2025 World Juniors – McKeen's Hockey

WORLD JUNIORS GOLD MEDAL GAME: Team USA gets a date with destiny

Kyle Watson — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 14:37:42 +0000

KANATA, ONTARIO - JANUARY 4: USAÕs Ryan Leonard #9 gets tangled up with Czechia's Jakub Fibigr #7 during Semifinal Round action at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship at Canadian Tire Centre on January 4, 2025 in Kanata, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andr Ringuette/IIHF)

OTTAWA — Team USA has a chance to make history, and Finland wants to display their "lion mentality" to the world. That's what stake today.

With a chance to become the first American team in World Juniors history to defend their gold medal, the only thing that stands in the way for David Carle's men is a Finnish group with fire in their eyes.

The 2025 World Juniors gold medal game marks the second time the two nations have met in the finals. In 2019 a late goal from Kappo Kakko led the Finns over Jack Hughes and the Americans in Vancouver.

This edition of Team USA are focused on their own path

Despite Michael Hrabal's best efforts, a vintage Gabriel Perreault and Ryan Leonard performance carried Team USA to a 4-1 win over Czechia in the semifinals.

You can see why the Washington Capitals were ready to try playing Leonard in the NHL this year. He plays every game like it's the gold medal game.

Watch him battle to get this puck to Perreault on the opening goal:

Gabe Perreault opens the scoring for Team USA after an amazing pass from Ryan Leonard!!!#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/JkQvZDCNuJ

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 5, 2025

Perreault returned the favour, setting up Leonard with 4:27 left to put a dagger in the heart of the Czechs — but it was 13th forward Cole Eiserman who scored the game-winner. It was a textbook finish from the USNTDP's all-time leading goal scorer:

Cole Eiserman SNIPES it!!!!

USA up 2-1#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/g4NbR8gnvT

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 5, 2025

The New York Islanders 2024 first-round pick is thriving in a limited role, coming up with timely scoring for head coach David Carle. Deployed mostly on the powerplay, Eiserman could be compared to a designated hitter in baseball.

"We don't win these games without him," said Carle after the win. "I can't say enough good things about the way he's handled it.

This was the USA's most complete victory in Ottawa so far. The top guys were clicking, they had timely penalty kills and Augustine recovered from letting in a weak tying goal. It's easy to get swept up in clichés in a major junior hockey press conference, but the Americans truly rely on all four lines (and Eiserman) to score. It's a top-to-bottom effort.

"Everyone's playing hard and embracing their role," explained defenceman Zeev Buium. "That was our message going into the tournament."

Eiserman insists he's not just helping his team on the scoresheet.

"[I want to do] whatever I can to help the team win, be a good person, a good teammate, a leader," said the 18-year-old. "That's something I've taken pride in this tournament, to try and let the guys know I'm there for them no matter what."

The Boston University freshman, playing at his first World Juniors, is one of many players who have stepped seamlessly into this group. The returning players, like Buium, Leonard, and Perreault are all finding another gear as the tournament closes.

Carle has maintained a positive environment for his team by getting the pressure out of the way early. He made sure they were aware of what would be on the line in Ottawa months ago:

"That was our first meeting in the summer, we spoke pretty honestly about the fact that our country had never [won gold in back-to-back tournaments,]" he said.

Addressing the elephant in the room well in advance, Carle's group has become a well-oiled machine with a razor's edge. They enter the final as a formidable force that will be heavily favourited.

"If we were thinking big picture, we wouldn't be here."

Finland remains a fixture in the World Juniors' medal round

Earlier in the day, Benjamin Rautainen scored the overtime winner as the Finns showed enough fight to defeat their rivals, Sweden, 4-3.

It's Team Finland's twelfth appearance in the gold medal game and the fourth in the last 12 tournaments. It's also worth noting that only Finland, USA and Canada won gold during that span.

It wasn't exactly a highlight-reel play — a trick shot that deceived Swedish netminder Melker Thelin.

"I didn't see it go in, but then I saw the bench," said goalie Petteri Rimpinen, who turned aside 43 shots in the win. "[Emil] Pieniniemi jumped on me and I almost cried in that moment, it was so awesome."

Finland's game-winning goal was a 'no-looker' on the power play#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/tUrHhPw8lf

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 4, 2025

"I think the goal means a lot for the team, for our whole country," said Finnish captain Aron Kiviharju.

"I've never seen anyone score a goal as big as he did tonight," he added. "Thank god he did for us."

Before the tournament, this wasn't a highly regarded Finnish squad. The nation has earned its reputation as a year-in-year-out contender but beyond Konsta Helenius, this group lacks blue-chip prospects. They were knocked out of the previous two editions of the U18s worlds at the quarterfinal stage.

Kiviharju, who was once regarded as the top prospect in the 2024 NHL Draft before an ACL injury curtailed his draft-eligible campaign, says his team plays better with a chip on their shoulder.

"I think everyone knows each other well. Both groups have gone through some adversity: The 05s lost in Switzerland against Slovakia and last year the 06s lost in their home tournament against Sweden," explained the 18-year-old.

