From April 29th to May 15th, 2011, Slovakia will be hosting an IIHF World Championship for the first time in its history.
Preliminary Round
A round-robin will see each team compete against the others in its group – constituting three games per team. The group's three best-placed teams will then move on to compete in the Qualifying Round, while the last-placed team goes to the Relegation Round.
Qualifying Round
Split into two groups, the twelve teams will play on – constituting a further three games for each team.
Relegation Round
The four last-placed teams will continue to play in the Relegation Round. The two relegated teams will be determined by round-robin.
Quarter-Finals
Following the Qualifying Round, the four best placed teams in each group will compete in the four Quarter-final games. The two last-placed teams in each group drop out of the tournament.
Semi-Finals
The winners of the Quarter Finals will compete in the two Semi-Final games.
Bronze Medal Game
The two losers of the Semi-Finals will play each other for third and fourth place, and the Bronze Medal.
Gold Medal Game
The winners of the Semi-Finals will compete in the ultimate game for the World Championship title.