World Cup of Hockey 2025 – overall ranking: the Czech Republic 1-3

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May 6, 2025

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Our prediction: 2025 World Cup of Hockey – overall ranking: Czech Republic 1-3

09.05.2025 12:00

Hockey World Cup 2025 will take place in Sweden and Denmark, specifically in the cities of Stockholm and Herning.

Our tip: Hockey World Championship – Sweden is the favourite

The home Swedes are among the biggest favourites for the overall championship, as they are priced at odds of 4:1, the same as Canada. Sweden will have their fans on their back, and we can expect an extremely strong roster, which will include a number of NHL players (Zibanejad, Backlund, Forsberg, Carlsson, etc.). Their willingness to participate is high, especially when they have the opportunity to fight for gold at home. The last victory of the Tre Kronor national team was in 2018, so the hunger for success is high among the Northmen.

Our pick: Canada at the hockey championship

Canada, on the other hand, will probably come with a weaker team than the Czech Republic, Stockholm is not as attractive a destination as Prague. A number of top stars have the 4 Nations Cup in their legs, and the Olympics await them next year, WORLD CUP 2025 is not a big attraction. The line-up of the cradle of hockey will be younger, led by Celebrini, and experience may be lacking. Playing on a wider rink is a partial handicap that cannot be overlooked. Another factor is motivation, overseas teams sometimes have a championship as a trip to Europe, where the game only starts to be played in the quarterfinals.

Our pick: USA at the 2025 World Cup of Hockey

The Americans are a bit more disciplined than Canada in this regard, and the team is often filled out with young players who have come through the national team program, which is arguably the best in the world, in addition to NHL players. But the Americans have finished without a medal three times in a row, despite last year’s stellar lineup, which won’t be repeated this year.

Our pick: Finland’s chances at the tournament?

Also in partial decline are the Finns, who have aged out of the successful 2019 to 2022 generation, although they were very solid at this year’s EHT, or were the strongest of the top 4 in Europe. But they have finished without a precious metal in the last two years, and the team is missing stars and difference players.

Our pick: Will the Czech national team defend its gold at the World Championships?

In any case, the Czech Republic will defend its title from 2024, and Radim Rulík’s team must be counted on this time as well.

The national team this year will not have the same quality as last year’s Hockey World Championship, stars such as Nečas, Palat or Gudas will not be in the nomination this time, which coach Rulík announced that he is counting on. On the other hand, the coaching staff still has plenty to choose from, as Czech hockey is on the rise. This is confirmed by the success in all age categories, both among men, juniors and women. Filip Hronek, an elite back Filip Hronek from the NHL, has promised to participate, and David Pastrňák is also in the game.

Our pick: Ice Hockey World Championship 2025 – Czech Republic line-up

The Czech team did well during the year in the EHT, although players were spinning, and individuals shone through Europe in prestigious leagues such as the Swiss, Finnish and Swedish. In any case, the coaches show a great feeling for the composition of the players, a playing style based on skating and activity celebrates success. The team is growing productive goaltenders (Tichacek, Galvas, Cibulka etc..), the goaltending school is great and there is a huge overload of three spots among the goalies. Kořenář, Kacetl and NHL players Vejmelka and Vladař will compete for the spot.

In any case, players like Beranek (second in extra league scoring), Kovařčík (Liiga scoring), Stránský, Zadina and other stalwarts, who have had a great season, could be back for the championship.

What to bet on:

Czech team would be on Hockey World Cup 2025 should fight for medals, the group in Herning is not too difficult, the TOP 4 is already fighting for medals open.

Confidence:

7/10

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