Olivers Murineks – McKeen's Hockey

2024 IIHF U18 World Championship – McKeen’s Team Predictions

McKeen's Hockey — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:08:46 +0000

231226 Konsta Helenius of Finland ahead of the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Finland and Canada on December 26, 2023 in Gothenburg.
Photo: Carl Sandin / BILDBYRÅN / kod CS / CS0473

The 2024 IIHF U18 World Championships kick off early Thursday morning (Eastern time) in Finland. This is one of the most important events in the scouting calendar and as such, McKeen’s staff brings you their predictions for the tournament.

Medal Predictions

GOLD

Canada (7x)

USA (4)

SILVER

USA (5x)

Sweden (3x)

Finland (2x)

Canada (1x)

BRONZE

Finland (4x)

Canada (3x)

Sweden (2x)

USA (1x)

Czechia (1x)

James Hagens. Photo by Rena Laverty.

Award Predictions

TOURNAMENT MVP

James Hagens, USA (4x)

Tij Iginla, Canada (3x)

Porter Martone, Canada (2x)

Trevor Connelly, USA (1x)

Konsta Helenius, Finland (1x)

BEST DEFENDER

Henry Mews, Canada (3x)

Aron Kiviharju, Finland (2x)

Alfons Freij, Sweden (2x)

Cole Hutson, USA (2x)

Logan Hensler, USA (1x)

Leo Sahlin Wallenius, Sweden (1x)

BEST GOALTENDER

Carter George, Canada (4x)

Ryerson Leenders, Canada (2x)

Kim Saarinen, Finland (2x)

Nicholas Kempf, USA (1x)

Herman Liv, Sweden (1x)

Burning Questions

WHAT WILL BE THE SURPRISE OF THE TOURNAMENT?

“That the tournament will see many fantastic performances from players not eligible for the 2024 draft. I foresee many late 2006 born players and the 2007 born players in this tournament coming out and making names for themselves. Gavin McKenna, Matthew Schaefer, James Hagens, Logan Hensler, Luka Radivojevic, Adam Benák, Jakob Ihs Wozniak, Olivers Murineks and Niklas Aaram Olsen are just a few names that could really show out for their respective nations as underage talents.” (Steven Graves)

“Gavin McKenna will help Team Canada more than predicted.” (Jeremy Tremblay)

“The surprise is that Sweden loses in the quarterfinals, failing to make the semifinals for the first time since 2015 (when they had a disastrous 8th place finish). This also would end their run of five straight medals. This is made possible by a round robin loss to the Czechs, setting up a date with either the US or Finland in the quarterfinals. I'm just not confident in Sweden's depth and goaltending, in addition to the fact that they don't have a true game breaker in the lineup up front.” (Brock Otten)

“Finland's goaltending will be better than most people expect, and it will make them a very hard out in the semifinals but then carry them to a bronze medal.” (Derek Neumeier)

“Kazakhstan doesn't score more than one goal all tournament. With the sheer power level of Group B, Kazakhstan can't break through for more than a single goal. However, that goal will come against Canada. Because, well, of course it will.” (Felix Robbins)

“I think the surprise of the tournament for many people is going to be Cole Hutson. With the Hutson name sort of comes the expectation of high-octane offense, and I think that certainly could be there, but I think this tournament could really help show the progress he's made in making his game more well-rounded. I've found him to be inconsistent at times but in what is likely to be a big role for the Americans, Hutson could really surprise some people if he strings together a bunch of quality games where he plays strong two-way hockey.” (Ethan Hetu)

“I think Jett Luchanko ends up being the top forward for Canada in the tournament. I think his skating and compete level will shine in this short tournament.” (Jamison Derksen)

“Czechia - They're my dark horse for a medal this year. They clinched silver at the last Hlinka Gretzky Cup and are bringing many players from that squad to the U18s. The offense looks particularly strong with top players like Adam Benák, Max Curran, and Ondřej Kos. Moreover, Czechia boasts decent secondary scoring, which is crucial when competing with top nations. If Czechia performs well, expected leaders Adam Jecho and Tomáš Galvas could elevate their stock and contend for the first round.” (Matej Deraj)

WHICH DRAFT PROSPECT WILL RAISE HIS STOCK THE MOST?