"We kind of have that revenge mindset in every game: we feel we have something to prove. That feeds us every day, to be the best we can as a team."

Rimpinen said his team decided to embrace the idea of being underdogs before they arrived in Ottawa.

"Nobody believed in us before the tournament, so this is great. Now we can just focus on winning."

After the game, Lizz Child of FloHockey asked Rimpinen about his necklace of a lion's head.

The netminder explained it bears the team's logo — Team Finland are known as Leijonat or "The Lions."

"That's the mentality for me. Lion mentality" explained the 18-year-old, who was passed over in last summer's NHL Draft.

They may have begun the tournament as underdogs, but now Finland can become the kings of the jungle.

Parting Notes

Trey Augustine became the winningest American goalie in tournament history with his 11th-career WJC victory
Zeev Buium played 28:34 in the Americans' win
Buffalo Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius recorded an assist on all four Finnish goals
Heading into the final day, there is a five-way tie for the tournament-scoring lead
- Jakub Stancl (CZE) - 6 GP, 6 G, 9 PTS
- Dalibor Dvorsky (SVK) - 5 GP, 5 G, 9 PTS
- Axel Sandin-Pelikka (SWE) - 6 GP, 4 G, 9 PTS
- Gabe Perreault (USA) - 6 GP, 3 G, 9 PTS
- Cole Hutson (USA) - 6 GP, 2 G, 9 PTS
Petteri Rimpinen leads all goaltenders at the tournament with a .940 SV% on 215 shots
The best players of each team (selected by coaches)
- Canada
  - G Carter George (LAK)
  - D Tanner Molendyk (NSH)
  - F Brayden Yager (WPG)
- Czechia
  - G Michael Hrabal (UTAH)
  - F Petr Sikora (WSH)
  - Vojtech Husinecky
- Finland
  - G Petteri Rimpinen (DY+1)
  - F Konsta Helenius (BUF)
  - F Jesse Kiiskinen (DET)
- Germany
  - F Julius Sumpf (DY+2)
  - D Carlos Handel (2026)
  - G Linus Viellard
- Kazakhstan
  - Aslan Zhussupbekov
  - Kirill Lyapunov
  - Vladimir Nikitin
- Latvia
  - G Linus Feldbergs (DY+2)
  - F Eriks Mateiko (WSH)
  - D Peteris Bulans (DY+2_
- Switzerland
  - F Leo Braillard (DY+2)
  - F Simon Meier (DY+2)
  - F Andro Kaderli (DY+2)
- Slovakia
  - F Dalibor Dvorsky (STL)
  - F Roman Kukumberg (DY+2)
  - D Luka Radivojevic (2025)
- Sweden
  - D Axel Sandin-Pelikka (DET)
  - F David Edstrom (NSH)
  - F Felix Undger Sorum (CAR)
- USA
  - D Cole Hutson (WSH)
  - F Danny Nelson (NYI)
  - Ryan Leonard (WSH)

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Czechia slowly shaking their “underdog” label as they compete for third-straight medal

Kyle Watson — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 15:44:42 +0000

Czechia scores on Canada in the 2025 World Junior Tournament. Photo by André Ringuette/IIHF.

OTTAWA — The Canadian Tire Centre crowd reached the loudest volume it had been in the tournament when Canada's Bradley Nadeau tied the game with 4:18 remaining against Czechia.

After Porter Martone sent them into the final intermission behind just a goal, Team Canada came out of the gates flying in the third period. It left everyone in the arena thinking, "Where's this been all week?"

All of a sudden, entries became smoother, passes were hitting tape consistently, shots were getting through traffic, and white jerseys were getting to every puck battle first. There was a glimmer of hope.

That glimmer was extinguished within two minutes when Andrew Gibson took Canada's second kneeing penalty of the evening. Adam Jecho's powerplay marker with 40 seconds remaining meant in back-to-back tournaments, Team Czechia would knock out Canada in the final minute of the quarterfinals.

CZECHIA LEADS WITH UNDER A MINUTE TO GO

Adam Jecho strikes on the power-play!#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/leL90nGeAx

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 3, 2025

After losing to the Canadians in the semi-finals in 2022 and in the finals in 2023, Jecho is acutely aware of how important his goal was for his nation — beyond the game's scope.

"It's always special against Canada. They are a super tough opponent to play against, [especially] with the home crowd and getting that special energy," said the Edmonton Oil Kings forward. "It's definitely a big win.

The Czechs will fight for a medal for the fourth consecutive tournament. In May, the men's team won its first gold medal at the World Championships since 2005. Jecho indicates the nation is flourishing at the junior level.

"I think it's in a great spot. The last couple of years were awesome for Czech junior hockey."

Czechia is forcing its reputation to change from a team that can cause an upset to a legitimate consistent medal contender. They pride themselves on their ability to function as a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

"We're a great group. We are together on and off the ice," explained captain Eduard Šalé, playing in his third World Juniors. "That's our mentality and I think we showed it tonight."

Every single Czechia player went up to wish goaltender Michael Hrabal good luck before the game.

Every single one.

