Do you believe in Latvian quarter-final miracles? Yes! In our sixth Power Rankings of the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, Finland – Latvia, coach Harijs Vitolins’ team jumps into first place after its historic 3-1 upset win over Sweden to make the semi-finals for the first time ever. In second place is Canada, Latvia’s semi-final opponent, which eliminated the defending champion Finns with a 4-1 victory. The U.S. gets third place thanks to its 3-0 shutout versus Czechia. We’re sure to see at least one new finalist in the 2023 gold medal game, and you can also bet on some more surprises in the Power Rankings!
1 | LAT | Silovs saves us, Miks makes magic! | |
2 | CAN | Sorry, but it’s our game, eh? | |
3 | USA | Simply the best, better than all the Czechs | |
4 | GER | To be crowned, we must beat Coronato | |
5 | SUI | The Big Red Round-Robin Machine | |
6 | SWE | Riga, like life itself, was more fun in 2006 | |
7 | FIN | Lions eaten by beavers | |
8 | CZE | Obviously a tough defenestration | |
9 | SVK | The ninth-place parade has been cancelled | |
10 | DEN | Sad ending to Andersen’s fairy tale | |
11 | KAZ | No Bedardov | |
12 | FRA | If Norway brings Haaland, we’re bringing Mbappe | |
13 | NOR | Unlike Jo Nesbo’s characters, you can’t kill us off | |
14 | AUT | “Hockey’s answer to Mozart” might be overdoing it | |
15 | HUN | We’re the best at pronouncing “Székesfehérvár” | |
16 | SLO | Less than 200 players, but we don’t feel less than |
Click here to check out the previous editions of the Power Rankings.
The Power Rankings are for the enjoyment of IIHF.com readers, and reflect the progress of teams during the IIHF Ice Hockey Men's World Championship. They are distinct from the official standings and IIHF Men's World Ranking.
The Power Rankings are for the enjoyment of IIHF.com readers, and reflect the progress of teams during the IIHF Ice Hockey Men's World Championship. They are distinct from the official standings and IIHF Men's World Ranking.