#IIHF World Junior Championship

[thepassionthatunitesusall]

Someone needs to look at whether or not it works out to have 1 goalie play every single minute of this tournament

Rousseau has been good for Canada! But whether or not he wants to admit it, there's bound to be some fatigue after playing 5 games in 7 days. And Czechia was obviously watching the Germany game, cause they're more than happy to screen and shoot (which is working very well so far!)

[iihfworldsjunior]

IIHF World Junior Championship 2023 heads to Atlantic Canada

Hockey Canada awards World Juniors 2023 to Halifax, N.S., and Moncton, N.B.

The world’s best under-20 hockey players will get an opportunity to by and by vie for gold on Canadian ice at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, only four months after the 2022 version of the competition is held in Edmonton, Alta.

Hockey Canada, in association with the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), who supported facilitating freedoms to Canada, has granted the renowned worldwide contest to the territories of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, with the urban areas of Halifax and Moncton co-facilitating the occasion from Dec. 26, 2022 to Jan. 5, 2023.

“Facilitating the World Juniors two times in under a half year is an exceptional chance for our association and Canadian hockey fans, and with the IIHF’s need to observe a host, we were in the situation to engage offers from enthusiastic hockey networks the nation over,” said Hockey Canada president and head working official, Scott Smith. “We value the difficult work and endeavors set forth by the areas of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and we unequivocally trust in the plans they have set up to have an effective occasion in Halifax and Moncton. We know crafted by the host panels and volunteers will have an enduring effect on every local area, the contending groups and the fans who will head out to encounter this best-on-best rivalry.”

“We are satisfied to have the option to carry the 2023 World Juniors to Halifax and Moncton,” said IIHF president Luc Tardif. “These are two extraordinary urban communities with top-quality scenes and enthusiastic hockey fans who support junior hockey. I recognize Hockey Canada for finding two incredible hosts in such a short measure of time, and am anticipating the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship.”

Hockey Canada has facilitated the IIHF World Junior Championship multiple times since its true commencement in 1977, with Atlantic Canada last filling in as host in 2003 in Halifax and Sydney, N.S.

“Nova Scotia is excited to be chosen to have the 2023 World Juniors, which will be the best competition to date,” said Tim Houston, head of Nova Scotia. “We are good to go out the doormat for the players, their families and visiting fans; I’ll be in the field with huge number of Nova Scotians, cheering at every single game.”

“We are eager to have banded together with Nova Scotia to win the bid to act as hosts,” said New Brunswick chief Blaine Higgs. “This a-list occasion will feature our territory and our district, and we will give a remarkable encounter to both New Brunswickers and those meeting. We anticipate facilitating the players and their families.”

Fans anxious to buy tickets for the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship in Halifax and Moncton can enter the 2023 World Juniors Priority Draw for their opportunity to buy tickets when they become accessible. Further ticket data will be reported sometime in the not too distant future.

Before tickets go discounted for the 2023 occasion, fans can make the most of the novel chance to go to the 2022 World Juniors in Edmonton this August. Ticket bundles will be accessible for buy beginning May 10 at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets. Fans can likewise join to become Hockey Insiders and get ticket data, Team Canada news and admittance to restrictive pre-deals, challenges and advancements.

[iihfwjunioricehockey]

SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR 2023 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

Tournament begins in Moncton, N.B., and Halifax, N.S. on Dec. 26, 2022

MONCTON, N.B. and HALIFAX, N.S. - Hockey Canada and the Global Ice Hockey Organization (IIHF) have released the schedule for the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, which is set to happen Dec. 26, 2022-Jan. 5, 2023 in Moncton and Halifax.

Last month, it was declared that Scotiabank Center in Halifax will have Gathering A, highlighting Canada, Sweden, Czechia, Germany and Austria. Avenir Center in Moncton will see the US, Finland, Switzerland, Slovakia and Latvia contend in Gathering B.

"The 2023 World Juniors will be a remarkable festival of hockey across the Maritimes, and we can hardly hold back to drop the puck on Boxing Day," said Senior member McIntosh, VP of occasions and properties with Hockey Canada. "From the first day of the season matchups to the contention games on New Year's Eve, the current year's timetable is very cutthroat and will feature the best under-20 hockey players on the planet in a re-visitation of the competition's customary occasion design."

