Former head coach Vladimir Krikunov believes the Russian national hockey team has what it takes to seize the 2023 World Championship title. He emphasizes that the belief runs through the dressing room: the squad understands the stakes and the opportunity ahead. The results of Latvia finishing third and Germany taking the runner-up spot signal that these teams are rising and cannot be ignored in future matchups. Still, Krikunov remains convinced that the long arc of history favors Russia, asserting that the nation will continue to be a dominant force in world hockey for many years to come.
Canada claimed the championship in a decisive 5-2 victory over Germany in the final. For Latvia, a historic moment occurred as the team captured world championship medals by finishing third after a 4-3 overtime win against the United States. These outcomes underscore the evolving competitive landscape of international hockey and highlight how nations are closing the gap at the sport’s highest level.
Team Canada has secured more World Championship victories than any other nation, extending its record by earning the championship for the 28th time. This milestone places Canada ahead of the combined tally of the former USSR and Russia, which had 27 championships between them, illustrating the country’s enduring strength on the world stage.
In 2022, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) imposed a ban on Russian players from participating in international tournaments. The RHF’s appeal to be admitted to major events during that period was rejected by the IIHF disciplinary committee, reinforcing a consequential shift in how Russia could compete on the global stage. The decision affected the team’s avenues for exposure and competition in the following seasons and sparked ongoing discussions about eligibility and national representation in international hockey.
Despite these restrictions, prospects remain for Russian players. It was previously noted that two Russian athletes would participate in the Stanley Cup Final series during the 2022/23 season, illustrating that individual performers still found pathways to one of hockey’s premier stages even amid broader national bans. This dynamic has continued to shape conversations about talent development, international participation, and the country’s hockey landscape as it evolves in the modern era.