Its been a while since we've seen a run on Russian prospects in the NHL Entry Draft, and due to hockey politics, don't expect that to change in 2011. But the ones that are picked could turn out to be huge coups by the team that drafted them, and here we feature the most likely to get picked.
Sweden has been the top producer of NHL draft picks from Europe in recent years, and this year will be no exception. Here's a look at ten potentially high selections for the country this year, headlined by Adam Larsson.
The IIHF sticks by their formula for determining which men's and women's hockey programs are the best in the world. But does the formula hold up when applied to club hockey, particularly the NHL?
Kevin Prendergrast, Hockey Canada's Chief Scout, thinks Canada is producing less elite goalies due to overcoaching. Read this to find out just how wrong he is.
In the latest look at the North American hockey scene, we examine the places in the USA that are lacking in hockey options for the fan. This includes NHL, as well as various minor leagues that appeal to fans of various stripes.
Hockey participation rates across the USA are growing at an impressive rate. Here's a state by state comparison of 'hockey culture', seeing how many people are involved in the game compared to the population of the state.
Canada and the United States of America are battling it out for global supremacy on the international stage, with several different levels of hockey leagues and separate systems for player development. Here, we look at the leagues that make up the hockey entertainment options for fans around the continent, and where the game is showing signs of growth.
The only American QMJHL team, the Lewiston MAINEiacs, have disappeared, with the franchise folding and players dispersed via a draft amongst the remaining 17 teams. Find out how this affects the QMJHL's American presence, and what options the league is exploring to keep up with their Canadian counterparts.
The Boston Bruins and Vancouver Canucks feature rosters with a much different makeup in terms of nationality. See how diverse the teams are this year, and where the Cup might be headed on its world tour this summer.
Usually, right after the final standings are determined, the IIHF releases next year's groups so fans can start planning their trips. Standard procedure, however, has caused the IIHF to consider alternative options, and the groups are as yet undetermined.
The 2011 IIHF World Championship is now finished. Here are the complete standings from the very top (Finland) to the very bottom (Mongolia).
After 16 years, Finland is once again the World Champions. Here's how their 6-1 victory over Sweden came about, and a look at the party the win has set off in one of the world's most passionate hockey countries.
And in the end, it is the age old Finland-Sweden rivalry that caps the 2011 IIHF World Championship in Bratislava, as the two neighbours battle for the gold medal. We've got a full analysis of the game, plus live updates here on Puck Worlds.
It's medal day at the 2011 IIHF World Championship, the culmination of the sixteen day long year end party in Bratislava, Slovakia. In the bronze medal game, last year's gold medal game is replayed between local favourites the Czech Republic, and the incredibly talented Russians.
The IIHF welcomed two new nations into the ice hockey's international community on Saturday. Read up on the development of the sport in the central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan and Argentina, who becomes the first recognized ice hockey nation form South America!
At the 2011 IIHF Annual Congress, a letter was submitted signed by European Parliament member (and Hockey HOFer) Peter Statsny and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin calling for the IIHF to revoke the awarding of the 2014 IIHF World Championships to Belarus. Recent actions taken by Belarussian President Alexander Lukaschenko are the stated reason, and it puts the IIHF in an awkward spot.
The semifinals are set to go at the 2011 IIHF World Championships in Bratislava, Slovakia. The defending champion Czech Republic takes on Sweden, followed by Finland vs. Russia.
The quarterfinals continue, and conclude today at the IIHF World Championships with one Nordic battle and, well, the biggest rivalry in the sport. Finland meets the surprising Norwegians in the first quarterfinal, and the winner will face the winner of the Canada vs. Russia quarterfinal on Friday.
The playoffs are set to begin at the IIHF World Championships in Bratislava, Slovakia. Two quarterfinals run today, with the Czechs taking on the Americans, and Sweden meeting Germany.
Concurrent with the IIHF World Championship, the IIHF holds its Annual Congress to discuss items for both the present and future of international hockey. Here at Puck Worlds we have a run down of the issues that will likely be discussed.
The quarterfinals for the 2011 IIHF World Championships are set. Find out who plays who, and when the games are, plus a brief look at the standings to date.
The round robin portion of the 2011 IIHF World Championship wraps up today, with final placements still up in the air. There are six games to cover, and we'll be looking at them all today on Puck Worlds.
The qualification round is nearing its end at the IIHF World Championship, as the Czechs play Alex Ovechkin and the Russians, while Sweden takes on the Swiss. The relegation round wraps up as well, with today's winners staying up, and the losers going to Division 1.