2025 IIHF Worlds: Canada Stacks Roster with Crosby, Fleury, and MacKinnon

AP Photo/Matt Krohn

As of today, a few headline names have already been reported to attend this year’s tournament. Most notably, Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche), and Marc-André Fleury (Minnesota Wild) are all set to suit up for Team Canada.

Crosby and MacKinnon—longtime friends and international veterans—most recently led Canada to gold at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February and now bring their chemistry to Stockholm. For Crosby, it’s another chance to extend his unmatched international legacy, while MacKinnon adds elite speed and playmaking to the forward group.

Goaltender Marc-André Fleury, a likely future Hall of Famer and one of the most respected goaltenders in the league, announced that he will also join the Canadian roster. This marks Fleury’s first appearance at the Men’s World Championship, and he does so coming off his final NHL season with the Minnesota Wild.

Tournament Overview

The puck is set to drop on the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship from May 9 to May 25, co-hosted by Stockholm, Sweden and Herning, Denmark. Featuring 16 of the world’s top hockey nations, the tournament blends national pride, NHL firepower, and breakout potential.

While Canada’s veteran trio—Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and now Marc-André Fleury—will command the spotlight, this year’s championship offers more than just star power. From fierce rivalries to rising talents, fans will witness two weeks of elite international hockey played at the highest level.

Here’s everything you need to know—from key matchups and group breakdowns to when and where to watch.

Dates: May 9–25, 2025

Locations: Avicii Arena (Stockholm), Jyske Bank Boxen (Herning)

Format: Two groups of eight. Top four in each group advance to the knockout rounds.

Recent Champions: 2024 – Czech Republic, 2023 – Canada

Upcoming Hosts:

  • 2026 – Zurich & Fribourg, Switzerland
  • 2027 – Germany

The IIHF Men’s World Championship has been held annually since 1930, following its Olympic debut in 1920. It remains the top international tournament outside of the Winter Games.

How to Watch in the U.S.

NHL Network: Broadcasting all Team USA games live. Check your local listings for channel information.

IIHF.tv: Offers live and on-demand streaming of all tournament games. Subscription may be required. IIHF International Ice Hockey Federation+2IIHF TV+2IIHF TV+2

USA Hockey: Provides updates and coverage of Team USA’s journey through the tournament. Team USA Hockey and also on USA Hockey X.com

Must-Watch Matchups by Group

FULL SCHEDULE: https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2025/wm

Group A (Stockholm)

Teams: Canada, Sweden, Finland, Slovakia, Latvia, Austria, France, Slovenia

  • May 9 – Sweden vs. Slovakia (Opening Game)
  • May 12 – Sweden vs. Finland
  • May 17 – Canada vs. Slovakia
  • May 20 – Sweden vs. Canada

Group B (Herning)

Teams: USA, Czechia, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Kazakhstan, Hungary

  • May 9 – USA vs. Denmark
  • May 12 – Czechia vs. Switzerland
  • May 17 – USA vs. Germany
  • May 20 – USA vs. Czechia

Schedules in Eastern Time (ET)

Team USA

  • May 9 – vs. Denmark – 2:20 PM
  • May 11 – vs. Hungary – 6:20 AM
  • May 12 – vs. Switzerland – 10:20 AM
  • May 14 – vs. Norway – 10:20 AM
  • May 17 – vs. Germany – 6:20 AM
  • May 18 – vs. Kazakhstan – 10:20 AM
  • May 20 – vs. Czechia – 10:20 AM

Team Canada

  • May 10 – vs. Slovenia – 6:20 AM
  • May 11 – vs. Latvia – 10:20 AM
  • May 13 – vs. France – 2:20 PM
  • May 15 – vs. Austria – 2:20 PM
  • May 17 – vs. Slovakia – 2:20 PM
  • May 19 – vs. Finland – 2:20 PM
  • May 20 – vs. Sweden – 2:20 PM

Though the Stanley Cup Playoffs are still in full swing, make sure to carve out time for this tournament. The 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship promises high-stakes action, emotional storylines, and a rare chance to see NHL stars represent their countries on one of hockey’s biggest stages. Whether you’re watching for the legends, the breakout performances, or the pure national pride, this is international hockey at its best—and you won’t want to miss a moment.


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Karen Zehner

Inside The Rink ECHL Manager | Senior Editor | Credentialed Beat Writer covering the ECHL Atlanta Gladiators. Diving into the world of slap shots, penalty kills, and the game we love. [@RunwithK] on socials.

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