Ukraine Returns to Elite Division
Ukraine's national ice hockey team has earned promotion to the top division of the 2027 World Championship. This achievement follows strong performances in the 2026 Division IA tournament. The team's return to the elite level marks its first appearance since 2007, when it was relegated after nine consecutive seasons in the top tier.
During the 2026 World Championship, Ukraine recorded three wins in five games but lost to Kazakhstan in a shootout. As a result, both Ukraine and Kazakhstan filled the vacancies left by Great Britain, which finished the 2026 tournament without any points, and Italy, which lost its elite spot after a 5-1 defeat to Slovenia. Kazakhstan returns to the top division after a one-year absence.
Participating Teams and Achievements
The following nations will compete in the elite division of the 2027 World Championship:
- Switzerland
- Finland
- Germany
- Austria
- Latvia
- USA
- Hungary
- Canada
- Norway
- Czechia
- Slovakia
- Sweden
- Slovenia
- Denmark
- Kazakhstan
- Ukraine
Ukraine's best-ever finish in the elite division remains 9th place, achieved at the 2002 World Championship.
Dmytro Khrystych serves as the head coach of the Ukrainian national team. This return to the top flight has sparked optimism about the team's future prospects in international competitions. For English-speaking hockey fans, this marks a notable underdog story as Ukraine re-enters a competitive field dominated by traditional powerhouses.
The national team's comeback to the elite division represents a major milestone for Ukrainian hockey, highlighting the squad's growth and progress on the global stage.
This success could lay the groundwork for further accomplishments in upcoming tournaments and help boost the popularity of hockey across Ukraine. Given the strong lineup of participants in the 2027 World Championship, the team stands to gain valuable international experience and strengthen its standing in the world hockey landscape.
This remarkable achievement not only highlights Ukraine's resurgence in ice hockey but also sets the stage for a promising future. For a deeper look at how the national team secured its elite division spot for the first time since 2007, you can read more about this significant milestone here.