Preliminary Round
Sixteen participating teams were placed in the following four groups. After playing a round-robin, the top three teams in each group advanced to the Qualifying Round. The last team in each group competed in the Relegation Round.
Groups A and D were played in Kloten, groups B and C in Bern.
| Team advanced to the Qualifying Round | |
| Team sent to compete in the Relegation Round |
Read more about this topic: 2009 IIHF World Championship
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