Talk about unity! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/5YydVO7eWD

— Kyle Watson (@kyle_nw) January 3, 2025

"When you have this jersey on you have one mindset: to play as long as you can," said Jecho. "We are super fortunate to play for this team."

In his first appearance at the tournament, Jecho says it's easy to find success with a leader like Šalé, who sets an example for the younger players.

"He's obviously an unbelievable player on the ice, but he's probably an even better person off the ice," said the 18-year-old. "He shows us the way and plays super hard every game."

Šalé's drive is evident when talking to him. When asked how it feels to be chasing the nation's all-time scoring record, he deferred focus to Saturday's semi-final matchup against the USA.

"We are focusing on the tournament," said the Seattle Kraken prospect. "I am the leader and have to do the right things to push this team in every game and try to win."

A brief history lesson

For the first time since 1980, Canada have been eliminated in the quarterfinals of the World Juniors in consecutive years.

A seventh-place finish in 1981 sparked the formation of the Program of Excellence, a milestone moment in Canadian hockey history.

In the tournament's infancy, Canada iced league all-star teams (OHL, WHL, or QMJHL) and defending Memorial Cup champions at the U20 level. It wasn't until the creation of the P.O.E. and the U17 and U18 programs that the nation sent its "best" junior-age players.

44 years later, there are more calls for drastic change in Hockey Canada's selection process. For starters, actually bringing the best players available to them.

Yes, there have been many years in which Canada has had major snubs and gone on to win gold. A few of those teams walked through the tournament. Competition has greatly increased over the years, though — can they afford to keep leaving this much talent at home?

You give yourself the best chance of winning, year in, year out, by taking the best players.

You have to trust that when these players put on the Maple Leaf, you’ll get an increase in physicality. You’ll get the PK’ers you need.

— Brock Otten (@BrockOtten) January 3, 2025

It's difficult to pose solutions when star players are nervous. This was a Team Canada full of U17, U18, and Hlinka-Gretzky Cup gold medal winners, OHL champions, and a WHL champion in captain Brayden Yager. It took them until that third period to look like it, though.

One possible solution would be pairing players who have pre-existing chemistry. Porter Martone and Carson Rehkopf have formed one of the deadliest duos in junior hockey this season but were not tried in the same lineup, let alone line or powerplay unit. Martone was also excellent alongside McKenna as he captained Canada to Hlinka gold this summer — they did not share the ice once in Ottawa.

Perhaps the pressure starts in the selection process when players are lambasted online for their inclusion over player x, y, or z. It can't be easy to play under those conditions — where each mistake feeds the narratives of faceless accounts on social media.

Hagens, BC Line shine against Switzerland

James Hagens scored twice as the USA sailed comfortably to a 7-2 win over Switzerland.

The top 2025 NHL Draft prospect is tied for second in the tournament scoring lead with eight points in five contests. He sits within touching distance of the 11 points Auston Matthews, Phil Kessel, and Matthew Tkachuk managed in their draft-eligible seasons at the World Juniors.

Having broken tournament scoring records at the U17 and U18 levels, Hagens is used to playing in the spotlight — and under the microscope.

"My dad will tell me pressure is a privilege," said the Hauppauge, NY native. "You can't let any of that stuff affect you - it's all outside noise. I'm grateful to be in that spot where there's pressure on you and your team, but when you're on the ice you have to let all that stuff go."

The confidence in Hagens' game is on full display in Ottawa and shone through today, with his line with Gabriel Perreault and Ryan Leonard combing for five of the Americans' seven goals. Against possibly the weakest competition they've faced in Team Switzerland, the 18-year-old phenom was running wild.

What a move!

James Hagens extends Team USA's lead to 2-0. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/ip5pFcbLP9

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 2, 2025

Team USA's top line does it again!

James Hagens scores his second of the game to make it 6-1. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/X5WEhNbT3l

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 2, 2025

Hagens says it's easy to play with a guy like Leonard:

"He works so hard. That's a guy that everyone thrives off of, he leads us on and off the ice and steps up in big moments," said Hagens. "Guys watch him play and it sets up their next shift."

Leonard emerged from the game with a few battle scars, including a busted nose, after being hit with a few high sticks and a puck to the face.

"I don't know if he'll be doing any modelling," said Hagens.

Victor Eklund turning heads with Team Sweden

With an assist on Sweden's game-winning goal, draft-eligible winger Victor Eklund took his tournament totals to two goals and four helpers through five games. The Djurgården forward trails only Hagens in scoring among first-time draft-eligibles.

“I have been incredibly impressed by Eklund’s ability to drive play below the goal line and extend possession along the wall," said Director of Scouting, Brock Otten. "Opposing defenders have had a real hard time separating him from the puck and containing him along the wall. It’s had a real positive effect on Sweden’s offence and their ability to sustain pressure.”

"With another exceptional performance in the quarterfinals against Latvia, he is showcasing his all-around game at another level," said scout Viktor Åhlund. "Eklund brings a high pace every shift, delivering hits in the neutral zone, driving hard at the net, and battling for loose pucks and rebounds. He's constantly a strong force offensively, producing top-level plays and high-IQ solutions when under pressure.

