The 2025 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship officially kicked off on Thursday, December 27, 2025, with opening day results reflecting the high stakes of this annual under-20 tournament. Held in Ottawa, the competition began with exciting matchups where teams vied for glory and early points.
The day was highlighted by strong performances from the USA, Canada, Sweden, and Czechia, all securing wins. Canada made headlines by shutting out Finland 4-0, showcasing their aspirations to reclaim World Junior supremacy after failing to medal the previous year.
Day One's results set the stage for Day Two, with games scheduled to address early outcomes and allow teams another chance to capitalize or recover. Key matchups on Friday include Slovakia versus Switzerland (1 PM ET), Finland against Germany (3:30 PM ET), Kazakhstan taking on Sweden (5 PM ET), and Canada battling Latvia (7:30 PM ET).
Slovakia vs. Switzerland:
Both Slovakia and Switzerland are eager to bounce back from their opening-game defeats. Slovakia faced Sweden, enduring a 5-2 loss, but players like Dalibor Dvorsky and Daniel Alexander Jencko are set to turn things around as they look to secure their first victory of the tournament. Switzerland, having suffered a 5-1 defeat to Czechia, needs to find its scoring touch to avoid starting the tournament winless.
Look out for Dvorsky, who has been highlighted as the player to watch for Slovakia. His scoring prowess is pivotal for the team, especially against Switzerland, which struggled offensively without true goal-scoring threats. On the Swiss side, Leo Braillard will be under scrutiny as he tries to build on his sole goal from the Czechia game.
Finland vs. Germany:
Finland, after notching only zero goals against Canada, faces Germany, who suffered a staggering 10-4 loss to the USA. A win is necessary for both squads to prevent sliding to 0-2. Finland’s powerhouses like Julius Miettinen are expected to rise to the occasion against what appears to be Germany's defense vulnerable to heavy offensive pressure.
Germany will be searching for standout performances if they want to remain competitive. If Nico Pertuch starts, he will definitely be under the spotlight once again.
Kazakhstan vs. Sweden:
Kazakhstan, making its long-awaited debut after returning to the top levels of the competition, faces heavyweights Sweden, who are riding high after their win against Slovakia. Captain Axel Sandin-Pellikka had previously shined with multiple points in Sweden’s first game. For Kazakhstan, goaltender Vladimir Nikitin is expected to face numerous shots, which will be key if they aim to keep the contest close.
Canada vs. Latvia:
Canada's formidable roster, aiming for redemption, takes on Latvia. The expectations are high for Canada, particularly after their dominant display against Finland. Young phenoms like Gavin McKenna and Matthew Schaefer are expected to lead the charge once more. The Canadian squad has noted the challenges posed by Latvia but is focused on executing their game plan effectively to avoid complacency.
Latvia, aiming to improve from past performances, faces the monumental challenge of taking on the host nation. Their strategy will be to minimize Canada’s scoring chances and capitalize on any defensive lapses.
The stakes are undeniably high as teams strive for victories, hoping to establish momentum heading toward the knockout stages. With fans eager to see young talents on display, the excitement of the World Juniors is only just beginning.
