The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has made significant changes to the women’s international hockey calendar. The annual world championships will be permanently moved from April to November starting next year, and a new European women’s championship tournament is set to debut in 2027.
The announcement of the European tournament came from a collaboration between the IIHF and PWHL, with the goal of enhancing opportunities for players and growing the women’s game globally. Shifting the world championships to November will now align the tournament with the start of the PWHL season in North America, eliminating the need for a three-week pause that was previously required in April.
The expanded eight-team PWHL will kick off its third season on November 21 and conclude on April 25 before entering the playoffs. A four-week break will be incorporated to accommodate the Milan-Cortina Winter Games in February. PWHL vice president Jayna Hefford emphasized the positive impact of this unified approach on players, fans, and the future of women’s hockey.
Denmark is set to host next year’s world championship tournament, followed by Quebec City the following year. The introduction of the European championship aims to provide more opportunities for international competition and boost the women’s game in Europe. The inaugural tournament is scheduled for April 2027, following the conclusion of various European women’s league playoffs, with specific details to be confirmed later.
IIHF President Luc Tardif described the changes as a pivotal moment for women’s hockey, emphasizing the importance of the Women’s World Championship in expanding the sport globally. The collaboration with the PWHL has resulted in a revised calendar that maintains the integrity of international competition while minimizing disruptions to the league season.
