A Sharks fan’s guide to the IIHF World Championship

The IIHF World Championship starts today in Czechia, with several San Jose Sharks players and a few future ones representing their countries on the world stage. In years past, the Sharks have had no representatives, mostly because players only join their country’s team once the postseason is done. For more than a decade, the Sharks were busy playing in the playoffs and could not be considered for their respective teams.

But that’s different this season. Not only are there Sharks playing in the IIHF, but this tournament has some extra weight since it’s considered a good showcase for some of the players hoping to make the Olympics in 2026.

So, who should you look out for if you’re a fan of Team Teal?

Team Czechia

Representing his home team, Jan Rutta will man the blueline for Team Czechia. Rutta will be joined by fellow NHLer Radko Gudas on the backend as well as a few familiar goaltending faces. Anaheim’s Lukas Dostal, Chicago’s Petr Mrazek and Utah’s Karel Vejmelka are all backstopping Team Czechia.

Team Finland

Mikael Granlund will play for Team Finland in this tournament. Granlund had a good season with the Sharks, so he might be leaned on heavily by the Finns for scoring. There’s also another Shark connection. Goaltender Harri Sateri is one of the netminders. He was drafted by the Sharks in 2008, 106th overall.

Team Germany

Nico Sturm will bring his skills in the faceoff circle to Team Germany. The now 29-year-old forward — happy belated birthday, Nico! — was one of the best in faceoffs in the entire NHL this season.

Team Sweden

If there’s a team that’s absolutely loaded this season, look no further than Team Sweden. The Swedes have one of the largest contingents of NHL players in the tournament, with names like Victor Hedman, Erik Karlsson and Adrian Kempe.

For the Sharks, Fabian Zetterlund will be there hoping to make a case for the 2026 Olympic team.

There’s also former Sharks Marcus Sorensen and Tim Heed on the roster.

Team USA

Team USA is also stacked with NHL talent. Look for names like Luke Hughes, Shane Pinto, Brock Nelson and Brady Tkachuk. But don’t worry Sharks fans, top prospect Will Smith also received a spot on the roster. And, Luke Kunin is there to talk up San Jose. Kunin needs a new contract, but we expect him to be back with the Sharks next season as well.