Top 10 Best Ice Hockey Countries

Ice hockey has become one of the most exciting and passionate sports in the world, bringing nations together to compete at the highest levels. It's not just about the thrill of the game or the intensity on the ice - it's also about the pride countries take in their teams, players, and history with the sport. Different nations have developed their own distinct hockey cultures, producing legendary athletes and dominating tournaments like the Winter Olympics and the World Championships.

Take a look at the countries in the list and vote for those that deserve to be ranked among the best. Your vote will help highlight the nations that continue to shape and elevate the sport, as hockey fans around the globe come together to celebrate their favorites. Whether it's a country with a long history of success or an underdog on the rise, every vote helps decide the top contenders.
The Top Ten
Canada Canada is considered the birthplace of ice hockey, with the sport deeply embedded in the country's culture. It has a highly successful national team, consistently performing well in international tournaments.

Well, the best player in the world is from far Eastern Canada, a place called Nova Scotia. I think every province in Canada contributes to it being the best hockey country in the world. People are saying if this, if that, the USA would be better than Canada. You can't say that because it's not. Canada's passion for hockey demolishes every other place in the world, and nothing will ever change that. We care too much.

Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews, Drew Doughty. That's all that really needs to be said. The best center, Sid. The best defensive player, Drew Doughty. The best goalie in the world, Carey Price. That's almost every position you play in hockey, and Canada has the best player in the world at each one of those spots. End of discussion.

Watch the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Canada vs. USA, and in that game, you can see what Canada is all about when it comes to hockey. I didn't even mention Connor McDavid, who could very well end up being better than everybody when they look back at the history books.

Sweden Sweden has a rich history in ice hockey, with its national team, Tre Kronor, being one of the strongest in the world. The country has won multiple Olympic and World Championship medals.

I think it's time for people to understand that this country right here produces many great players for many leagues out there. Sweden has a population of 10 million and still has so many NHL stars. Their national team has won two World Championships in a row (2017 and 2018), and players such as Erik Karlsson and Henrik Zetterberg weren't even on the team those years. Deserves respect!

Sweden is the second best in the world because of their medals. Quality over quantity. It is a small country compared to Canada, the Soviet Union (now Russia), and the USA. Russia/Soviet Union is the best in the world. They have played in their own league, GodsLeague (above any other country), and are the chosen ice hockey team by God, sent from heaven!

Finland Finland is known for its strong ice hockey tradition, with its national team, the Leijonat, regularly competing at the highest levels. The country has produced many elite players who have excelled in both domestic and international leagues.

Only one country besides Canada has more than one percent of its general population listed as registered hockey players, and that is Finland. Moreover, ever since the NHL has been involved in the Winter Olympics (beginning in 1998), the country winning the most medals in men's hockey has been Finland. Indeed, since 1988 (the last seven Winter Olympics), Finland has won more Olympic medals in men's hockey than any other country.

It also receives the most attention of any sport in the Finnish media, and fan support is very strong. So, in my opinion, there are only two great hockey nations on earth: Canada and Finland. The USA and Russia don't even come close.

Russia Russia has a long-standing tradition in ice hockey, dating back to the Soviet era, when it dominated the sport internationally. The Russian national team remains one of the strongest, regularly competing for top honors.

Russia should be Number 1 or 2 on this list! To me, the 1981 through 1984 Soviet Union team under Coach Viktor Tikhonov is the best of all time!

I am Russian (Viperium). I agree with all the points stated so far. It is clearly obvious that Russia should be ranked first. However, that doesn't mean everybody should say that Canada is bad. I have watched a lot of hockey in my lifetime and I believe that Russia's extensive experience in hockey makes it the best. Canada and the USA have young teams. For them to beat Russia is like a miracle, but do not forget that it did happen in the 1980s Olympics.

I think Russia should have won against the USA in the Sochi league. When we scored a goal, they found out that the goalpost was moved, so there was no point. Really? Coincidence or what? On purpose, we will never know.

United States Ice hockey in the United States has grown significantly over the years, with the national team achieving success in both the Olympics and World Championships. The NHL, based primarily in the U.S., is the top professional league globally.

The USA should be no. 2. Ontario, where 46.9% of all Canadian NHL players are from, is basically northern Michigan/New York/Minnesota. Go there, and you will see Canada is empty 100 miles north of the border. USA players do not have as many frozen ponds available to them as young players in Canada, Sweden, Russia, Finland, Norway, and the other high-producing European countries, yet the U.S. consistently ranks among the best.

We beat Russia in 1980 with a bunch of college guys from Massachusetts and Michigan.

