The 1977 Ice Hockey World Championships took place in Vienna, Austria from 21 April to 8 May.

The team refused to listen to the opposing teams' national anthems when they lost, and the coach, Johnny Wilson, explained their multiple misconduct penalties by saying, "We just couldn't compete with the Soviets, and ... it is natural to try to get revenge.

Canada, with a chance still to get a bronze, set a record by defeating the eventual champions eight to two.

Played with nine countries because Group A had relegated two nations the previous year to make room for Canada.

Only one team was promoted this year so that Group B could return to having eight clubs, and their tie on the last day against Italy left them in second place.