On the Global Stage: What to Watch at the 2025 IIHF Women’s Worlds

The 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship is heating up in Czechia. While some of the early action has already delivered some dominant performances and incredible individual efforts, there’s still lots to come as the world’s best women’s hockey players battle for gold. Let’s break down the highlights from the tournament’s first few days and preview what’s still to come.

Canada Comes Out Flying

Courtesy of Hockey Canada via Instagram

It’s no surprise that Team Canada has made an impact early in the tournament. The defending champions recorded back-to-back shutouts to start the tournament, blanking Finland 5-0 before doing the same to Switzerland with a stellar 4-0 win on Day 2.

Veteran captain Marie-Philip Poulin has reminded everyone yet again why she’s the face of international women’s hockey. With 1 goal and 4 assists through the first two games, she leads the tournament in scoring. Poulin never fails to put up a masterclass of consistency and leadership, coming in clutch every time. But perhaps the biggest headline for Canada so far is the breakout of Jennifer Gardiner, one of the national team newcomers, who has quickly found her stride alongside linemates Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey. With 2 goals and 1 assist in her first two games, Gardiner is proving she belongs on this roster.

Canada remains undefeated, and last year's gold medallists are looking crazy good.

Sweden and the U.S. Quietly Making Noise

Courtesy of Lina Ljungblom via Instagram

While Canada is making noise, don’t sleep on Sweden or the U.S. With Sweden’s 2-0 win against Hungary, and the U.S. 's 4-0 shutout over tournament hosts Czechia, both teams are showing off a mix of their defensive abilities and offensive power. Swedish forward Linnea Johansson has been a spark up front, tallying 1 goal and 3 assists so far, showing real chemistry with her linemates. For the U.S., offense has been more evenly distributed, but forwards Kelly Pannek and Hayley Scamurra are tied for sixth in the tournament, with 1 goal and 2 assists each.

The Americans and the Swedes are well on their way to shake up the medal-round conversations.

Norway’s Grit and Goaltending

Courtesy of iihfwomen via Instagram

One of the most heartening performances of the tournament so far came in a losing effort on Day 2. Norway may have fallen 5-2 to Japan, but goaltender Ena Nystrøm was nothing short of heroic. She stopped 52 of 57 shots in a hard-fought battle, giving her team every possible chance for a potential win and showcasing just how much the gap is closing in international women’s hockey.

The scoreboard may not have favored Norway, but Nystrøm’s performance definitely earned her respect. While Norway may be new to the tournament, performances like this could put the team in a position to disrupt expectations. They’re not just back in the top group to participate this year–they are the team that wants to play to stay.

Undefeated Watch: Who’s Still Perfect?

Courtesy of JIHF-Photo/Reiji Nagayama

So far, four teams remain undefeated: Canada, Sweden, Japan, and the U.S.. Each team has two wins under their belts, but their paths to victory have looked different. Canada remains dominant at both ends of the ice, putting up offensive numbers while maintaining stability defensively. Sweden plays a balanced, structured game that throws off their opponents. Japan has shockingly turned heads with their speed, and the U.S. has quietly gotten the job done, proving themselves as a threat.

The group stage is setting up an exciting showdown between these leading teams, especially with Canada and the U.S. to battle it out later in the week. With so many teams still undefeated, upcoming games could determine quarterfinal matchups and even medal-round potential. Every goal counts in these games.

What to Watch Next

Courtesy of USA Hockey via Instagram

As the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship continues, here are a few matchups and storylines to keep in mind:

• Canada vs. USA: The classic rivalry game is always a tournament highlight, and they’re set to play on April 13.

• Sweden vs. Japan: Both undefeated and eager to prove themselves, Japan takes on Sweden on April 13 as well.

• Emerging Stars: Keep your eye on emerging players like Jennifer Gardiner, Chloe Primerano, Laila Edwards, Ena Nystrøm and Linnea Johansson.

The 2025 Women’s World Championship is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and talent-filled tournaments yet. From established veteran stars stepping up to fresh young players making headlines, the first few days have delivered everything fans could hope for, but we’re just getting started! The best of the tournament is still to come.

Edited by Jenna Mandarano