Canada Rules Everywhere – But No One Else Has Joined the Czech and Slovak Challenge

Beginnings…

1996, Bratislava – The men’s competition kicked off in Bratislava, just four years before the turn of the millennium. Even then, the strongest hockey trio for the next two decades was formed. Canada claimed the first gold medals in history. The Czech Republic took silver, and the home team from Slovakia earned bronze.

1998, Litoměřice – On Czech soil, the home team managed to win the gold medal for the first time in history – although the glory didn’t last long. In the final, the Czech sharpshooters faced their former federal partners from Slovakia. Canada finished third.

1999, Zvolen – Just a one-year break and back to work – right in the heart of Slovakia, in Zvolen. Following the Czech example, the Slovak national team fought its way to the top and claimed the most valuable metal. In the final, the hosts defeated Canada, while the Czechs finished third.

Canada’s Dominance

2001, Toronto – For the first time in the new millennium, national teams crossed the ocean. In Canada, it became clear that Europeans would have to get used to long flights – the men from the land of the maple leaf reached the top once again. The Czechs earned silver, and Slovakia took bronze.

2003, Sierre – In Switzerland, the Canadian team once again dominated the tournament. From 2001 to 2007, it was evident that the red and white had successfully transferred their hockey skills from ice to concrete rinks. The Czech Republic finished second for the second time in a row, and once again, it was Slovakia on the bronze step of the podium.

2005, Pittsburgh – After four years, hockey – and the World Championship – returned overseas. This time, the Americans took on hosting duties, hoping to finally break the invincible trio of Canada, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. In the end, their plan worked, though perhaps in a more surprising way than expected. Canada once again defeated Slovakia in the final. Bronze went, for the first and so far only time in history, to Italy.

2007, Ratingen – It took a long eleven years for the women to finally take center stage. In Ratingen, Germany, they could finally raise their sticks and celebrate the very first Women’s World Championship. Few were surprised when the Canadian women claimed the inaugural gold. Slovakia took silver, and the Czechs bronze, just across the border. In the men’s category, Canadian dominance continued. The Czech team earned silver, and Slovakia once again secured bronze – without any surprises.

Six Championship Titles under Czech and Slovak Reign

2009, Plzeň – The home team hoped that upon returning to Czech soil, fans would once again taste gold. In the women’s division, the home team had to settle for bronze. Canada finished first, and Slovakia took silver. Among men, however, things changed. After four consecutive tournaments dominated by Canada – the land of lakes, forests, bears, and the cradle of hockey – the Czech team finally toppled the overseas powerhouse. On home ice, they defeated a surprising finalist: India. It was a historic success for India, still remembered as their only World Championship medal. Slovakia took third place after defeating the USA.

2011, Bratislava – The first and only city ever to host two championships. The inaugural host city hoped for success in at least one category. The women’s final brought together Slovakia and Canada – and, like in fairy tales, the third time was the charm for the Slovak women, who celebrated gold. The Czech women again took bronze. The men’s standings were the complete opposite: Slovakia finished third, Canada second, and the Czech men reached hockey heaven for the second time in a row.

2013, St. John’s – The return to Canada promised another thrilling spectacle. The home players – both men and women – sought to reclaim their thrones. The women succeeded, regaining their title as queens of hockey. Slovakia once again earned silver, and the Czech Republic secured bronze for the fourth time. The men, however, did not reclaim their Canadian throne. Slovakia defeated the Czech Republic in the final, preventing their neighbors from achieving a golden hat trick. Canada had to settle for bronze.

2015, Zug – The Swiss city of Zug hosted a tournament full of changes. The Canadian women once again ruled the competition, but for the first time in history, they faced the Czech Republic in the final. Bronze went to Slovakia. The Slovak men’s team celebrated another golden triumph and was already planning to defend its title in Pardubice two years later. The USA reached the men’s final for the first time ever, while the Czechs took bronze. For the first time in history, Canada missed the podium entirely.

2017, Pardubice – Eastern Bohemia lived and breathed hockey. With record crowds, fans were hoping for home success – and they got it. The Czech women climbed to the very top for the first time in history and, after defeating the USA, sang the national anthem Kde domov můj! Canada took bronze. The men’s tournament brought thrilling battles. From the start, the Czech team made it clear they were after gold only. On home ice, they had never lost – until now. In the semifinals, Slovakia crushed their hopes, and by defeating Canada, achieved a golden hat trick. The Czechs had to settle for bronze.

2019, Košice – Returning to Slovakia brought the spotlight back to the Canadian women’s national team. In the final, they once again defeated the USA, while the Czech Republic claimed bronze for the first time in six years. In the men’s competition, Slovakia celebrated its fourth consecutive gold. Silver went for the first time ever to Finland, the land of a thousand lakes, while bronze crossed the ocean back to Canada.

Canada Back on Top

2022, Laval – The latest Women’s World Championship brought no major surprises. Canada once again wore gold around their necks after defeating the Czech Republic in the final. Slovakia earned bronze. In the men’s tournament, Canadian fans witnessed a double home triumph. Like the women, the Czechs had to settle for silver, and bronze went to the USA.

2024, Visp – The most recent World Championship offered nothing new compared to its predecessors. This time, there was no women’s tournament, so the men’s podium remained unchanged: Canada finished first, followed by the Czech Republic and the USA. The Canadians are now looking to repeat their golden hat trick from 2001–2005, while the Czechs and Americans aim to retain their silver and bronze medals.

2026, Ostrava – Will things change, or will everything stay the same? Canada is sharpening its skates for another golden era. The Junior World Championship showed that the Czech Republic is still close on their heels – but the battle for the title is wide open. Given the passion of Czech fans, they will surely push their team forward in pursuit of gold.

Na šampionátu v Pardubicích došla ke zlatu česká reprezentace žen. Zopakuje tento úspěch také v Ostravě? Autor fotky: Andrea Jirásková.