"There are more games to be played, but for now, he is the number one Swedish prospect in this draft."

Parting Notes

New York Islanders prospect Jesse Nurmi scored his first two goals of the tournament as Team Finland narrowly defeated Slovakia, 5-3. He plays with teammate Kasper Halttunen in London (OHL).
Finnish goaltender Petteri Rimpinen (DY+1) was excellent once again, he leads the tournament with a .941 SV% on 169 shots.
Washington Capitals prospect Eriks Mateiko scored twice as Team Latvia fell to Sweden, 3-2. He finishes the tournament tied for the goal-scoring lead with five goals — the record for a Latvian player is six.
Latvian goaltender Linards Feldbergs (DY+2) stopped 210 shots across five starts — an average of 42 a game.
Team Czechia features four St. Louis Blues prospects
- 2024 NHL Draft
  - 16th overall - D Adam Jiricek
  - 81st overall - F Ondrej Kos
  - 95th overall - F Adam Jecho
- 2023 NHL Draft
  - 106th overall, Jakub Stancl
St. Louis Blues first-rounder Dalibor Dvorský graduates from WJC eligibility with 10 goals and 20 points across 19 career games. That's the third-most by a Slovakian player in tournament history.

2025 W0RLD JUNIORS: Eight NHL-affiliated prospect that have impressed in the preliminary rounds

Jérémy Rivet — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 13:50:26 +0000

241231 Axel Sandin-Pellikka of Sweden during the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Sweden and Czech Republic on December 31, 2024 in Ottawa.
Photo: Mathias Bergeld / BILDBYRÅN / kod MB / MB1038

The preliminary round of the 2025 World Juniors has now ended in Ottawa and now it is time for the quarter finals matchups on January 2nd. We have seen some excellent hockey so far and hopefully, it will continue in the next rounds.

After I identified eight draft eligible prospects that stood out for me in my last article, I will now present to you eight already drafted players that attracted my attention in the preliminary round. Some of them were players, are highly ranked prospects, and some that I didn't really know well before the tournament but they impressed me by their style of play and the impact they had on their team.

#4 Axel Sandin Pellikka, D - Sweden (Detroit)

He is one of the two top candidates for Best Defenseman of the tournament award with his eight points (4 goals - 4 assists) in four games which puts him tied as the scoring leader of the event after the preliminary round. Throughout those first four games, the 17th overall pick in 2023 by the Detroit Red Wing showcased how good he is at creating offence with his intelligence with the puck and his elite mobility. He started the tournament with an exceptional game against Slovakia where he delivered a hat trick and added an assist to help Sweden win that game 5-2.

#24 Cole Hutson, D - United States (Washington)

The best defenseman for the United States after the first four games, Hutson is the main rival to Sandin-Pellikka for the Best Defenseman award. He came up with two big goals against Finland and Canada and he was constantly dangerous with the puck on his stick in the offensive zone. His two goals along with six assists (five of them in a 10-4 win against Germany) puts him tied for first in scoring with Sandin-Pellikka. His ability to create offense by activating from the blue line and finding passing lanes from nothing is elite and it is pretty similar to his brother Lane from the Montreal Canadiens.

#21 Jakub Stancl, F - Czechia (St.Louis)

Stancl has been excellent for Czechia after four games. He had a five-point game against Kazakhstan with three goals and two assists which contributed being tied for third place in tournament scoring with seven points. The aspect of his game I appreciated the most was how efficient he was on the forecheck. With a 6-foot-3 frame, he really makes his presence felt when he is on the ice but not in a punishing way. He uses his body very well along the boards to win puck battles as well as to create space for himself and his linemates. He has a net presence and he can beat goalies with his strong shot.

#15 Dalibor Dvorsky, F - Slovakia (St.Louis)

It is already Dvorsky’s fourth presence at the World Junior and his offensive production is consistently rising even if the quality of the Slovakian roster has been better in the past years. He has sevn points in four games (4 goals - 3 assists) so far and he has been the most utilitzed forward in the preliminary round. He has been a threat on the powerplay for Slovakia and he was efficient at both ends of the ice. Dvorsky is always trying to find a way to go to the net and his vision for finding his teammates is excellent.

#22 Vojtech Hradec, F - Czechia (Utah)

Hradec was a late draft pick by Utah in 2024 (6th round) and with the performance he is having so far at the World Juniors, it is looking like a very nice pick up for them. He is presently tied third in scoring with seven points (4 goals - 3 assists) and he plays on the best arguably the best line for Czechia with Jakub Stancl. He is another big body for Czechia who plays hard on the forecheck and on pucks. Around the net, he is very hard to move and he is excellent at taking rebounds or tap-ins close to the net. Defensively, he can kill plays by pinning opponents to the wall and by denying space with his long reach.