Czech Republic The Czech Republic has a storied history in ice hockey, with its national team achieving success in international competitions such as the World Championships and Olympics. Czech players are prominent in both European leagues and the NHL.

The Czech Republic, per capita, in regard to medals, significantly outperforms all five countries ranked above them. With only 10 million people, they still rank in the top three for medals in world competition. If the two countries of former Czechoslovakia were still united, they would have consistently secured the Gold or Silver in the Olympics and World Championships for the last 20 years, even with a population under 18 million.

Russia's prowess in hockey is largely due to the communist occupation of Czechoslovakia, during which Czechoslovakian coaches were compelled to train their teams. Canadians live and breathe hockey. So, it's expected that a vast country with a large population, where it is freezing for nine months of the year, would excel at the sport.

If the Czech Republic were as large and populous, the world might just give up on competitive hockey due to the Czechs' consistent winning of gold every year. The USA, Sweden, and Finland are formidable as well, but when looking at the results from past years in world competition, the Czechs outshine them considerably. It's not even a contest!

Besides hockey, the Czechs have historically excelled at soccer, reaching the World Cup finals. They are also prominent in individual sports such as tennis and consistently win numerous medals in both the Winter and Summer Olympics.

Beyond sports, they produce the best beer in the world! If there were a world competition in beer drinking, that would be an automatic gold for the Czech Republic!

Slovakia Slovakia has a well-established ice hockey tradition, with the national team being a regular contender in major international tournaments. The country has produced many players who have found success in leagues around the world.

Slovakia has definitely had its highs and lows, but I think that in the past few years, they've been improving at a very fast (almost terrifying) pace. Give them maybe a decade, and I think they have a chance to get into the top 5. Also, I noticed that the fans in Slovakia are extremely passionate, and that's always a reason for the players to keep getting better and better!

Slovakia is making strides year by year. Many valuable players have been drafted in recent years, such as Slafkovsky, Dvorsky, and Nemec, among others.

It's definitely one of the top hockey countries at this time, boasting a huge fanbase.

Switzerland Ice hockey in Switzerland has grown steadily in both popularity and competitiveness. The Swiss national team has made notable strides in international competitions, and its domestic league attracts top talent.

Switzerland has good goalkeepers like Patrick Aebischer, Martin Gerber, and others. Team Switzerland wears red and white, and in the center of their jersey is a beautiful cross.

Switzerland has several NHL players, boasts one of the best leagues with the most viewers, and has the biggest fan culture in Europe. It is ranked 7th in the "IIHF World Ranking", keeps up with the big ones, and won WC silver in 2013 (unbeaten until the final).

Switzerland is the most up-and-coming nation and will soon be part of the "Big 7", displacing Slovakia. They had 13 NHL players in the 2015-2016 season, and the count is rising.

Latvia Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in Latvia, with the national team consistently competing in top-tier international tournaments. The country has a strong domestic league and a growing presence in global competitions.

Despite the low number of Latvian NHL players (due to a population of two million), Latvia is one of the most dedicated countries to hockey.

I'm Latvian, and proud of it. Ice hockey is like our religion. We live, breathe, and dream ice hockey!

Latvia is the best! We have our team, players, and hearts. Just look at Minsk. We are all over it!

Germany Germany has seen increased success in ice hockey in recent years, with its national team reaching new heights in international tournaments. The country's top league, the DEL, is one of Europe's strongest.

Germany is a very underrated ice hockey country. Hockey is very overshadowed by more prominent sports like football, but the hockey played here should not be underestimated. With a third-place finish in the Olympics a few years back, this team is getting better.

The DEL is growing, and this country is refining its hockey teams. Let's not forget Germany has produced several good NHL players: Christian Ehrhoff, Marcel Goc, Marco Sturm, Dennis Seidenberg, Grabovski, and more.

Germany has the potential to reach more athletes because of their high population.

The Newcomers

? Bolivia Ice hockey is virtually nonexistent in Bolivia, with no notable infrastructure or participation. The country does not have an official national team or league.

Bolivia: The beautiful South American state next to Peru. Its shamans and hockey are certainly better.

? Israel Ice hockey is a growing sport in Israel, with the national team competing in lower divisions of the IIHF. The country has a few indoor rinks, mostly catering to expatriates and enthusiasts.
The Contenders
India Ice hockey is a niche sport in India, primarily played in regions with cold climates, like Ladakh. The national team competes in lower divisions of international competitions.

Come on, India! You can do it! Go for it!

India rocks and has the best team.

Hockey is not major in India, but India does have potential in hockey.