Read More >> CANADA WINS GOLD AT 2022 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

Subsequent to winning a silver decoration at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Title, Finland will open the 2023 occasion against Switzerland in Moncton at 11 a.m. ET/12 p.m. AT on Dec. 26, the first of 20 fundamental round games split between the two host urban areas.

Canada will start its safeguard of its gold award against Czechia on Enclosing Day Halifax at 6:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. AT, in a rematch of the World Youngsters elimination round from the month before.

The US will confront Finland on Dec. 31 at 4 p.m. ET/5 p.m. AT in the main fundamental round matchup between two of the three groups that have won gold at the World Youngsters starting around 2013.

Canada and Sweden will play each other on New Year's Eve interestingly since the 2016 competition, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. AT.

Every one of the 2023 IIHF World Junior Title games will be communicated on TSN and RDS, the authority broadcast accomplices of Hockey Canada.

"Halifax and Moncton are extraordinary hockey urban communities that are both eager to energetically invite the ten taking an interest groups this year," said Mike Savage, city chairman of Halifax. "We realize that fans and volunteers will anxiously add the 2023 IIHF World Junior Title to their vacation schedules."

"We are excited to gladly invite the world and make a remarkable hockey experience on and off the ice in both host urban communities," said First light Arnold, city hall leader of Moncton. "One thing is sure: Moncton and Halifax's solid history of facilitating top notch games and sea friendliness will be at its ideal."

Canada will have its choice camp, which incorporates games against the U Games All-Stars, in Moncton in mid-December. The pre-competition timetable will be declared before long, with networks all through southern New Brunswick and focal Nova Scotia set to have games.

Almost 50,000 fans entered the 2023 World Youngsters Need Draw. Ought to any stock remain, tickets will go at a bargain to the public later in September.

[puckingoff]

Sweeney Dishes on Poitras, WJC, and the Baby B's

On Monday, December 18, 2023, Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney met with the media at Warrior Ice Arena, where he covered a few topics related to the Bruins’ future, namely Matthew Poitras and some other AHL Providence Bruins players. The Bruins announced prior that Poitras, a 5′-11″ rookie forward, would be assigned to Team Canada for the upcoming IIHF World Junior Championship in…

[quinnylouhughesx43]

Will and Ryan’s World Jrs headshots ⇝ their Men’s World Championship headshots

Previous | Next

[imsonick]

Yeeeeeees, my babes! They did it!!!!

[reavenedges-lies]

Logan Cooley(1)

His 1st goal of the 2022 WJC

[zetorna]

Historic success of the Czechia junior national team.

In the match against Canada, the Czechs showed that they can play good ice hockey, but not only that, they can make some of the best tractors in the world. More information:

https://www.zetorna.com/https://www.cbc.ca/.../canada-czechia-world-juniors-dec... 

[wjcicehockey]

IIHF World Junior Championship 2022 Schedule Announced

Hockey Canada and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) have released the schedule for the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, which is set to take place Dec. 26, 2022-Jan. 5, 2023 in Moncton and Halifax.

Last month, it was announced that Scotiabank Centre in Halifax will host Group A, featuring Canada, Sweden, Czechia, Germany and Austria. Avenir Centre in Moncton will see the United States, Finland, Switzerland, Slovakia and Latvia compete in Group B.

Read More >> iihf ice hockey u20 world championship

How to watch 2022 World Juniors on TV, live-stream

​TV channel (Canada): TSN

Live stream : TSN.ca, TSN app

TV channel: NHL Network

Live stream: https://u20icehockeylive.com/

The 2023 World Juniors will be an unforgettable celebration of hockey across the Maritimes, and we cannot wait to drop the puck on Boxing Day,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties with Hockey Canada. “From the opening-day matchups to the rivalry games on New Year’s Eve, this year’s schedule is extremely competitive and will showcase the best under-20 hockey players in the world in a return to the tournament’s traditional holiday format.

