Men's Competition
The format was changed from the version used in the 1998 and 2002 tournaments.This format is used in 1992 and 1994, the number of teams was reduced from 14 to 12 and the preliminary and final group stages were combined to form two six-team groups with the top four from each group advancing to the quarterfinals.
These changes had the following effects:
- They increased the number of group games played by the "Super Six", who previously automatically qualified for the final group stage, from three to five.
- They ensured that all teams in the tournament were treated more or less equally, and ensured that NHL players could play the entire tournament whether or not they were part of the "Super Six" group of teams.
- They ensured that only four teams from each group would advance to the knock-out stage. This would give the games more meaning.
Read more about this topic: Ice Hockey At The 2006 Winter Olympics
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