Buffalo to Host 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Championship

Buffalo, New York, will host the 2025 World Para Hockey Ice Championship from May 24–31 with eight nations participating in games at the Harborcenter area.

USA Hockey made the announcement on Tuesday, which features the best sled hockey players in the world. The World Para Ice Hockey Championship has been held on U.S. soil three previous times, including Buffalo in 2015; Marlborough, Massachusetts, in 2008; and Salt Lake City in 2000.

“We’re thrilled to bring the World Para Ice Hockey Championship back to Buffalo,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “The LECOM Harborcenter is a first-class facility and we know the teams and fans will enjoy the great hospitality the city of Buffalo will provide.”

Participating teams in order of world ranking include Canada, the United Statest, Czechia, China, Republic of Korea, Slovakia, Norway and Germany. While the top five finishers will earn their spots at the next Paralympics, the bottom three finishers will be forced to compete at the Paralympic Winter Games Qualification Tournament that will take place later in 2025. The bottom two teams will also be relegated to the B-Pool for the following season.

“We are thrilled to be returning to the USA for the first time in a decade with our premier event, the World Championships A-Pool,” said Michelle Laflamme, World Para Ice Hockey manager. “This edition of the tournament will be more important than ever as national teams vie for coveted spots at the Paralympic Winter Games, so fans and viewers can expect the most exciting Para ice hockey we’ve seen to date as teams battle it out on the ice.”

Since the inaugural World Para Ice Hockey Championship in 1996, the U.S. has claimed six gold medals (2023, 2021, 2019, 2015, 2012, 2009) and is the only country to ever win three-consecutive gold medals (2023, 2021, 2019). Additionally, the U.S. has achieved five other medal finishes, earning four silver medals (2024, 2017, 2013, 2004) and one bronze medal (2008).

“We’re proud to once again host the World Para Ice Hockey Championship,” said Ryan Vinz, assistant general manager of the LECOM Harborcenter. “This event showcases the remarkable talent and dedication of some of the world’s best athletes, and we are honored to have them. We look forward to welcoming teams from around the globe and delivering an exceptional experience for the participating teams and the fans.”