Leo Sahlin Wallenius
Photo: Jesper Zerman / BILDBYRÅN

“Leo Sahlin Wallenius, when people see his combination of skating prowess and offensive efficiency against the best of his peers - they’re going to realize that he has the tools to be a top-4 option in the NHL one day.” (Steven Graves)

“Cole Eiserman will have a terrific tournament, helping his lately falling draft stock to rise.” (Jeremy Tremblay)

“Jett Luchanko - I just see him featuring big for Canada as one of the team's natural centers. His speed will play really well on the bigger ice and I think they slot him between guys like Ritchie, Greentree, Martone, etc. He's going to prove that he is one of the draft's elite playmaking pivots.” (Brock Otten)

“Marek Vanacker's stock has been rising steadily throughout this season, but this will be his best opportunity yet to showcase his abilities, and his game will reach an entirely new level now that he finally has elite talent to work alongside.” (Derek Neumeier)

“Alfons Freij. I've been hyping him up all year long, and I think that he's got the perfect opportunity to prove that he deserves FIRM 1st round consideration. Maybe even assert himself as one of the top D in the draft class.” (Felix Robbins)

“I think Emil Hemming has a chance to raise his stock the most. It's an interesting thing with guys who play professionally earlier than their peers, I think many of them get tagged with being "high floor, but lower ceiling" as a result of the fact that they're often operating in limited roles with their pro teams. Hemming is an example of a player who has had question marks related to his upside due to his league play with TPS. If he has an excellent tournament against his peers he can really firmly cement himself as a first-round prospect.” (Ethan Hetu)

“I think Henry Mews has an awesome opportunity to revitalize his draft stock this tournament. It’s pretty easy to see him establishing himself as the #1 D on Canada’s blueline and having a huge tournament.” (Jamison Derksen)

“Tomáš Galvas - I feel like he needs to perform at a bigger stage to truly showcase his talent. Galvas had a strong year with Liberec in Czechia top tier league, however, he's still a bit in Adam Jiříček's shadow and doesn't get the recognition he deserves, in my opinion. He's a brilliant skater, a smart two-way defenseman who loves to join the rush and make plays with the puck. Due to Jiříček's absence, he should be the key defenseman for Czechia and show he belongs to the first two rounds of the upcoming NHL Draft.” (Matej Deraj)

WHICH DRAFT PROSPECT ARE YOU MOST INTRIGUED TO SEE PERFORM?

“Darels Uljanskis - I want to see just how good he is in a best on best tournament with his peers. He is the most promising talent among the 2006 born players out of Latvia, so I want to really see how his two-way game holds up playing lots of minutes for Latvia. This could be a big tournament for him, as this will be the place where the most eyes will be on him.” (Steven Graves)

“Definitely Kiviharju, who missed a good amount of time this season.” (Jeremy Tremblay)

“Aron Kiviharju - Once hyped, now a bit of an afterthought because of injuries this year. What will we see from him now that he's (assumingly) healthy? Finland is going to need him at the top of their game because they are top heavy this year and will be playing the crap out of their big guns. Has his development truly plateaued?” (Brock Otten)

“Emil Hemming. He was a force of nature early in the season at the U20 level in Finland, but then his game cooled off a lot once he got called up to the Liiga. This tournament will be a fresh opportunity for him, and he has the potential to be one of the best players there and one of the top point producers.” (Derek Neumeier)

“Lucas Pettersson, since I haven't been too sure of what to make of him as of late. He's fallen out of my first round due to others in the region outperforming him, but I think being surrounded by very talented teammates is going to give him the chance to play a more elevated game and showcase the dominant offensive ability he's flashed throughout the J20 season. I feel like we'll get to know who Lucas Pettersson really is, once and for all.” (Felix Robbins)

“I'm most intrigued to see Aron Kiviharju here. It's a bit of an obvious answer, but the reality is he was once viewed as a high-end prospect but has had injuries completely derail his progress.This is his chance to really make his mark before the draft.” (Ethan Hetu)

“I think it will be pretty nice to see Liam Greentree with some better linemates after the season in Windsor. It’ll also be interesting to see how his skating looks on the bigger ice.” (Jamison Derksen)

“Konsta Helenius - After a massive year in Finnish Liiga, Helenius is ready to represent his country at the home tournament. As the anticipated leader of Finland's offense, all eyes will be on Helenius to see how he performs and elevates his stock. A successful tournament could put him in the top five conversation for the upcoming draft. He's an extremely smart, well-rounded player who projects as a future top centre. It'll be interesting to watch him play against his peers again after a successful season in the Finnish top tier league.” (Matej Deraj)

WHICH 2025 PROSPECT MAKES HIS MARK?

