Denmark’s co-hosting of the Ice Hockey World Championship concluded on Thursday with resounding success, highlighted by Denmark’s stunning 2-1 quarter-final victory over Canada in Herning. The tournament exceeded expectations, drawing significant crowds and boosting the local economy.

The Danish portion of the championship, held in Herning, attracted 192,321 spectators, surpassing the initial target of 150,000. A total of 32 matches, including 30 preliminary games and 2 quarter-finals, were played in Boxen.

According to Sport Event Denmark, the event was a triumph. World Championship director Ulrik Larsen praised the celebration of ice hockey, community, and Danish hospitality. He noted the influx of fans from around the world and emphasized Denmark’s capability to host major sporting events.

Lars Lundov, director of Sport Event Denmark, lauded the historic Danish result, the electric atmosphere in Boxen, and the great media attention. He affirmed that the Ice Hockey World Championship 2025 has solidified Denmark’s standing as an attractive and professional host for international championships.

Dansk Erhverv also highlighted the economic benefits for Herning’s hospitality sector. Lars Ramme Nielsen, branch director at Dansk Erhverv, called the championship a dream event for Denmark, noting the availability of hotel capacity and the influx of affluent fans from neighboring countries. Hotels experienced a 160 percent increase in room sales compared to May of the previous year, with significantly higher average prices. Occupancy rates soared from 30.7 percent last May to 87.8 percent this year.

While Denmark has concluded its hosting duties, the medal matches, including Denmark’s semi-final against Switzerland, will be played in Stockholm, Sweden. Denmark previously hosted the entire men’s Ice Hockey World Championship in 2018, with games held in both Herning and Copenhagen, selling a total of 353,000 tickets.