In a stunning sequence of upsets at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship, tournament co-hosts Denmark shocked hockey powerhouse Canada, while David Pastrnak’s Czech Republic were eliminated by Sweden, marking one of the most unpredictable quarterfinal rounds in recent tournament history.
Denmark Makes History, Sends Canada Packing
In what Danish media are already calling “The Miracle of Midtjylland,” Denmark came from behind to defeat Canada 2–1 in a tense quarterfinal in Herning.
Canada, boasting a roster stacked with NHL talent, including Connor Bedard and Mitch Marner, took a 1–0 lead midway through the second period. But Denmark, energized by a passionate home crowd, tied the game with less than four minutes remaining courtesy of a blistering shot from Nikolaj Ehlers.
Just 41 seconds later, Nick Olesen scored the go-ahead goal on a breakaway, capping a wild finish that saw the Canadians stunned and scrambling.
Denmark’s Frederik Dichow turned in a heroic 39-save performance, frustrating Canada’s offense at every turn and sealing Denmark’s first-ever trip to the World Championship semifinals.
“It’s a dream. We believed we could do it — and we did,” said Ehlers post-game. “This is for everyone in Denmark who’s believed in hockey here.”
Czech Republic Crash Out as Sweden Turns Up the Heat
In the other major upset of the evening, the Czech Republic, led by David Pastrňák, were eliminated by Sweden in a 5–2 loss in Stockholm.
Despite Pastrňák’s strong form in the group stage, the Czechs struggled against a disciplined and aggressive Swedish side. Goals from Lucas Raymond and Leo Carlsson overwhelmed Czech goaltending, and turnovers plagued their defensive zone exits.
Pastrňák, held to just one assist during the match, admitted post-game that the team “ran out of steam at the worst time.”
The Czechs’ elimination was especially bitter given high hopes for a medal on home ice, having co-hosted early-round games in Prague.