“Logan Hensler - Hensler is a name you’re going to start to hear more and more as the 2025 draft comes around. I think he is the best defender in the 2006 class of Americans, and I think he’s just scratching the surface on what he could be. He is going to impress with his skating and his two-way play the entire tournamen. Hensler will solidify himself as a top-5 player going into the 2025 draft. He has all the tools to be a top-2 NHL defender, and I think he’ll showcase why at the tournament.” (Steven Graves)

“James Hagens will prove himself to be the best available player for the 2025 NHL draft.” (Jeremy Tremblay)

“Matt Schaefer - This is such a tough question because of how many outstanding late born 2006's there are at this tournament like Hagens, Hensler, Martone, McQueen, etc. However, I think Schaefer is a guy people are underrating because his offensive production in Erie this year was pretty pedestrian compared to some of the other top young defenders out of the CHL in recent years. Yet, he proved at the U17's that he was one of the best defenders in this age group and I think he's up for the challenge here, to show that he's a candidate to be the best 2007 born defender.” (Brock Otten)

“James Hagens will have a tremendous tournament, leading the United States in scoring and cementing himself as the undisputed frontrunner to get picked 1st overall in the 2025 draft.” (Derek Neumeier)

“Viggo Nordlund. Undersized, shifty, dynamic playmaker from Skelleftea who absolutely took over the J20 Playoffs this season, scoring nearly 3 points per game. Like Victor Eklund at the Hlinka Gretzky, Nordlund is going to bulldog his way to the spotlight and show off that offensive toolkit as well.” (Felix Robbins)

“James Hagens - The obvious choice, but he's going to play a leading role on a really strong Team USA and is surrounded by exceptional offensive players. He's a dynamic creator and I think this tournament will mark the beginning of his hype cycle as teams that don't win the Macklin Celebrini lottery shift their focus towards him.” (Ethan Hetu)

“Definitely Luka Radivojevic, he will be leaned on heavily on the back end for Slovakia. I don’t expect Slovakia to have a great tournament but Radivojevic will be the one to watch in those Slovakia games.” (Jamison Derksen)

2024 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: GROUP A – Team Previews – Players to Watch

Steven Graves — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:14:23 +0000

Cole Eiserman. Photo courtesy of the USNTDP. Rena Laverty.

The annual U18 World Championship begins this year on April 25th, and it is to be hosted in Espoo and Vantaa, Finland. Group A is on the weaker side, with last year's gold medalist’s the United States and the host Finland as the favourite’s to top the group this time around.
The Americans and their NTDP roster as the odds-on favourites to take home gold. Unfortunately, the other three teams in the group don’t really have rosters to compete with the Americans and the Finns. Slovakia has the best chance at being a sleeper to maybe pull off an upset, but without a strong ‘06 class of players it’s going to be a tough ask. Norway and Latvia will fight for which team will play in relegation, but they will boast some young up-and-coming talents that will be great to see play in a tournament like this.

United States

The United States are coming into the U18’s with the expectations of a gold medal or bust. Last year's gold medalists in Basel, Switzerland are looking to repeat as winners for the first time since 2015. Ever since the implementation of the NTDP, the US have come into the U18’s as heavy favourites, this year is no different. With two years of chemistry under their belts, and a roster that is comprised of many promising talents, it’s easy to see why it’s expected year in and out that the nation brings home the gold medal at this event. This roster isn’t as potent offensively as last years but there are still many players to look out for when the puck drops against Slovakia.

Top Players to Watch

James Hagens - F

One of the few returning players for the American roster this year. After potting a goal and five points last year, Hagens is poised to build on that this year as “the guy” for this American squad. Hagens was undoubtedly the best player on the USNTDP this season, putting up an impressive 79 points in 50 games at the program. Hagens is a play driver through and through and if America wants to win gold, they’ll need Hagens at the top of his game. Hagens isn’t even NHL draft eligible until 2025, where he is the early favorite to go #1 overall. Doing well at this tournament will only solidify that notion.

