The 2011 IIHF Women's World Championship was the 13th edition of the Top Division of the Women's Ice Hockey World Championship (the 14th edition overall, if the season when only the lower divisions were played is also counted), organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
The Top Division tournament was held at Hallenstadion in Zürich and at Deutweg rink in Winterthur, Switzerland, from 16 to 25 April 2011.
The United States were the two-time defending champions and successfully defended their title, capturing their third straight gold medal, by defeating Canada 3âÂÂ2 in overtime on a goal by Hilary Knight. IIHF council member Monique Scheier-Schneider presided over the events.
All times are local (Central European Summer Time â UTC+2).
Best of three.
All times are local (Central European Summer Time â UTC+2).
List shows the top 10 skaters sorted by points, then goals.
<small>GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/â = Plus/minus; PIM = Penalties In Minutes<br>Source: IIHF.com</small>
Only the top five goaltenders, based on save percentage, who have played 40% of their team's minutes are included in this list. <small>TOI = Time on ice (minutes:seconds); SA = Shots against; GA = Goals against; GAA = Goals against average; Sv% = Save percentage; SO = Shutouts<br>Source: IIHF.com</small>
<small>Best players of each team selected by the coaches.</small>
The Division I tournament was played in Ravensburg, Germany, from April 11 to 16, 2011.
On March 29, 2011 Japan withdrew from the tournament due to the 2011 Japan earthquake. They retained their position in 2012's Division I, and the 5th-placed team was relegated.
The Division II tournament was played in Caen, France, from April 4 to 10, 2011.
Prior to the start of the tournament the North Korean national team announced they would withdraw, citing financial reasons. All games against them were counted as a forfeit, with a score of 5âÂÂ0 for the opposing team.
The Division III tournament was played in Newcastle, Australia, from February 1 to 6, 2011.
The Division IV tournament was played in ReykjavÃÂk, Iceland, from March 29 to April 4, 2011.
The Division V tournament was played in Sofia, Bulgaria, from March 14 to 19, 2011.
was promoted to Division IV (renamed II B) for the 2012 IIHF Women's World Championship. In addition, because of some nations not participating, instead of hosting the Division II B Qualification, effectively were promoted as well.