Poland, Great Britain promoted to top men’s World Hockey Championship for 2024

With the conclusion of the 2023 Division IA tournament, Poland and Great Britain have been promoted to the top men’s World Hockey Championship tournament in Czechia in 2024.

It’s the first time Poland has advanced to the top division since 2002. It’s also the second straight promotion for the nation, moving up from Division IB a year ago.

Poland was once a mainstay in top division international hockey, playing in 13 Olympic Winter Games from 1928-92. They also played in the World Championship throughout the 1930s and 50s, but haven’t played in the top tournament in consecutive years since 1973-76. They’re currently the 22nd-ranked IIHF team but should move up with the surprising medal at the Division IA tournament in Nottingham.

Poland has had very few players make it to the NHL, with Mariusz Czerkawski and Krzysztof Oliwa being the most well-known.

Great Britain, meanwhile, took gold with a 4-1-0-0 record, but needed to beat Italy to qualify officially. Team GB was considered the favorites to win after previously playing in the top division in 2019, 2021 and 2022. Before that, Great Britain hadn’t played in the top tournament since 1994.

Arizona Coyotes prospect Liam Kirk led the team in scoring with 10 points, while goaltender Ben Bowns had three shutouts, a .934 save percentage and five wins.

The two teams will replace the bottom team in both groups of the top division tournament, taking place from May 12-28. The 2024 edition will take place in Czechia, with both teams needing at least one win to avoid getting sent back down to Division IA.

The Italians missed out on promotion, finishing third with nine points. South Korea, Romania and Lithuania filled out the rest of the six-team grid. Lithuania was knocked down to Division IB for 2024, getting replaced by Japan.