The much-anticipated IIHF World Championship 2025 has kicked off in thrilling fashion, bringing together the world's top ice hockey teams to compete for international glory. The opening games have already delivered intense action, memorable goals, and reasons for fans everywhere to be excited about what lies ahead.

Canada’s Dominant Start at IIHF World Championship 2025

Team Canada wasted no time making a statement in their tournament opener. In a commanding performance, Canada shut out Slovenia with an impressive 4-0 victory. Bo Horvat led the way, scoring twice on the power play, while Nathan MacKinnon contributed a goal and two assists. Noah Dobson also found the net on a power play, helping Canada take control early and never look back. Goaltender Dylan Garand made 11 saves to secure the shutout.

Read more about Canada’s opening win in this detailed summary from the Montréal Canadiens, which highlights team and player performances during the first weekend of the IIHF World Championship 2025.

Other Key Results: Sweden’s Comeback and International Highlights

The excitement didn’t stop with Canada. Sweden, last year’s bronze medalists, faced a tough challenge against Austria but managed to rally for a dramatic 4-2 victory. Mika Zibanejad scored twice in the final period, helping Sweden overturn a one-goal deficit late in the game.

Switzerland also impressed in Group B action by rebounding from an overtime defeat to beat Denmark 5-2. Germany and Kazakhstan kicked off their campaigns with wins as well, demonstrating the high stakes and unpredictable nature of the World Championship.

For a detailed game-by-game breakdown, check ESPN’s complete recap of the IIHF World Championship 2025 openers.

Standout Players to Watch

Fans of the IIHF World Championship 2025 have plenty of star power to track. Nathan MacKinnon joined Team Canada after his playoff exit from the NHL, reuniting with Sidney Crosby at the worlds for the first time in a decade. Players like Bo Horvat and Mike Matheson have already made big contributions, proving why Canada remains one of the strongest favorites in the tournament.

Sweden’s Mika Zibanejad and Alexander Wennberg showed their clutch abilities in pressure moments. Switzerland’s captain Nico Hischier and Germany’s rising stars are also making headlines in the early going.

Upcoming Matches: What’s Next?

The action only intensifies as top teams prepare for their next opponents. Canada gears up to face Latvia at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm, continuing their pursuit of a 29th world championship title. With MacKinnon and Crosby leading the charge, expectations are sky-high for Canadian fans.

Follow the tournament schedule and in-depth coverage on NHL.com to stay updated on every twist and turn of the IIHF World Championship 2025.

Conclusion: Why the IIHF World Championship 2025 Matters

With an all-star roster, fierce competition, and international pride on the line, the IIHF World Championship 2025 promises unforgettable moments for hockey fans across the globe. Whether you’re cheering for Canada, Sweden, or another contender, this is one tournament you won't want to miss.

Stay tuned for more updates, scores, and stories as the world’s best compete for ice hockey supremacy in the IIHF World Championship 2025.