#9 Eriks Mateiko, F - Latvia (Washington)

It is a Cinderella story this year for Latvia as they shocked the hockey world by beating Canada and they will now meet Sweden in the quarter-final. Mateiko, a third round pick by the Washington Capitals in 2024, is no stranger to that success. The big 6-foot-6 power forward is without a doubt the best player on this Latvian team and he does everything well on both ends of the ice. He scored the shootout winner against Canada with an excellent shot and he fired two goals including the game winner in overtime against Germany in a game that officially qualified Latvia to the next round. He was dangerous in the offensive zone even with the limited time that Latvia had there during those four games and he was engaged defensively with block shots and good positioning.

#30 Carter George, G - Canada (Los Angeles)

Perhaps the only reassuring point for Team Canada is that they have probably the best goaltender of the tournament despite the lack of scoring. George played three out of the four games for Canada and delivered two wins with a shutout against Finland and Germany. He is the leader in the tournament with a 0.964 save percentage and a 1.01 goals against average. The thing that strikes me the most about his game is how calm he is in his crease. It is a trait that his teammates recognize and it is a reassuring presence for them. His game management, his puck tracking and his rebound control are very high level.

#3 Vojtech Port, D - Czechia (Anaheim)

Vojtech Port is not a player who has produced the most on this list, even if four assists in four games is very good, but I did not know him before the tournament and I really like the way he has played so far for Czechia. He is a 6-foot-2 right handed defenseman who has excellent mobility and he can support the attacks by activating from the blue line or by jumping in the rush. He was efficient with his passes to feed the transition and he was solid defensively. His mobility and speed serves him well when he needs to escape pressure. He was another late draft pick from Czechia and he might end up being a solid pick for Anaheim who already has a number of good young defensemen in the prospect pool.

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Augustine “lights out” in New Year’s Eve win against Canada

Kyle Watson — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 15:46:53 +0000

OTTAWA - You can't let Trey Augustine get locked in.

There's a reason they called him "The Closer" during his time with the U.S. National Team Development Program: he knows how to see out victories.

Here's a glance at his career highlights in tournament play:

2021 USA Hockey Tier I National Championship (2005 Detroit Honeybaked 15U AAA)
2023 World U18 gold
- 6-0-0, 1.61, .934%
2024 World Juniors gold
- 4-0-0, 1.75, .936%
2024 Men's World Championship
- made his senior international debut in relief of Alex Lyon in a 6-1 win over Germany, stopped 20/21 shots in his first start: a 5-1 victory over Poland

Augustine had a few mishaps in his first two starts in Ottawa, but bounced back against a floundering Canadian offence, turning aside 38 of the 39 shots in a player-of-the-game performance.

It was a marked return to form for the 19-year-old, McKeen's Hockey's near-unanimous selection for the top goaltender in our tournament preview.

"He was lights out," said USA head coach David Carle after the game. "I'm proud of his effort and ability to respond from the first two games. He's his own hardest critic and for him to bounce back like that was big-time."

Augustine's teammates spoke candidly about their confidence playing in front of him.

"We know who we have back there, and we trust him fully," said forward Danny Nelson.

Cole Hutson was asked how his netminder compared to Canada's Carter George:

"It definitely varies night-to-night, but I'm taking Trey any day of the week," said the 18-year-old defender.

Hutson enjoyed another stellar performance on the night, scoring the opening goal in the first period and assisting Nelson's game-winner early in the final frame.

COLE HUTSON DOES IT HIMSELF

1-0 USA.#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/1xn9B2lDgq

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 1, 2025

The Boston College freshman has emerged as an early-tournament favourite for MVP with two goals, eight assists and a plus-seven rating in four games. He has done so while deployed on the American's second defensive pairing and powerplay unit.

Though Hutson doesn't mind playing second fiddle to the USA's returning 1D, Zeev Buium.

"We have our No. 1 guy and that’s Zeev," he explained. "Maybe pucks haven’t been bouncing his way but I’m here to push him and support him through it all.”

Hutson's success in a supporting role mirrors how well Notre Dame's Danny Nelson is performing behind James Hagens as the team's second-line center.

The New York Islanders prospect scored twice and was named player of the game in the Americans' 5-1 win over Latvia. His third of the tournament was perhaps his nicest and certainly the most important.

With Hutson dancing around the net, Nelson was left wide open in the slot. He utilized the screen well and snapped one over George's blocker, effectively sealing the win.

USA TAKES THE LEAD

Danny Nelson strikes on the power-play.#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/nFRPRf0999

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 1, 2025

With the Canadians on their heels, Team USA knew they just had to ensure their goaltender saw every shot: protecting a lead isn't exactly unfamiliar territory for Trey Augustine.

The game-winner symbolized the ideals David Carle instilled in his players. Hutson is thriving on the second pairing knowing he'll likely get more time in the limelight next year. After centring the fourth line and killing penalties last year in Gothenburg, Nelson is blossoming as a secondary scorer here in Ottawa.

They know that with team success comes the success of the individual:

“I was a lesser role last year and now I want to help the young guys learn that everyone will be successful if they buy into their role,” explained Nelson.

Sweden, Finland cruise to comfortable victories

Petterri Rimpinen turned aside all 28 shots he faced as Team Finland bested Latvia 3-0 earlier in the day.

Buffalo Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius was back to his best after a quiet start to the tournament. The 2024 14th-overall pick dangled through the Latvian defence to set up the game's first goal and finished with four shots on goal.

