2025 First World Junior Day Preview – Canada vs Finland Highlights Full Day of Hockey – Hockey Writers –

The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship is finally here. The tournament will be held in Ottawa, and the United States will be looking for the first back-to-back in the history of the program after winning gold against Sweden in last year's tournament. The first day will see the group stage, with Canada and Finland facing off in a night game.

Sweden vs. Slovakia (Noon)

Sweden: Last List

To start the tournament, last year's silver medalists, Sweden, will face Slovakia. Going into this tournament, it is expected that the Swedes will push for a medal again. Led by Axel Sandin Pellikka and Felix Unger Sorum, among other top talents, there is no reason to believe that they should not be able to succeed. On the other hand, Slovakia enters the tournament with an uphill battle. They don't exactly have a star-studded roster, with four NHL-drafted players, but they could still have a chance to make some noise if things go their way.

Sweden should win this game due to the advantage of skill and experience. But since the intensity and intensity is the first game of this tournament, Slovakia can also make it more difficult than expected.

Favorite: in Sweden
Players to Watch: Axel Sandin Pellikka (Sweden), Otto Stenberg (Sweden), Dalibor Dvorský (Slovakia)

Germany vs. United States (2:30pm)

United States: Players to Watch

Looking to bounce back, the Americans begin their tournament with a draw against a German team who will be looking to build on their avoidance of relegation last year with their victory over Norway. They will probably struggle to avoid it again in this tournament, as the Americans should be able to handle the German team well. Crazier things have happened, however, as Germany has a couple of players who could catch the eye of NHL scouts in 2025 worthy Carlos Handel and David Lewandowski. Seeing the list put together by the United States will delight all hockey fans.

Favorite: United States
Players to Watch: David Lewandowski (Germany), James Hagens (United States), Zeev Buium (United States)

Switzerland vs. Czechia (5pm)

In the second game of four groups of Group B, Switzerland and Czechia will have questions about their offense and where it will come from. Czechia will likely rely on Eduard Sale and a few others as they look to secure a third consecutive WJC championship medal. Facing a Swiss team that has lost some of its power and faces a decision between the pipes. They have Ewan Huet (son of former NHL goaltender Cristobal Huet) and Elijah Neuenschwander, who received a C-grade in NHL Central Scouting's preliminary ratings. Either way, the Czechs have to be favored in this game, as the Swiss may not have the strength to match them.

Related: Guide to the 2025 World Junior Championship

Favorite: Czechia
Players to Watch: Michael Hrabel (Czechia), Eduard Sale (Czechia), Leon Muggli (Switzerland)

Canada vs. Finland (7:30 p.m.)

Canada: Last List
Finland: Last List

The biggest and most difficult match on this day will be the last one, as two strong teams will be playing in this year's competition. Canada is looking to regain the medals after a disappointing loss to Czechia in the quarterfinals last year. Canadians have the most exciting and impressive lineup for this tournament. They will be led by captain Brayden Yager, 2026 NHL Draft prospect Gavin McKenna, and 2025 NHL Draft prospect Matthew Schaefer, among others. Finland has a stacked roster in terms of its forward group, but there are question marks behind the ice without Emil Pieniniemi and Aron Kiviharju.

The biggest hurdle the Finns will face against Canada will be slowing down their high-powered team. If they can reduce the number of dangerous chances against them, they can give the Canadians a tough fight. Ultimately, however, Canada's firepower should help them win to open the tournament.

Favorite: Canada
Players to Watch: Gavin McKenna (Canada), Matthew Schaefer (Canada), Konsta Helenius (Finland), Aron Kiviharju (Finland)

Let the Joy begin

The latest Christmas present for hockey fans, the tournament kicks off with a lot of excitement with the big game between Canada and Finland. Seeing what each team looks like in real action will help start the excitement of what's to come over the next 11 days of hockey.

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