Denmark Denmark's ice hockey program has improved significantly over the past few decades, with the national team competing at the top level of international tournaments. Several Danish players have made successful careers in the NHL and other top leagues.

Why the heck is Denmark down here!? They aren't good, but they're better than half of these teams that basically don't even play hockey! (Okay, Denmark doesn't really either). And where's Norway? Norway should be higher than Denmark!... One Canadian's point of view.

Denmark has a bright future in producing good players. Just look at NHLers like Ehlers, Eller, and Frans Nielsen. Also, there are more players who play in the Swedish junior leagues, which ensures a consistency of good players.

Although not a very good team, they are way better than the United Kingdom, China, the Netherlands, and Japan for sure. They should be placed higher.

United Kingdom The United Kingdom has a historical connection to ice hockey, though the sport is not as popular as football or rugby. The national team competes in international tournaments, occasionally reaching the top division.

During the 1936 Winter Olympics, Great Britain actually won the GOLD MEDAL in the Ice Hockey Tournament! They had a GOALIE, "Jimmy Foster," who made 219 saves from the 222 shots he faced during that tournament. This was arguably the best tournament ever had by an ice hockey player in Olympic history.

There is an interesting book titled Pride & Glory by author Rob Jovanovic about that 1936 Winter Olympic "Gold Medal" Great Britain Ice Hockey Team.

The United Kingdom invented the game of hockey and ice hockey as we know it today. An interesting fact: they won a World Championship in ice hockey in 1956. Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding, they now only play the field version. I would like to see them competing again with the bigger ice hockey nations.

The people of the United Kingdom have given us so many amazing sports. It's a shame they're not as competitive as before.

Slovenia Slovenia is a small but competitive ice hockey nation, with its national team often punching above its weight in international tournaments. Anže Kopitar, a star NHL player, has brought attention to Slovenian ice hockey.

Slovenia stunningly defeated Slovakia 3:1 at the Olympic Games in Sochi! I believe this country should be ranked much higher.

A small country with a lot of good players.

France Ice hockey in France has seen steady growth, with the national team regularly competing in the top division of international tournaments. The French domestic league has also developed significantly in recent years.

France was in the World Championship 2013 winning match against Russia. It was a shock in the WCH years 2013. France has had great hockey teams for many years. In the NHL, their goalkeeper Cristobal Huet is a historical keeper and an intellectual goalie. France has a super attack, goalie, and defense.

China Ice hockey is growing in China, especially following Beijing's hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics. The country is making investments in the sport, though it remains less popular compared to other winter sports.

China just got a team in the KHL. They are a hockey program on the rise, and I am already looking forward to the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022.

That's sad. They scored six times against Russia.

They try, but they are not there yet.

Italy Ice hockey in Italy is concentrated in the northern regions, where the sport enjoys more popularity. The national team competes in international tournaments, usually in lower divisions.
New Zealand Ice hockey in New Zealand is a growing sport, primarily centered in regions with ice rink facilities. The national team competes in lower divisions of the IIHF World Championships.
Norway Ice hockey in Norway enjoys moderate popularity, with the national team competing in international tournaments like the World Championships and Winter Olympics. The country has produced several players who have reached the NHL.

Norway isn't the best. They are maybe the 10th best hockey nation in the world, by some rankings, but they have improved a lot in the last 10 years.

Norway has been in the quarterfinals twice over the last five years in the World Cup.

This team is no lower than 13th in ice hockey.

Mexico Ice hockey in Mexico is growing slowly, with a small but dedicated community of players and fans. The national team competes in lower divisions of the IIHF World Championships.

They are OP. Seriously, their hockey program is growing and might be in the Olympics in the next decade.

Mongolia Mongolia has a developing ice hockey scene, primarily due to its cold climate, which allows for natural ice rinks. The national team competes in regional and lower-level international tournaments.

Ha ha, I'm Mongolian and agree with this ranking.

Ireland Ice hockey is a minor sport in Ireland, with limited infrastructure and participation. The Irish national team competes at the lower levels of international competitions.
Ukraine Ukraine has a rich ice hockey history, with its national team regularly competing in international tournaments. The sport enjoys a solid fan base, especially in the country's major cities.
South Korea South Korea has seen a surge in ice hockey development, particularly following the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. The national team competes in international tournaments and has made progress in the lower divisions of the World Championships.

They made it to the World Hockey Championship in 2018!

Indonesia Ice hockey is a niche sport in Indonesia, with only a few rinks available in the country. The national team is in the early stages of development, competing in regional tournaments.
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