Cole Eiserman - F

Although Eiserman had a very good year statistically, he has seen himself fall down draft boards throughout the year. Fair or not, Eiserman is undoubtedly the US squad’s best goal scorer, and the Americans will need the sharpshooter Eiserman to be firing on all cylinders throughout the entire tournament if the team plans to go far. His 118 goals in the past two seasons as a member of the NTDP is a testament to his goal scoring prowess. Eiserman ranks second all-time in the program's history, next to only Cole Caufield’s 126.

Logan Hensler - D

Hensler is the rock on this USA blueline, he is a defender that can log heavy minutes and impose himself offensively, defensively and physically. He is one of the more notable defensive prospects eligible for next year's NHL draft and a big tournament here in Finland can really go a long way in establishing that narrative in the eyes of scouts. The University of Wisconsin commit is currently seen as one of, if not the best defender in the 2025 NHL draft class. Expect a great tournament out of the big defender.

Trevor Connelly - F

Connelly just enjoyed a fantastic sophomore season in the USHL for Tri City as a draft eligible, where he put up 31 goals and 78 points in only 52 games. Connelly is going to provide that offense for this American team in this tournament on top of bringing a physical element in the top-6 that they desperately need. Expect him to slot in on the teams second line next to underage talent LJ Mooney and Teddy Stiga. Expect Connelly to come out swinging because he has the talent to be a top-10 selection in this draft, so playing and producing with and against the best of his peers at this tournament will be a big step to achieve that.

Cole Hutson - D

Cole Hutson, younger brother of Montreal Canadiens prospect Lane Hutson came into the year with a ton of hype behind him after a fantastic season with the U18 USNTDP as an underager, unfortunately it has been a year of ups and downs for Cole who has failed to replicate a fantastic U17 season. Hutson is one of three returning players from last year’s U18 team that won gold, in which he led the whole tournament in scoring from the blueline with 12 points in seven games. Hutson will be manning the first power play this year as well so expect similar offensive totals as last year for the blueliner.

Teddy Stiga - F

Stiga is undoubtedly the most improved player on this US roster from this time last year. Stiga, a Boston College commit, went from a bottom-6 energy role with the NTDP last year, putting up only 21 points in 49 games, to a guy that is relied upon to be a scorer in the top-6 this season. He has seen a 44-point increase from this season to last and has really rocketed up draft boards as a result. This tournament will be a big test for Stiga to really cement his place as a potential first round selection in the upcoming NHL draft.

LJ Mooney - F

The underage Mooney was a late addition to this U18 NTDP class. The undersized forward didn’t have a great offensive season with the U17 national team but after a late season call up to the U18 team, he really started to show off his offensive game after getting fed top-6 minutes. He is the only underager on the US roster. Although we have seen some impressive performances from underagers in the past for the US, don’t expect that to be the case this year, with only Mooney providing hope in that regard.

Finland

Finland come into this tournament as hosts of the event, and because of it, expectations are sky-high for this team. Up front, the roster will be led by top 2024 NHL draft prospect Konsta Helenius. He will be the heartbeat for this team. Helenius will be doing a lot of the heavy lifting on offense with help from potential first round pick Emil Hemming joining in on the fun as well. On defence, the long-awaited return of Aron Kiviharju will be the big talking point here - we finally get to see him in game speed after missing almost the entire year to injury. Veeti Väisänen should provide some solid two-way play on the blueline as well. A weak division means their only real challenger should be the United States, so anything less than second in the group will be seen as a disappointment.

Top Players to Watch

Konsta Helenius - F

After a monster season in Finland’s highest men's league with Jukurit, posting 36 points in 51 games in the regular season and another six in as many games in the playoffs - Helenius is looking to lead the Finns to a gold medal here on home ice. Although Helenius has seen his stock drop a bit since the middle part of the season, he is absolutely a player that can, and will carry his team to victory. He is Finlands best offensive weapon and will be deployed as such throughout the tournament. Helenius is a name many NHL clubs will have interest in, especially teams picking in the lottery, so eyes will be on him to perform on home ice.

Aron Kiviharju - D

After missing almost his entire draft season to injury, Kiviharju comes into the U18’s with one goal. Play as well as possible to salvage his draft stock. Scouts will be flocking to the games Kiviharju plays to get a good look at where he is at after his injury. This tournament is a massive test for Kiviharju who at one point in time was seen as one of the top talents for the 2024 draft. Although Kiviharju is small, he is one of the most electrifying offensive blueliners eligible for the 2024 draft. He will man the first power play for the Finns and will be a big reason as to why Finland will see success at this tournament.

Emil Hemming - F

Hemming is a power forward that is seen as a potential first round selection in the 2024 NHL draft. He played the entire year in the Liiga with TPS against men and is a guy Finland is really going to rely upon for offensive contribution throughout the tournament. Expect Finland to put him in a position to succeed, as Hemming has a fantastic release so expect the Finns to have him shooting as much as possible during the event.

Veeti Väisänen - D

Väisänen has a lot to prove at the U18’s this year, he is a guy who came into the year as a guy who could potentially see himself get first round consideration, but as the year progressed Väisänen saw himself slide down rankings as one question started to come up. “What can Väisänen be in the NHL?” Even though Väisänen spent the entire year playing in the Liiga, he still has major question marks to his talent level and potential. If he sees himself have a big tournament at both ends of the rink, he is a player that can absolutely shoot up draft rankings as a result.

Jonna Saarelainen - F

The 5’9” Saarelainen may not be a player many NHL teams will be interested in come draft time but he has been one of the best, and highest scoring players in this Finnish age group. Saarelainen is an excellent puck mover and can get the puck to teammates in the most difficult circumstances. He can help propel his linemates and set up shoot first players for excellent scoring opportunities. He should be a fun player to watch at this tournament.

Tuomas Suoniemi - F

Finland’s highest scoring player at the Hlinka Gretzky hopes to rebound here at the U18’s after a disappointing draft season. Suoniemi, who played the season in Espoo, for the teams U20 team only had 26 points in 29 games. Although Suoniemi has been seen as one of the top talents in his age group for Finland, it seems he may have stagnated in his growth. This tournament will provide an excellent opportunity to prove this narrative wrong.

Slovakia

Slovakia comes into the event with one of the weirdest rosters. While most teams are poised to be led by the 2006 age group - the Slovaks, after a weak 2006 born crop of players, are expected to see their best players come from their 2007 born age group. Up front, expect the offense to be led by Michal Svrcek, Tobias Tomik Jan Chovan and Tomas Popezal - all of which have impressed on the U18 national team at different points this season. Simon Nemec’s younger brother, Adam also made the roster this time around, too. On defense, expect Luka Radivojevic to lead the charge with fellow 2007 born Patryk Zubek and Samuel Kupec as names to keep an eye on as well. Overall, this is a really young roster - one that may not see a medal but one that is more developing and preparing for next season.

Top Players to Watch

Luka Radivojevic - D

Radivojevic comes into the tournament as one of the most promising Slovakian defenders in recent memory. He is a rare talent that played at the U20 WJC before the U18 World Championship. The 2007 born Radivojevic played the year in Sweden in Orebro’s program where he put up an impressive 33 points in 43 games in Sweden’s U20 league. He played so well in fact; he was able to get into six games in the SHL. One of only three U17 players to get that honor this season. Expect Radivojevic to be a big part of Slovakia's success at this tournament.

Michal Svrcek - F

Svrcek, another 2007 born has been one of Slovakia’s best players at the U18 level this season - putting up 19 points in 14 games throughout various tournaments for the age group. Svrcek plays his hockey in Sweden in Brynas’ program and has seen success in both the U18, and U20 leagues for the team this season. A promising talent for the 2025 NHL draft, expect Svrcek to be a focal point to this Slovakian offense.

Andreas Straka - F

Straka has seen quite the improvement over the course of the season and has put himself on the radars of NHL teams next season. The 6’1” centreman comes into this roster as an underage 2007 born talent, and one that has played incredibly well for the Slovakian U18 team in tournaments this year. He has even played a few games in both the first and second division Slovakian mens leagues. Straka is just another talented 2007 born player Slovakia has to offer.

Jan Chovan - F

The 6’2” Chovan came into the year with a good amount of hype and expectations around him - and although he didn’t reach those expectations, he is still a talent to look forward to watching at this event. The 2007 born Chovan has spent the past three seasons in Finland playing in Tappara’s development system, posting mixed results in the process. Chovan will provide scoring prowess for the Slovakian roster and will help contribute on the score sheet.

