1961 Ice Hockey World Championships
Canada won its 19th title; political flag dispute marred final day.
Last updated
The 1961 Ice Hockey World Championships was the 28th edition of the tournament, held in Geneva and Lausanne, Switzerland from 1 to 12 March 1961. It is notable for being the last time Canada would win a world title for 33 years, and for the political controversy that marred the final day.
Background
The 1961 Ice Hockey World Championships, the 28th edition, took place outdoors in Geneva and Lausanne on a frozen pool. A harsh glare made visibility tough for players, though photographers captured aerial shots from a diving board. Canada’s Trail Smoke Eaters claimed their nineteenth international title, marking a win that Canada would not repeat for 33 years. Czechoslovakia took silver over the Soviets, securing their tenth European championship.
Political tension erupted on the final day when West German hockey president Willi Daume refused to let his team face East Germany, fearing they would have to honor East Germany’s new flag. A record twenty nations competed across three groups, with South Africa debuting. The South African squad lacked enough players, so forty-five-year-old federation president Tom Durling suited up, despite not being a citizen. Promotion and relegation were not yet in place, but the tournament was a major step toward establishing that system.
More in International and Olympic Ice Hockey
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: 1961 Ice Hockey World Championships (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced