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The Top Ten Ice Hockey Tournaments In The World
In this article, we have mentioned information related to the top ten Ice hockey tournaments in the world and more about it.
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Ice hockey is part of hockey. World Hockey Tournament is one of the most popular hockey tournaments in the world, where countries come together for an icy battle. Here, we have mentioned ten ice hockey tournaments.
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The ten Ice Hockey tournaments are
- World Championship
- National Hockey League (NHL)
- Winter Olympics Games
- World Junior Ice Hockey
- Women’s Ice Hockey World Championships
- American Hockey League (AHL) Calder Cup Playoffs
- Kontinental Hockey League (KHL)
- Spengler Cup
- Swedish Hockey League (SHL)
- Memorial Cup
1. World Championship
The Ice Hockey World Championships is run by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). It is the one of most popular ice hockey tournaments worldwide. It was started in 1920 during the Summer Olympics but later became a separate event. The IIHF was formed in 1908, and the independent World Championships began in 1930. Before 1968, the Olympic tournament also counted as the World Championships which made it popular globally. The competition has changed over the years, with European nations dominating initially which was followed by Canada, the Soviet Union, Finland, and Sweden. In 1977, professional players were allowed. Today, the World Championships are held every year with 16 top nations competing.
2. National Hockey League (NHL)
The National Hockey League (NHL) is popular in ice hockey. It kicked off in 1917 after the National Hockey Association scored big with the prestigious Stanley Cup. The “Original Six” era from 1942 to 1967 featured teams like the Canadiens and Maple Leafs. Later, the NHL expanded going from six teams in 1967 to 32 teams today. Nowadays, the NHL is a worldwide famous and one of the most popular ice hockey tournaments in the world where players from different parts of the world participate.
3. Winter Olympics Games
The Winter Olympics’ ice hockey competition is like the superstar of international hockey. It was started in 1920 at the Summer Games and later moved to the Winter Olympics in 1924. The tournament has changed its rules and body over the years which shows how hockey is an international game. At first, Canada and the Soviet Union dominated, but now players participate from different countries which made it super competitive. In 1998, they added women’s hockey which made the tournament more interesting.
4. World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
The World Junior Ice Hockey Championship is popular as it was started in 1977 and became a feature of young hockey stars under 20, just before they become NHL prospects. It is played by the players from the junior sections and has become a special event for youngsters.
Also Read: Hockey: Its History, Types, Rules, Equipment and More
5. Women’s Ice Hockey World Championships
The Women’s Ice Hockey World Championship is not as famous as the Olympics, but it is one of the coolest hockey tournaments worldwide. It was started in 1990 which gives women’s hockey a global stage. It became part of the Olympics in 2014 and reached more teams in lower divisions which helped the sport grow from the grassroots.
6. American Hockey League (AHL) Calder Cup Playoffs
The Calder Cup Playoffs in the American Hockey League (AHL) is not as famous as the Stanley Cup but it is a popular part of the hockey world. It started in 1937 which made it the oldest continuously awarded professional hockey playoff trophy. It has evolved a lot since its early days when only four teams played. Now, 23 teams compete for the trophy which creates intense competition and exciting surprises.
Conclusion
Ice hockey tournaments are famous tournaments in the world. Ten hockey tournaments in the world are famous worldwide, as players from around the world participate in these tournaments.
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