1962 Ice Hockey World Championships

Lore & Background

The tournament was placed in jeopardy due to the political situation in Europe, specifically the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961. NATO responded with travel restrictions that prevented the East Germany national ice hockey team from attending. Canadian Amateur Hockey Association president Jack Roxburgh felt that politics should not affect sports and called for the IIHF to unite in opposition to the NATO decision. Teams from the Soviet Union and other communist countries ultimately chose to withdraw in protest. With the absences of the USSR, Czechoslovakia, and East Germany, the top two nations from the 1961 'B' pool (Norway and Great Britain) were elevated, and a qualifying game filled the third spot. Switzerland qualified in Group A, Austria in Group B. In the 'B' pool, the Australian team defeated Denmark for their first victory ever.

Reader's Guide

The 1962 Ice Hockey World Championships is notable for being the first IIHF World Championship held in North America outside the Olympic Games, and it remains the only such event in the United States not tied to the Olympics. The tournament was heavily shaped by Cold War politics: the Berlin Wall and subsequent NATO travel restrictions led to the absence of East Germany, and the Soviet Union and other communist nations withdrew in protest. This reshaped the field, elevating lower-tier teams. Sweden won its third World title and ninth European title. Canada, represented by the Galt Terriers, lost only to Sweden and finished second, followed by the host Americans. The 'B' pool saw Australia earn its first-ever victory, defeating Denmark. The event underscores the intersection of international sport and geopolitical tensions of the era.

Did You Know?

• The 1962 tournament was the first IIHF World Championship held in North America that was not part of the Olympic Games.
• Canada was represented by the Galt Terriers.
• In the 'B' pool, Australia defeated Denmark for their first victory ever.