The 2005 IIHF World Women's Championships was held April 2–9, 2005, in Linköping, at Cloetta Center, and Norrköping, at Himmelstalundshallen, in Sweden. USA won their first ever gold medal at the World Championships, defeating the defending champions Canada in a penalty shootout. Sweden won their first ever medal at the World Women Championships, defeating Finland 5 - 2 in the bronze medal game. The championship was expanded to nine teams for 2006, so there was no relegation at any level.