WHAT A DANGLE.

Konsta Helenius sets up Benjamin Rautiainen to give Finland the early lead. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/jT8IIxU0XQ

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 31, 2024

London Knights sharpshooter Kasper Halttunen reminded fans what one of the best shots in junior hockey looks like:

Kasper Halttunen finds the back of the net to put Finland up 3-0! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/regsfx77of

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 31, 2024

The San Jose Sharks prospect holds the record for the most goals by an import player in a single OHL playoff run, scoring 17 goals to help lead the Knights to an OHL Championship last spring. It was only a matter of time before he found the back of the net.

Team Sweden doubled up Czechia 4-2 and finished as the only team with a perfect record in round-robin play (4-0-0-0).

On his 19th birthday, New Jersey Devils prospect Herman Träff set the tone for the Juniorkronorna, striking twice 5:26 apart to open the game's scoring.

As the team's 13th forward, he managed to do so on three shots in just 5:57 of ice time. It truly has been a team effort for Sweden.

Watching this edition of Team Canada play, you wonder, "Who will score for them?"

Watching Sweden or the USA play, you wonder, "Who will score next?"

That's been the difference.

On tap next

Friday, January 2nd (all times are local)

Germany vs. Kazakhstan (Relegation) - 11 a.m. @ Canadian Tire Centre
Sweden vs. Latvia Noon @ TD Plac
USA vs. Switzerland - 2:30 p.m. @ Canadian Tire Centre
Finland vs. Slovakia - 5 p.m. @ TD Place
Czechia vs Canada - 7:30 p.m. @ Canadian Tire Centre

Preliminary round stats

ATOI leaders, preliminary round
- D Peteris Bulans, Latvia - 25:11
- D Zeev Buium, USA - 24:53
- D Maxim Strbak, Slovakia - 25:35
ATOI leaders, (forwards only)
- Dalibor Dvorsky, Slovakia - 22:35
- Juraj Pekarcik, Slovakia - 21:47
- Daniel Jencko, Slovakia - 21:47
FO% leaders (min. 10 FO)
- Cole Beaudoin, Canada - 76%
- Brayden Yager, Canada - 70%
- Oliver Moore, USA - 65%
- Dalibor Dvorsky, Slovakia - 65%
Team scoring efficiency
- Czechia - 19.7%
- Sweden - 14.7%
- USA - 13.9%
- Kazakhstan - 12.7%
- Slovakia - 9.6%
- Switzerland - 8%
- Latvia - 7.8%
- Germany - 6.8%
- Finland - 6.4%
- Canada - 5.8%
Team goaltending
- Finland - .940%
- Canada - .937%
- Latvia - .926%
- USA - .924%
- Czechia - .920%
- Sweden - .898%
- Germany - .872%
- Slovakia - .868%
- Switzerland - .866%
- Kazakhstan - .818%
Team PIM
- Czechia - 67
- Kazakhstan - 61
- Canada - 58
- USA - 44
- Switzerland - 40
- Latvia - 36
- Sweden - 34
- Finland - 32
- Germany - 28
- Slovakia - 28

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Team Latvia remains the feel-good story of the tournament

Kyle Watson — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:24:28 +0000

OTTAWA - It wasn't a day fans had marked on their calendar.

The prospect of watching the Germans and Latvians duke it out for a spot in the quarterfinal and Team Slovakia face lowly Kazakhstan did not entice many — neither match was well attended.

World Juniors enthusiasts who showed up or tuned in on TV were rewarded with arguably the most exciting day of action thus far.

Captain Dalibor Dvorsky scored twice and set up two more goals to give the Slovaks a 4-2 lead heading into the final frame of Monday's opening contest. In the game's dying minutes, Team Kazakhstan managed to score twice while killing a major penalty to force overtime.

Buffalo Sabres prospect Maxim Strbak played the saviour in overtime, slipping the puck through Vladimir Nikitin's five-hole on the breakaway and helping his team avoid total collapse:

SLOVAKIA HANGS ON!

Maxim Strbak scores in overtime to win 5-4 over Kazakhstan. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/e9zO6ftAJd

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

The win clinched third spot in Group B for Team Slovakia, earning them a place in the quarterfinals for the third-straight tournament.

Latvia-Germany was even more hectic.

The Germans needed a win in regulation to have a chance of playing in the quarterfinals. With the game tied 2-2 with 2:51 remaining, their head coach Tobias Abstreiter decided to pull the goalie on an offensive zone draw to give his team a 6to 4 man advantage.

The move immediately backfired:

GERMANY PULLS THEIR GOALIE TO GO FOR THE WIN AND IT INSTANTLY BACKFIRES

3-2 LATIVA! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/JoDUhhKK34

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

Just 20 seconds later, with Germany's net still vacant, 2025 NHL Draft prospect David Lewandowski's one-timer sailed over the shoulder of Linards Feldbergs to serve up the day's second helping of 3-on-3 sudden death.

