The winner will be announced on March 2. The world champions - and other medalists - will get theirs presented to them on May 20, 2012.

The design competition is invitational. The artists invited to participate are Heli Kauhanen from Lahti, Tapio Kettunen from Vesilahti, and Erja Tielinen from Helsinki.

The medals’ technical attributes are defined by the International Ice Hockey Federation, but each tournament organization is allowed to create unique medals if it so wishes.

“We have traditionally had unique medals in the tournaments played in Finland and we want to continue that tradition, and underline the status of the World Championships. This design competition also fits perfectly with the Helsinki World Design Capital theme,” says Kalervo Kummola, president of the organizing committee.

“The commemorative medals are a token of appreciation given to the volunteers who help make the tournament a success,” he adds.