Definition: A tournament held annually since 1920 by the International Ice Hockey Federation. Until 1976, it was restricted to amateur players. Though it remains a highly prestigious tournament, the world championship cannot bring together all of the best hockey players in the world, as its schedule conflicts with the Stanley Cup playoffs in April and May. See also:
World Junior Hockey Championship
World Under-18 Hockey Championship
World Women's Hockey Championship
World Cup of Hockey
World Hockey Championship
By Jamie Fitzpatrick, About.com
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