Mateiko continues to lead the way for Latvia

Washington Capitals prospect Eriks Mateiko, who played shootout hero against Canada, showed off his lightning-quick release in overtime to give Team Latvia their third quarterfinals berth in four years:

LATVIA WINS IT IN OVERTIME

Who else but Eriks Mateiko, the OT hero! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/UnukGxpWaz

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

The 6-foot-4, 201-pound forward has spearheaded the Latvian attack at the World Juniors: he possesses an impressive blend of skill and snarl that's emblematic of his team's approach.

There won't be enough ice in all of Ottawa to meet the needs of this Latvian team by the time the World Juniors are over, because of all the bruises caused by all these blocked shots

Those kids are hurting, but they wouldn't have it any other way: they're on to the quarterfinals

— Derek Neumeier (@Derek_N_NHL) December 30, 2024

When the Germans took a 2-0 lead midway through the second period, Mateiko rallied his team together by scoring under a minute later.

All goaltender Linus Viellard could do was pray it hit him:

LATVIA RESPONDS!

Eriks Mateiko responds 32 seconds after Germany's second goal to make it 2-1. WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/RiQ2EVzceQ

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

"We found a way," said Mateiko, after the game. "That probably wasn't our best game; Germany played well."

"But it's really fun to win in this tournament, I can tell you that!" he added with a smile.

It was a milestone victory for the nation: the only time they've ever won two games in the round-robin.

"It's really big for Latvia," said Linards Feldbergs.

"We are a small country, but we can do big things like we did today and [the] game against Canada."

Dvorsky, Pecarcik star as Slovakia survives late scare

On day two, we discussed how Slovakia needed more from Dalibor Dvosrky in his fourth World Juniors appearance. Yesterday's contest was the first time in the tournament he displayed the talent that convinced the St. Louis Blues to select him 10th overall in 2023.

Dvorsky is a terrific finisher, particularly in the thick of traffic in front of the net. He scored twice down low before dropping jaws with his setup for linemate Juraj Pekarcik:

Just before time expires in the 1st period, Slovakia makes it 3-0! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/GejwISETT6

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

Providing another helper for Pekarcik to make it 4-1 before the Kazakhstani comeback, Dvorsky finished with two goals and two assists.

Pekarcik, who plays for Moncton in the QMJHL, was also drafted by the Blues in 2023: 76th overall. The 19-year-old was named player of the game with an identical stat line of two goals and two assists.

This is the second tournament in which the St. Louis prospects have been deployed on a line together: their chemistry could prove pivotal for the team's success. Slovakia will take on the winner of today's matchup between Switzerland and Kazakhstan in the quarterfinals, with the loser facing Germany in the relegation round.

Parting notes

Truly one of the craziest finishes to a group in recent history:

So, for WJ's tomorrow:

-winner of wins Group A

-if that game goes to OT, will finish no lower than 2nd

-if goes to OT, will finish no lower than 2nd

-but if loses in regulation, and or wins in regulation, will finish 3rd and play the loser of …

— James Duthie (@tsnjamesduthie) December 31, 2024

16-year-old forward Olivers Murnieks (Sioux City, USHL) had his best game of the tournament. The 2026 NHL Draft prospect set up the Latvians' first two goals before scoring an empty netter. He was a plus-three with three shots on goal.
Julius Sumpf (Moncton, QMJHL) continues to set the pace for Team Germany: the 19-year-old had two assists yesterday, taking his tournament totals to one goal and four points
There is currently a four-way tie for the top scorer in the event: Hradec Vojtech (Mladá Boleslav, Czech Extraliga), Axel Sandin-Pelikka (Skellefteå, SHL), Jakub Stancl (Kelowna, WHL), and Dalibor Dvorsky (Springfield, AHL) each have seven points
Only two goaltenders have played 100% of their team's minutes in the tournament so far: Latvia's Linards Felbergs (Sherbrooke, QMJHL) and Finland's Petteri "Showtime" Rimpinen (Kiekko-Espoo, Liiga).

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Team Finland’s OT heroics blow Group A wide open – Carter George remains perfect

Kyle Watson — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 15:46:30 +0000

OTTAWA - Tuomas Uronen did Team Canada a huge favour.

The Finnish forward's overtime winner, which carried his nation to victory over the United States, meant that Canada had only to win in regulation against Germany to tie the Americans for the top spot in Group A.

In a game of thin margins, the Vegas Golden Knights prospect's snapshot 1:46 into the extra frame slipped out of American goaltender Trey Augustine's glove and fell into the net behind him. The play ensued after a sequence of impressive saves at the other end from Finnish netminder Petteri Rimpinen:

THE HUGE SAVE ON ONE END, AND THE GAME WINNER ON THE OTHER!

FINLAND WINS 4-3 IN OVERTIME #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/LIzmgHuFEN

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 29, 2024

The loss snapped a 10-game win streak for the Americans that spanned the last three tournaments.

Improving to a 1-1-0-1 record, Team Finland (5) is just two points behind the North American nations (7) in the standings.

Should Canada or the USA win in regulation on New Year's Eve, the Finns can take sole possession of second place with a victory over Latvia. Group A has effectively been blown wide open, with each team losing a game thus far.

