The IIHF has released a new microsite for the 2015 Women’s World Championship in Malmö, Sweden, worldwomen2015.com, and with it released the full schedule for the World Championship in March and April. Current champions Canada will open the Worlds against the defending World Championship Gold Medal winners and perennial rivals the United States on opening day, while Finland faces Russia, Germany plays Switzerland, and Sweden takes on the winner of the Czech Republic/Japan playoff this November. (UPDATE: Japan has defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in their three game series to qualify for the World Championship).
The International Hockey Lineal Championship will next be contended at the Four Nations Cup in November, all but guaranteeing that Canada, the U.S., Sweden or Finland will enter the tournament with the IHLC, and in all likelihood with the opening Canada-USA game being for the title.
Saturday, March 28
United States vs. Canada 
Finland vs. Russia 
Germany vs. Switzerland 
Sweden vs. Japan 
Sunday, March 29
Canada vs. Russia
United States vs. Finland
Sweden vs. Switzerland
Germany vs. Japan
Tuesday, March 31
Russia vs. United States
Canada vs. Finland
Sweden vs. Germany
Switzerland vs. Japan
Wednesday, April 1
Relegation Round #1
A3 vs. B2 Quarterfinal
A4 vs. B1 Quarterfinal
Friday, April 3
Relegation Round #2
Semifinal #1
Semifinal #2
Saturday, April 4
Fifth Place Game
Bronze Medal Game
Gold Medal Game
Who will enter with the title, who will leave with the title, and will the IHLC make it to the medal rounds and unify with Gold? Only six months until we know for sure!
Photo Credit: Ottawa Citizen – IIHF – HHOF – IOC
