Copenhagen, Denmark – Sixteen teams, 64 games, two cities and just one prize. The drama of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships is set to unfold in Denmark over the next two weeks and, like all great dramas, it will be full of compelling stories. Heroics and heartache; power and passion; speed, strength and skill. How can this possibly be enhanced? With millions of fans around the world, and only a handful of them lucky enough to witness the action live in Copenhagen and Herning, this is how the story from the ice will be amplified.
With 16 teams come 16 groups of fans who will be desperate to see what is happening on the ice. The tournament will be broadcast to an expected cumulative audience of once again more than a billion around the world. For the first time, Infront subsidiary HBS will be responsible for the feed, bringing with them decades of experience from some of the world's most well-known sporting events. That includes a new production format, offering 1080p across more than 200 hours of footage for rights holders. This ensures full coverage of the action on the ice and beyond, including team arrivals and warm-ups Those all-important post-game comments will also be available, with player interviews from both teams straight after every game.
The broadcast will break down the barrier in the build-up to the game, with wireless cameras bringing fans into the lead-up and a spider camera helping viewers get up close to the players before face-off at the final weekend. Once the game has started, audiences will be able to see the action from the heart of the game, with the ref cam returning, offering a glimpse of the on-ice action. Fans will also be able to see the build-up to goals through the ultra-slow motion behind goal camera, slowing down the quickest sport in the world to highlight the intrinsic play.
Missed the game or want to relive the best moments? The IIHF's social channels will act as a hub for all content. All highlights will be available on the IIHF YouTube channel, with exclusive content prepared just for social media ready to be shared on the IIHF's Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and VK pages.