Czechia and Sweden keep on the fight for the Ice Hockey World Junior Championship

Ice Hockey World Junior Championship in Ottawa, Canada, began on 26 December with ten teams divided into two groups battling in the Preliminary Round. The top four teams from each group will advance to the Playoff Round, while the fifth-placed team in each group moves to the Relegation Round.  

During the first four days of matches at TD Place and the Canadian Tire Center, Canada, USA, Czechia and Sweden showcased why they are favourites to win the tournament this year, securing the top sports in the standings.  

Czechia´s victory against Slovakia moved the Czechs into a first-place tie with Sweden in Group B. Both teams have a perfect 3-0-0 record and will play on New Year´s Eve to determine who claims top seeding heading into the quarterfinals.  

Slovakia dropped to fourth place with three points, sitting only ahead of Kazakhstan and Switzerland, both yet to earn any points. Slovakia and Kazakhstan will meet on 30 December in a crucial match for both teams, as they strive to avoid the bottom position and the relegation game.  

Sweden defeated Switzerland 7-5, a victory that secured Swedish place at the top of Group B and guaranteed them a spot in the quarter finals.  

Canada´s win over Germany provided some relief after their earlier lost to Latvia. However, the real test for the for the Canadians will come on New Year´s Eve with the game against USA. Both teams have seven points in the standings, while Finland follows closely with five.  

Finland edged out the USA 4-3 in the overtime, handing the Americans their first loss at the tournament. Team USA, the defending champions from 2024 (Gothenburg) are aiming to secure a medal for the third consecutive year. Meanwhile, Finland is striving to end a small drought, having not won fold since 2019 (Vancouver) or any medal since 2022.  

Quarterfinals matches will take place on 2 January, with the Finals scheduled for 5 January.