Hockey doesn’t care where you are. The puck drops, the game begins – and if you’re a real fan, you want to be part of it. But what happens when you’re on a business trip in North America, backpacking through Australia, or sipping espresso somewhere in London during the championship?
Hotel TVs rarely carry the right channel. And local bars might be more into soccer or cricket. That’s why being prepared makes all the difference. Here’s a guide, straight from experience, on how to watch the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship from anywhere in the world – legally, efficiently, and in the best quality possible.
When and Where the 2025 Championship Takes Place
The 2025 IIHF World Championship will be held in Stockholm (Sweden) and Herning (Denmark), from May 9th to May 25th. Group-stage matches are split between both cities, and the final rounds will be played in Stockholm.
All games follow Central European Time (CET/CEST), so depending on your location, the time difference might be tricky:
- New York: 8-hour difference – an 8:20 PM game in Stockholm starts at 2:20 PM local.
- Los Angeles: 11:20 AM local.
- London: almost perfect – just one hour behind.
- Sydney: early morning – around 4:20 AM.
Pro tip: Use a time zone converter or sync the schedule with your digital calendar to avoid surprises.
Where to Watch: Official Broadcasters by Country
Each region handles broadcasting differently. Some have cable rights, some offer dedicated apps, and others don’t broadcast the championship at all. Here’s how it breaks down in major English-speaking countries:
United States – NHL Network & ESPN+
In the US, NHL Network is the go-to channel. It usually airs most of the tournament live via cable providers like Comcast or Spectrum. For cord-cutters, streaming platforms such as fuboTV or Sling TV offer NHL Network as part of their sports packages.
If you don’t want to mess with cable at all, go for ESPN+. It costs around $10/month and runs smoothly on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. It’s part of the Disney+ and Hulu bundle too, which can be a bonus for families traveling together.
Canada – TSN & RDS
Canada lives and breathes hockey. TSN broadcasts every game from the group stage to the finals. Whether you prefer TSN1 through TSN5 or the French-language RDS, you’ll be covered.
Access options:
- Via regular cable packages,
- Or via TSN Direct (streaming service) – $20 CAD/month or $11 CAD for a one-day pass.
Streams are high-quality and supported by strong commentary, analysis, and extra features like replays and highlights.
United Kingdom & Ireland – Premier Sports / Viaplay
Hockey isn’t mainstream in the UK, but Premier Sports (branded as Viaplay in some years) carries full coverage of the championship.
You can watch via:
- Sky or Virgin Media cable packages,
- Or online through the Premier Player platform for around £14/month.
Heads up: if you’re relying on a smart TV, you might need to cast or connect your laptop via HDMI as the native app compatibility isn’t always reliable.
Australia & New Zealand – IIHF.tv to the rescue
There’s no official TV broadcaster for the championship in Australia or New Zealand, which means fans rely on IIHF.tv, the International Ice Hockey Federation’s official streaming platform.
- All games are available live and on-demand.
- Commentary is usually in English.
- Pricing is moderate, with package deals for the full tournament.
This service is perfect for regions without broadcasting rights. And given the time zone (Sydney is 8 hours ahead of CET, Wellington 10), it’s nice to have the flexibility of on-demand access.
Use VPN to Unlock Content Anywhere
Streaming blocked in your country? That’s geoblocking. The easiest workaround is a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
How it works:
- You install a VPN app on your device.
- Choose a server in a country where the stream is available.
- The site thinks you’re browsing locally and lets you in.
Best VPNs for streaming:
| VPN Name | Discount | Trial Link |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 74% off + 3 months free | Try NordVPN |
| Surfshark | 87% off + 4 months free | Try Surfshark |
| CyberGhost | 82% off + 4 months free | Try CyberGhost |
| Private Internet Access | 85% off + 4 months free | Try PIA VPN |
| ExpressVPN | 61% off + 6 months free | Try ExpressVPN |
These are fast, reliable, and user-friendly. They work on all platforms – mobile, desktop, smart TV – and support HD streaming without buffering.
Tip: If a stream doesn’t work, switch to a different server location within the same country. And skip the free VPNs – they’re slow, full of ads, and risky in terms of data security.
What Devices to Use
Once you’ve got access, you’ll want the best experience possible. Depending on your location and equipment, here’s how to get the most out of your viewing setup:
Phone or tablet
Perfect for watching on the move – in airports, taxis, or in bed after a long day. Just make sure you’re on stable Wi-Fi or have enough mobile data.
Laptop
The most versatile option. Open the browser, log into the stream, and you’re set. Connect to a TV via HDMI for an even better experience.
Smart TV or streaming stick
If you travel with a Chromecast, Fire Stick, or Apple TV, you’re a step ahead. Plug it into any TV, connect to Wi-Fi, and cast the stream from your phone or laptop.
Can’t Watch It Live? No Problem
Time zones, meetings, flights – sometimes you just can’t make it to a live game. Luckily, there are several ways to catch up:
On-demand platforms
Services like IIHF.tv, ESPN+, and TSN Direct often let you rewatch games after they’ve aired.
Cloud DVR
If your streaming provider offers DVR (like fuboTV or YouTube TV), use it to record games and watch at your convenience.
Highlights and replays
Quick recaps, top plays, and goal summaries are usually available minutes after the game ends on YouTube and social media.
Just beware of spoilers. If you plan to watch later, avoid social media and disable sports notifications.
Final Travel Tips for Hockey Fans
- Prepare early: Install apps, test VPN, confirm logins, and know the schedule.
- Have backups: Use mobile data as a fallback if hotel Wi-Fi fails.
- Adjust your routine: If a game airs at 3 AM, plan a power nap or set multiple alarms.
- Use bars or cafes: In some cities, sports bars may have the game on request – just ask politely.
- Make it fun: Even if you’re thousands of miles away, put on a jersey, grab a drink, and turn your temporary stay into your own hockey arena.
Wrapping Up
Watching the Ice Hockey World Championship while abroad is totally doable – with the right tools and a bit of prep. Whether you’re traveling for work, school, or fun, you don’t have to miss out on the action.
Use official streams where possible, rely on VPNs if necessary, and stay ahead of the time zones. The puck may drop in Stockholm or Herning, but with the right setup, you’ll feel like you’re right there.
