettors wagering on the IIHF can see their bets settled in just a few weeks. 

• Puck line bets: Betting on a team to win by a set margin, often -1.5 goals, which usually comes with better odds. This bet shines during the group stage, where there’s real mismatch potential—with top teams like Canada or Sweden often winning by multiple goals against lower-ranked nations. 

• Over/Under totals: Wagering on the total number of goals scored. the IIHF ice rink is larger than the one in the NHL leading to more space and scoring chances with the common NHL total of 5.5 or 6.5 more often getting exceeded.  

• 바카라er props: Backing players for goals, assists, or points in specific games. This market is especially exciting for bettors who follow leagues outside the NHL—like the KHL or SHL—where many IIHF stars play year-round and often fly under the radar. 

Live betting is another smart play, especially if you are following momentum swings in real time. Always check for competitive odds across trusted online sportsbooks in Canada to get the best bang for your buck. 

Tips for Betting on the IIHF World Championship 

Betting on international hockey comes with its own quirks. Keep these tips in mind: 

• Goalie rotation matters: Many teams split starts early to rest key players for the playoffs. 

• Roster updates can change everything: NHL players often join their national teams after playoff eliminations, shifting the odds. 

• Early mismatches favour overs: Group stage games between top teams and minnows often see high-scoring blowouts. 

• Motivation swings: Watch for teams that care more about placement games, not everyone fights hard for bronze. 

Where to Watch the IIHF World Championship in Canada

Canadian fans can catch every puck drop on TSN and its live streaming platforms. Staying close to the action is a great way to spot momentum shifts for live bets or just enjoy cheering on Team Canada as they chase another gold medal. Another way to join the fun is by checking out some of the best Canadian sportsbooks for in-play betting, many of which offer live streams and real-time betting options during the games. 

Follow Team Canada’s Journey and Make Every Game Count

With Team Canada aiming for another golden chapter, the 2025 IIHF World Championship promises action from start to finish. You could be backing the boys for outright glory or picking off smart bets game by game, the tournament offers something for every fan. 

Stay sharp, shop for the best odds, and enjoy the ride—because there’s nothing quite like watching Canada fight for hockey supremacy on the world stage.