OTTAWA, Ontario – The 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship officially opens today, as Team USA takes on Germany at the Canadian Tire Centre. With the opening faceoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET, hockey fans can catch the action live on NHL Network.
This year's tournament features ten participating teams, split between two groups. Team USA finds itself grouped with powerhouses Finland, Canada, Latvia, and Germany, poised for some exciting matches. Meanwhile, across town, Group B will see Sweden, Czechia, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Kazakhstan compete at TD Place.
Both venues will not only host preliminary round games but also quarterfinal battles. Notably, the semifinals and medal matches are set to take place at the Canadian Tire Centre, marking it as the focal point of this thrilling event.
Team USA gathered at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, beginning their preparations on December 15. They marked their travel to Kingston, Ontario, on December 18, where they engaged in practice and two pre-tournament games. On December 21, the U.S. faced Slovakia, clinching a decisive 6-2 victory, followed by another strong performance against Finland, winning 5-2 before arriving in Ottawa at 9 p.m. on December 23.
Coach David Carle, who led the U.S. National Junior Team to gold last year, expressed optimism about this season’s group: "We have a good group. The progress the team has made through our camp and those two pre-tournament games has been promising, and we hope to build on this as we enter the tournament."
The USA and Germany revitalizing their historical faceoffs today marks the 15th encounter between the teams at the World Juniors. Team USA has had considerable success against Germany, winning 13 of their 14 previous matchups, their most recent victory being the dominant 11-1 win during the quarterfinals of the 2023 tournament.
Team USA will be led on the ice by captain Ryan Leonard from Amherst, Massachusetts, who plays for Boston College. The team also features alternate captains Oliver Moore from Mounds View, Minnesota; Danny Nelson from Maple Grove, Minnesota; Gabe Perreault from Hinsdale, Illinois; and Zeev Buium from San Diego, California.
Amongst the thrilling competition, the tournament also serves as a showcase for top NHL Draft prospects, expected to greatly influence their futures. The spotlight will be on players like James Hagens, presumed to be among the top picks, alongside fellow Canadians Matthew Schaefer and Porter Martone, each aiming to leave their mark.
Hagens, playing as USA’s top center, has the opportunity to turn heads playing with elite players, heightening his potential to contribute to back-to-back gold medal ambitions. His speed and dynamic playmaking alongside Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault puts him at the forefront of this year’s tournament.
Meanwhile, Canada’s Matthew Schaefer, notable for being one of the youngest prospects this draft year, has secured his place on Canada’s blue line. Having overcome early-season challenges, Schaefer’s role on the power play could significantly boost his draft stock if he performs well. He already has major accomplishments under his belt, including being part of Canada’s gold-medal team at the Under-18 Worlds.
On the other side, Porter Martone brings considerable international experience, and though he may not be on the same tier as Hagens or Schaefer, he remains steadfastly focused on how he can impact Canada’s performance during the tournament. His skills and size provide him with the necessary tools to make some waves.
The tournament kicks off on December 26, showcasing not just elite talent but providing prospects with the chance to shine and improve their stock heading toward the NHL Draft. On the opening day of the championship, several games will occur including Slovakia versus Sweden at noon, Germany against the USA at 2:30 p.m., Czechia versus Switzerland at 5 p.m., followed by Finland taking on Canada at 7:30 p.m.
Fans eager to tune in to the competition can catch the games on NHL Network or TSN, with many fans excited to see how the future NHL stars will perform under pressure. With high stakes and plenty of talent on display, this year's World Junior Championship is anticipated to be thrilling and filled with captivating moments.
Today marks just the beginning of what promises to be an action-filled tournament, with scouts from NHL teams keeping their eyes firmly fixed on these potential future stars. With the excitement building, not just for those wearing national colors, but for the teams they will soon represent in the NHL, fans can't help but look forward to the ensuing drama on the ice.
The IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship has always stood as a unique proving ground for young talent, and this year's group of players is more than ready to take on the challenge as they strive to etch their names in the annals of hockey history.
Make sure to follow the tournament to witness the best of hockey's future stars.
