Bandy World Championship 2016, the XXXVI Bandy World Championship, was held with Ulyanovsk Oblast, Russia, as host region. Most of the games were played at the Volga-Sport-Arena in Ulyanovsk. Because of its higher spectator capacity, the group stage matches between Russia and Sweden and between Russia and Kazakhstan were played at Trud Stadium, which also hosted one semi-final and the final. Some games were played in nearby Dimitrovgrad at Stadium Stroitel.
The Division A tournament was played from 1 February until 7 February 2016, while the Division B tournament took place afterwards, on 10–14 February.
Czech Republic made its debut, while Canada and Ukraine were set to return, thus reaching an all-time high of nineteen participating teams. Canada missed the championships due to domestic competitions, so a total of eighteen countries participated, which is still more than ever before.
The tournament was part of Russian President Vladimir Putin's schedule for 2016, he sent a greeting letter before the tournament and one of congratulation after the victory of the Russian team.
Participating teams
Participating countries in the 2016 Bandy World Championship. Blue: Division A Red: Division B Green: members of the Federation of International Bandy not participating in this year's World Championship
Because of the weather conditions and the want to keep the ice at Trud good for the semifinals and the final, the Tuesday 2 February game (game 8) between Russia and Finland and the Wednesday 3 February game (game 12) between Russia and Sweden were moved from the outdoor Trud stadium to the indoor Volga-Sport-Arena.
Division A
After drawn games in the group stage, a penalty shootout is held to determine final placings in the event of teams finishing on equal points
2' E. Johnsen 8' F. Randsborg 17' P. Loyning 29' F. Hagberg 32', 43' P. Moen 41', 63', 67', 82', 86' N. Jensen 48', 89' S. Kristiffersen 49' M. Hogevold 65', 78', 85' M. Austad 70' own goal
V. Aaltonen 3' M. Kumpuoja 4', 88' T. Mustonen 7', 18', 52' J. Liukkonen 8', 20', 54' M. Lukkarila 11', 90' S. Laakkonen 44', 85' S. Helavuori 56' E. Peuhkuri 66', 74' J. Rintala 70'
D. Richardson 04' M. Carman 11', 12', 83' D. Martinson 31' M. Lickteig 36' A. Skalbeck 38', 47' G. Olson 42' K. Brown 44', 50', 67', 80' M. Sandberg 70' S. Arundel 90'
Note: Estonia fielded an ineligible player in 2 of their matches. Matches were awarded as 5-0 wins to their opponents, and Estonia were disqualified from the competition.
Group B
Ukraine national team
Matches in Group B are 60 minutes in duration rather than the standard 90 minutes.
Ulyanovsk Oblast Governor Sergey Ivanovich Morozov has taken a special interest in promoting the cultural events surrounding the 2016 Bandy World Championship, since it takes place in Ulyanovsk. Many streets, enterprises and organizations were decorated with the symbols of the bandy championship.
On January 23 the bright event "Stars of Sport" were held for inhabitants and visitors of the city, as a prelude to the opening ceremony of the world championship. It was held at the shopping center “Aquamall” in downtown Ulyanovsk and featured sports stars like Ilia Averbukh and Maxim Marinin.
The formal opening ceremony was held on January 31, 2016.
