Ice Hockey

IIHF World Ranking: international ice hockey

Ice hockey is a fast, physical game played on ice with sticks and a puck. The IIHF ranks national teams on four years of results at the World Championships and the Olympics.

Origin

Modern ice hockey took shape in Canada; the first organised indoor game was played in Montreal in 1875.

Fun fact

Canada and the USA have met in almost every Olympic women's ice hockey final since the event began in 1998.

Strongest nations

Canada, the USA, Sweden, Finland, Czechia and Switzerland lead the men's game; Canada and the USA dominate women's hockey.

Governing body

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), founded in 1908 and based in Zurich, Switzerland.