Tobias Tomik - F

Tomik is yet another 2007 born player that projects to be one of the roster’s best scorers. Tomik, unlike the rest of the roster has a December birthday, so he isn’t draft eligible until 2026. Tomik enjoyed a great season in Slovakia’s junior leagues but also got into a fair share of games against men this season, 23 in total. Tomik has a good history of producing as an underager for Slovakia and there are hopes he keeps up that trend here at the U18’s.

Tomas Pobezal - F

The 5’10” Pobezal is the lone 2006 born player on this list, and naturally he is a late birthday, so he isn’t draft eligible until next year in 2025, missing the cutoff date by three days. Pobezal has been a highly regarded prospect for quite some time, and while he hasn’t lived up to some early hype - he will still be a critical part to Slovakia’s offense at this tournament. Pobezal spent the entire season playing in Slovakia’s top mens league and although the results aren’t great, the experience against men should only help him in this tournament.

Latvia

Latvia is in a situation at the tournament where they have potential to provide an upset, but at the same time, a realistic expectation is that they’re going to be battling with Norway in which team gets to get pummeled in the semi-finals, while the other gets to play in relegation. Lucky for Latvia, on paper their roster has better depth than the Norwegians so the odds bode well for them. The big thing to look forward to from this Latvain roster is the trio of 2026 NHL draft prospects who look promising three years out from their draft, Karlis Flugins, Martins Klaucans and especially Olivers Murineks who is a kid that looks mature beyond his years even though he’s only 15 years old. On defense, you have Darels Uljanskis who looks to improve his draft stock at this event and a goalie who is looking to make his mark in Nils Roberts Maurins. Latvia may surprise some teams here in Finland.

Top Players to Watch

Olivers Murineks - F

Murineks projects to be one of the most promising Latvian talents to ever come out of the country. To make and project as a top-6 forward at this event for Latvia is a testament to that. As a 15-year-old he went nearly a point per game in Latvia’s top mens league, while also producing at a two point-per-game pace in Latvia’s second tier mens league - an incredible year for the very young centre. Murineks is a 2008 born that has the ability to take over games with his intelligence on the ice. He has a lot of work to do before his NHL draft date in 2026, but he is a kid I am personally exited to see play at the U18’s.

Darels Uljanskis - D

Uljanskis is the lone player on this Latvian roster ranked by NHL central scouting for the upcoming NHL draft, and rightfully so. The defender had a great year in Sweden’s U20 Junior league for AIK, putting up 29 points in 45 games. The 6’2” Uljanskis is going to log heavy minutes for this roster and will be a focal point on the team's offence and defence. He will run the first power play unit and be a very important puck mover for the nation. There will be a lot of pressure on Uljanskis at this event, as NHL teams will be watching him closely.

Nils Roberts Maurins - G

If Latvia wants to play upset at this tournament, they’re going to need a massive tournament out of their starting goaltender. That’s where Maurins comes into play. Maurins like Uljanskis, played the year in Sweden in their U20 junior league where he saw mixed results. The 6’4” goaltender has an outside chance at hearing his name called in the upcoming draft, NHL teams like big goaltenders after all. Although Maurins is rather raw, his measurables, paired with a massive showing for Latvia at this event could get one team to bite at some point in the upcoming draft.

Bruno Osmanis - F

Osmanis is probably the most promising player amount Latvia’s 2006 born crop of forwards if we’re talking about potential NHL draft selections. A December birthday, so not eligible until the 2025 NHL draft, Osmanis had a fantastic year in Sweden where he put up impressive totals in the U20 junior league and earned himself call ups to play for IF Björklöven’s mens team in the Allsvenskan for 15 games. Although only garnering one assist in those games, Osmanis definitely put himself on the radars of NHL teams with his performance this season.

Karlis Flugins - F

Flugins is a late 2007 birthday, and as such isn’t NHL draft eligible until 2026. Flugins like many of Latvia’s top talents decided to play his hockey in Sweden this past year for Oskarshamn. He was one of only a few imports to play in Sweden’s J20 league this season as a 2007 born player. Flugins is an extremely skilled forward that loves to challenge defenders one on one. He should be an extremely fun player to watch in this tournament for this Latvian squad.

Krists Retenais - D

One of only three returning players on this Latvian team from last year's U18 team, Retenais comes back this year as captain of this rendition of the Latvian squad. The 5’11” defender played for Riga’s hockey school this past year in Latvia’s top men's league, a team composed of some of the best young talent the country has to offer. Retenais was the highest scoring defender for this team and also served as the captain.