Finns show fire, flash in overtime win over USA

After a pair of flat performances against Canada and Germany, the Finns showed up and showed out yesterday, outshooting Team USA by a margin of 44-33. They matched the Americans' pace, with each team enjoying extended periods of puck possession.

In a back-and-forth contest, both goaltenders were called upon heavily. Finland held a 3-2 lead heading into the final frame and peppered Augustine with 15 shots in the third. The Michigan State netminder held off the Finnish attack and Brodie Ziemer's tally 3:26 into the third period was enough to send the game to overtime.

Rimpinen, in particular, was excellent. The undrafted 2006-born netminder, who plays for Kiekko-Espoo in Liiga, earned himself the nickname "Mr. Showtime" from his teammates.

It was easily the most entertaining game of the tournament so far, setting up a much less enthralling matchup between Canada and Germany.

Carter George remains perfect, questions still surround Canada after uninspiring victory

Stopping 56/56 shots through two starts, Carter George has yet to put a foot wrong for Canada. The Thunder Bay, Ont. native has provided an uber-steady presence between the pipes.

"It's the best feeling in the world knowing that you've got probably the best goalie in this tournament, hands down," said Team Canada defenceman Oliver Bonk. "When you do mess up, he's got your back."

George becomes the first Canadian goaltender to post back-to-back shutouts since Devon Levi in 2021.

Back-to-back shutouts for @AttackOHL's Carter George! @LAKings prospect is perfect through two games at the #WorldJuniors as Canada blanks Germany 3-0 pic.twitter.com/1JEmvpp686

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) December 30, 2024

In George and Jack Ivankovic, the team has two rock-steady goaltenders — a luxury that every Canadian WJC coach dreams of — but it's not encouraging that they have been Team Canada's best players in games against Latvia and Germany.

As referenced in the broadcast, it took Canada two hours to score at five-on-five in two matchups that are usually games where forwards pad their stats. They lead all teams with 134 shots on net, but how many have been true high-danger chances?

Head coach Dave Cameron is confident the dam will burst soon.

“It was a solid performance, outside of the fact that we are a little snake-bitten on the offensive side of things," said Cameron after the match. "but it is not for a lack of effort or lack of quality play."

"We have been up against some really good goaltending so far, but we know we will break through," he added.

Despite earning an opportunity to top the group with a win against the USA, the tension surrounding Team Canada remains palpable. Perhaps lost in all the criticism: Canada has yet to concede at even strength and has the fewest goals against (three) in the tournament.

The real test starts on New Year's Eve. From here on out, there are no more "easy games."

Willander shines in barnburner between Sweden and Switzerland

In contrast to Group A, Czechia and Sweden lead Group B handily by six points, each with a perfect 3-0-0-0 record thus far.

The Swedes bested Switzerland by a score of 7-5, led by another strong showing from an offensively gifted defenceman. Tom Willander scored two mirror-image powerplay goals and Sweden took a 6-1 lead into the third period.

Tom Willander's seeing eye shot opens the scoring for Sweden!#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/yIsovgfTQu

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 29, 2024

Tom Willander strikes again with a goal almost identical to his first-period tally, extending Sweden's lead to 5-1!#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/oG6Df1oghq

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 29, 2024

They nearly imploded, letting the Swiss score four times on the man advantage in the final frame, holding on for the win. Head coach Magnus Havelid will certainly hammer down on a few areas of improvement for his players, but scoring is not one of them.

Are Czechia the real deal?

The Czechs were not expected to defend their bronze medal, with key figures such as captains Jiri Kulich, Tomas Hamara, and Matyas Sapovaliv aging out of eligibility. They lead the tournament in goals (23) and goal differential (+18) through three games, with Utah prospect Vojtech Hradec topping the scoring charts with four goals and seven points.

In our tournament preview, Assistant Director of Scouting, Derek Neumeier, identified Czech netminder Michael Hrabal (also a Utah pick) as a potential difference-maker.

"He's one of the best netminders in the tournament, capable of stealing games for them when he's on top of his game," said Neumeier.

Currently riding a .934 save percentage and 1.50 GAA, Hrabal hasn't been challenged much in his two starts. Against Team Sweden, the 19-year-old and Team Czechia have a chance to prove they aren't just here to feast on the weaker competition.

Parting Notes

The last time Finland defeated the U.S. was in the 2020 quarterfinals: recently acquired Nashville Predators netminder Justus Annunen posted a 30-save shutout in the 1-0 triumph
Team Canada forward Calum Ritchie (Oshawa, OHL) has a 100% goals-for percentage through three games: he's been on the ice for six of the team's nine goals
Recording a goal and two assists in the win, Team Sweden captain Axel Sandin-Pelikka (Skellefteå, SHL) sits second in tournament scoring (3GP, 4G, 7 PTS, +6)
Felix Unger Sörum (Chicago, AHL) had three assists for the Swedes
Forwards Leo Braillard (Lethbridge, WHL) and Kimo Gruber (GCK Lions, Swiss-2) each scored twice for Team Switzerland
Swiss defenceman Leon Muggli picked up three helpers in the loss