Sweden wins gold, Finland silver, Czech Republic tied for bronze; new format for World Championships.

The World Championships in ice hockey saw a significant shift in 1998 with the introduction of a new format. The increase from 8 to 16 teams was a response to the expanding participation from nations formerly part of the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc. This change brought more diversity and competitiveness to the tournament. During this event, Sweden claimed the Gold medal, while Finland secured the Silver, and the Czech Republic/Czechoslovakia shared the Bronze. The host cities for this spectacle were Zurich and Basel in Switzerland. The host country, Switzerland, provided a fitting backdrop for the intensifying global interest in ice hockey. The tournament showcased the growing popularity and talent pool in the sport, with traditional powerhouses being challenged by emerging nations. The shift in format not only accommodated more teams but also heightened the level of competition across the board. The 1998 World Championships were a turning point, reflecting the evolving landscape of international ice hockey. The success of Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic/Czechoslovakia highlighted the diverse pool of talent making its mark on the global stage. #IIHF #IceHockey #WorldChampionships #1998 #Sweden #Finland #CzechRepublic #Switzerland