Norway

Norway is definitely the favourite to play for relegation in this group this year. They played in the relegation game last year but were able to fend off a weak German group to stay in the top division. The big game this year will be against the Latvians on April 29th, this will decide their fate in group A as whoever loses this game, likely plays for relegation. Up front, the team consists of returning players Elias Strame Vatne and Jorgen Nyhus Myhre who were two of Norway’s leading scorers at last year's event. Expect Mathias Dehli to also offer his contributions on offence, the centreman has Norway's best chance at getting drafted this yea,r so he hopes to improve his stock at this tournament. Niklas Aaram Olsen also looks to solidify his name as one to watch in 2026 also. The defensive core will live and die by how Ludvig Lafton plays also. There are pieces here to keep an eye on, but overall, this team will need a lot of luck to avoid the relegation game.

Top Players to Watch

Elias Straume Vatne - F

Unfortunately for Straume Vatne, he stands at only 5’8”. If he didn’t, he would undoubtedly be on NHL teams radars because he is one of the fastest and most skilled players Norway has ever produced. Norway’s highest scoring player from last year's tournament returns with similar expectations, to lead this squad offensively. Straume Vatne played in Farjestad, Sweden this past year in the teams U20 program and put up an impressive 32 points in 45 games. He is going to be Norway’s best player in this tournament and should generate most of Norway’s offense.

Mathias Dehli - F

The 6’2” Dehli has a big tournament ahead of him, he will undoubtedly be a focal point of Norway’s offense and he’s the most likely name to be called at the upcoming NHL draft out of anyone on this roster. Dehli spend his entire season playing alongside teammate Stian Solberg in Vålerenga, in Norway. The 18-year-old centerman enjoyed an impressive season, scoring eight points in 22 games in Norway’s top mens league. Dehli wants to have a great tournament here in Finland to continue his upward trajectory this season.

Ludvig Lafton - D

Norway’s lone returnee on the blueline is going to have to play insane minutes for this Norwegion team. Lafton is unequivocally the team's best defender as the blueline on this squad is unfortunately rather weak. Lafton is 6’2” and is best known for playing in his own zone, he can provide some offence and will likely run the first power play unit for this Norwegian team but that’s not the game he’s known for. Lafton has an outside chance at being drafted this year, and a strong showing at this event will bode well for that goal.

Niklas Aaram Olsen - F

Aaram Olsen is one of only four 2008 born players participating in this year’s U18 World Championship and Norway's line participant. Olsen is one of the most promising talents the nation has ever exported and after a very impressive season in Sweden for Orebro’s U18 team - Olsen has put himself on the map for NHL teams for 2026. The 6’0” Olsen doesn’t have to do much at this tournament for it to be a success for him, but if Norway wants to avoid relegation - Olsen will have to step up and show just why he is one to watch in 2026.

Mikkel Eriksen - F

After spending the first few months of the season in Sweden, posting impressive totals for Orebro’s U20 team - Eriksen went back to Norway to play in Vålerenga’s system, a program that is churning out the best of the nation's talent as of late. Eriksen should provide some very good secondary scoring for this Norwegian squad, and as a 2007 born center, isn’t eligible to be drafted until next season. He is definitely on the radar, of not only NHL, but also CHL teams and will be one of the more interesting underagers to watch at this tournament.

Jorgen Nyhus Myhre - F

Myhre is one of only four returning players on the Norwegian roster this season. Myhre, a late September 2006 birthday misses the 2024 NHL draft cutoff date by only seven days. Myhre is another kid that plays for Norway’s talent factor in Vålerenga and put up an eye popping 48 points in 31 games for the U20 team. Myhre projects to be an integral part to this team's top-6 this year.

Lukas Nikolaj Petterssen-Finckenhagen - F

One of the best names in the tournament, Pettersson-Finckenhagen provides size, and a net front presence for this Norwegian team. The 6’4” forward played the season in Sweden for Mora IK’s program and split the season between the U18, and U20 teams. At the U18 level, he enjoyed a goal-per-game statline after putting up 21 goals in 20 games. Because of his size and the power forward elements to his game, Petterssen-Finckenhagen could be a real interesting player to look forward to watching at this tournament and a kid that could put himself in NHL teams sightlines.