The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship will take place in Ottawa from December 26 to January 5. Today, we take a closer look at the Group A teams competing in the preliminary round.
The United States is aiming to win back-to-back titles for the first time ever in the tournaments history. Coming off their impressive 6-2 victory over Sweden in the 2024 gold medal game, which secured their sixth World Junior Championship title and second in the past four years, the U.S. is full of talent and experience. Key players like Ryan Leonard, a forward from Boston College and U.S. captain, and Zeev Buium, a defenseman from the University of Denver, are part of a group of six first-round NHL draft picks. The U.S. will face Germany on December 26 in their opening game, followed by Latvia, Finland https://www.iihfworldchampionship.com/collections/team-usa-matt-boldy-jersey, and Canada, with the crucial matchup against Canada scheduled for December 31.
United States
Coach: David Carle
2025 NHL Draft Watch: James Hagens, C, Boston College NCAA); Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin NCAA)
Schedule:
Dec. 26: Germany 2:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 28: Latvia 3:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 29: Finland 2:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 31: Canada 8 p.m. ET
Outlook: The U.S. enters the 2025 tournament with high expectations, aiming to defend their title. Coach David Carle will continue implementing a fast-paced, puck possession style. Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault will be key figures on the offensive side, while Buium and Fortescue will anchor the defense. Trey Augustine, a sophomore goalie at Michigan State, might be one of the best goaltenders in the tournament. With a mixture of NHL prospects and experienced players, the U.S. team is primed for success.
Canada
Coach: Dave Cameron
2025 NHL Draft Watch: Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie OHL); Porter Martone, RW, Brampton OHL); Jack Ivankovic, G, Brampton OHL)
Schedule:
Dec. 26: Finland 7:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 27: Latvia 7:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 29: Germany 7:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 31: United States 8 p.m. ET
Outlook: After finishing fifth in 2024, Canada will look to bounce back with a talented roster full of high-end prospects. Players like Brayden Yager, Easton Cowan, and Gavin McKenna, the youngest player on the team, will be instrumental in Canadas pursuit of a championship. The team has 10 first-round NHL picks, and goalie Carson Bjarnason could be the key to their success. Canada is determined to get back to its winning ways and will be a formidable opponent in Group A.
Finland
Coach: Lauri Mikkola
2025 NHL Draft Watch: Benjamin Rautiainen, C, Tappara FIN); Daniel Nieminen, D, Pelicans FIN); Petteri Rimpinen, G, Kiekko Espoo FIN)
Schedule:
Dec. 26: Canada 7:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 27: Germany 3:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 29: United States 2:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 31: Latvia 2:30 p.m. ET
Outlook: Finland has a mix of returning players from the 2024 team and new talent aiming to bring the country back to the medal stand. While lacking high-scoring firepower, Finland will rely on its hard-working style and strong defensive play. Aron Kiviharju, the captain, and Kim Saarinen, the drafted goalie, will be pivotal for Finlands success. Despite being without a top-tier offense, their commitment to defense and team play could help them fight for a medal.
Latvia
Coach: Marcel Jenni
2025 NHL Draft Watch: Bruno Osmanis, RW, Bjorkloven SWE 2)
Schedule:
Dec. 27: Canada 7:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 28: United States 3:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 30: Germany 3:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 31: Finland 2:30 p.m. ET
Outlook: Latvia had a rough 2024 tournament, finishing eighth, but managed to reach the quarterfinals with a win over Germany. They return key players like Eriks Mateiko and Darels Uljanskis, who will play crucial roles for the team. Latvias goal is to stay competitive with the larger powers of Group A, and their chances of making the quarterfinals will hinge on their performance against Germany on December 30. The team lacks the depth of some of the other nations but will rely on grit and determination to have a shot at advancing.
Germany
Coach: Tobias Abstreiter
2025 NHL Draft Watch: Carlos Handel Drew Doughty 4NF Jersey, D, Halifax QMJHL); David Lewandowski, LW, Saskatoon WHL)
Schedule:
Dec. 26: United States 2:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 27: Finland 3:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 29: Canada 7:30 p.m. ET
Dec. 30: Latvia 3:30 p.m. ET
Outlook: Germany is looking to avoid relegation after a tough 2024 tournament. With five players returning, including defenseman Norwin Panocha and forward Julius Sumpf, Germany will rely on its core to try and stay competitive. The team is expected to have difficulty against the powerhouses of Group A, and their chances of avoiding relegation will largely depend on their matchup with Latvia.
The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa will feature exciting matchups as the top young players in the world compete for the prestigious title. The United States and Canada stand out as the top contenders, but Finland, Latvia, and Germany will all look to make their mark and secure their place in the knockout rounds. The opening round promises to deliver intense and high-stakes games in Group A!
https://www.iihfworldchampionship.com/collections/team-canada-mark-stone-jersey