IIHF

 Improved IIHF Rankings

By Lucas Tanner

6/3/15

When looking back at one of the more thrilling IIHF seasons in years, there is a clear pattern that continues to repeat itself atop the majority of the tournaments. Canada. Thats right after a five year gold medal drought in both the U-20 tournament and the Mens tournament, Canada has returned to its rightful place at the top of the hockey world. To top it off, Canada has returned to the top of the IIHF official rankings for the first time since the Olympics in 2010. Bottom line, the rankings of International Ice Hockey have returned to realism after 5 years of not being taken seriously. However there are still a few adjustments that should be made in my opinion so without further ado, the improved IIHF rankings:

1. Canada - With 51% of NHL players from this country, 2 consecutive Olympic gold medals and a U-20 and World Mens gold under their belt in 2015, its hard to argue against the country that lives and breathes hockey.

2. Sweden - Close call with Russia but the only reason they pull ahead of the consistent WC winners is due to the teams defence and depth at all positions.

3. Russia - Often find themselves champions of the World championships due to dedicated superstars from the NHL as well as the KHL. Defence is not as solid as it could be however.

4. Finland - Arguably one of the most consistent teams in international hockey...at winning bronze. Clutch deep but missing that star centrepiece to help them bring home the gold.

5. USA - Consistently compete with the Canadians at each and every tournament but can rarely turn it into a championship when facing the Euros. Plenty of depth.

6. Czech Republic - Still seem to be riding the sensational play of ageless wonder Jaromir Jagr. Haven't been able to pull much consistent success together since 1998.

7. Switzerland - Always show up to play and yet are always underestimated. Canada never gets by these guys easy. Sensational defensive play.

8. Slovakia - Beginning to run dry on superstars. Not as many young Slovaks are turning up at the top end of drafts anymore. Managed to win bronze at the U-20s.

9. Germany - Despite a devastating season resulting in relegation in both U-20 and U-18, this team still has a few NHL veterans to ride. Not to mention future Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl who may be able to help Germany to some upsets in the future.

10. Denmark - One of the greatest stories at the worlds in the past decade. Most improved hockey nation in the past 10 years by a mile. Consistently produce young players in each and every draft lately resulting in a nice little pool of young stars. Great story in the U-20s as they avoid relegation and overachieve on numerous occasions. Great future.

11. Belarus - Qualified for the Quarters at the WC. The Kostitsyns and Mikhail Grabovski still have some stuff.

12. Latvia - Great depth despite only one consistent NHL player in Zemgus Girgensons.

13. Norway - Great depth at all positions. Don't take a team with Mats Zuccarello lightly.

14. France - Future KHL superstar in Stephane DaCosta as well as NHL grinder Antoine Roussel. Don't shrug off former NHL goalie Cristobal Huet either.

15. Slovenia - Once again a great story. This country has come a long way since Yugoslavia split up. Anze Kopitar can win. He will win. No matter the teammates.

These rankings are opinionated with results, players, skill level, and potential all taken into consideration. Comment your opinions on your own IIHF World Rankings.