The 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship will take place from May 15 to May 31 in Zurich, Switzerland, gathering the world’s top hockey nations for a month of high‑stakes competition. Among the participants are three Michigan State alumni: Isaac Howard and Ryker Lee on the United States roster and Porter Martone suiting up for Canada.
The United States enters the tournament as defending gold‑medalists, having secured its second championship in program history last summer. Coach Adam Nightingale, alongside former forward Isaac Howard and staff members such as Brandon Naurato, leads a squad that blends NHL prospects with seasoned veterans.
Key Players to Watch
Isaac Howard, a 2023 first‑round selection of the Edmonton Oilers, returns after a breakthrough professional season split between the Oilers and their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. Howard has represented the United States in seven international events, earning four medals, and will look to add another gold to his résumé.
Ryker Lee, who just completed his freshman season at Michigan State with 30 points in 35 games, was chosen 2025 first‑round by the Nashville Predators. He made an immediate impact by scoring the team’s opening goal in an exhibition against Germany and will be a key offensive spark for the U.S.
Porter Martone, a standout for the Philadelphia Flyers and former Michigan State captain, joins a Canadian team that boasts twelve veterans of previous World Championships. Martone’s recent playoff performance included two game‑winning goals, and he plans to return to East Lansing for part of the summer after the tournament.
Broadcast and Coverage
All United States games will be streamed live on the NHL Network, giving fans across North America front‑row access to the action. The preliminary round features two groups of eight, with the U.S. placed in Group A and Canada in Group B. The tournament’s schedule, running through May 31, promises high‑stakes matchups and potential rematches of last year’s gold‑medal final.
With a mix of seasoned coaches, emerging talent, and medal‑laden veterans, the championship is poised to deliver memorable moments that will resonate throughout the hockey world.