After winning a silver medal at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, Finland will open the 2023 event against Switzerland in Moncton at 11 a.m. ET/12 p.m. AT on Dec. 26, the first of 20 preliminary-round games split between the two host cities.

2023 WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

Dec. 26

Finland vs. Switzerland, Avenir Centre, 11 a.m. ET

Sweden vs. Austria, Scotiabank Centre, 1:30 p.m. ET

Latvia vs. United States, Avenir Centre, 4 p.m. ET

Czechia vs. Canada, Scotiabank Centre, 6:30 p.m. ET

Dec. 27

Finland vs. Slovakia, Avenir Centre, 11 a.m. ET

Germany vs. Sweden, Scotiabank Centre, 1:30 p.m. ET

Switzerland vs. Latvia, Avenir Centre, 4 p.m. ET

Austria vs. Czechia, Scotiabank Centre, 6:30 p.m. ET

Dec. 28

Slovakia vs. United States, Avenir Centre, 4 p.m. ET

Canada vs. Germany, Scotiabank Centre, 6:30 p.m. ET

Dec. 29

Latvia vs. Finland, Avenir Centre, 11 a.m. ET

Sweden vs. Czechia, Scotiabank Centre, 1:30 p.m. ET

United States vs. Switzerland, Avenir Centre, 4 p.m. ET

Austria vs. Canada, Scotiabank Centre, 6:30 p.m. ET

Dec. 30

Slovakia vs. Latvia, Avenir Centre, 1:30 p.m. ET

Germany vs. Austria, Scotiabank Centre, 4 p.m. ET

Dec. 31

Switzerland vs. Slovakia, Avenir Centre, 11 a.m. ET

Czechia vs. Germany, Scotiabank Centre, 1:30 p.m. ET

United States vs. Finland, Avenir Centre, 4 p.m. ET

Canada vs. Sweden, Scotiabank Centre, 6:30 p.m. ET

Jan. 2

Relegation Round (Game 1), Scotiabank Centre, 9:30 a.m. ET

Quarterfinal 1, Avenir Centre, 11 a.m. ET

Quarterfinal 2, Scotiabank Centre, 1:30 p.m. ET

Quarterfinal 3, Avenir Centre, 4 p.m. ET

Quarterfinal 4, Scotiabank Centre, 6:30 p.m. ET

Jan. 4 (Scotiabank Centre)

Relegation Round (Game 2), 11 a.m. ET

Semifinal 1, 2:30 p.m. ET

Semifinal 2, 6:30 p.m. ET

Jan. 5 (Scotiabank Centre)

Relegation Round (Game 3, if necessary), 11 a.m. ET

Third-place game, 2:30 p.m. ET

Championship game, 6:30 p.m. ET

[cau-lee-flower215]

anybody else keeping tabs on world juniors?

[iihfworldsjunior]

IIHF World Junior Championship 2022 Schedule Announced

Hockey Canada and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), have released the game schedules for the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship. The World Juniors 2022 Live hockey ticket sales for the event, which will take place at Rogers Place in Edmonton, from 9 to 20 Aug 2022, have also begun.

How to watch 2022 World Juniors on TV, live-stream

​TV channel (Canada): TSN

Live stream : TSN.ca, TSN app

TV channel: NHL Network

Live stream: www.tumblr.com/iihfworldsjunior

The tournament will begin with a clash between Czechia, Slovakia and Latvia at noon. Next up is Latvia vs Finland (at 16:00 local time) and the USA-Germany night game at 20:00.

The remaining ten teams in the 10-team event will begin on 10 August. The noon game will be played by Sweden and Switzerland, while Canada hosts Canada against Latvia at 16:00. Germany and Austria will then play in a neighboring match at 20:00.

Canada, Finland and Czechia will be playing in Group A. The United States, Sweden and Germany will be competing in Group B. If each group has four teams, the top four will advance to the quarter-finals.

Rogers Place will host all games. There will usually be two to three games per day during this preliminary round, which will conclude on 15 August. Canada will play the third quarter-final match at 17:00, if they are qualified.

On 19 August, the semi-finals will be played. If Canada qualifies, or the team with the highest preliminary-round record otherwise, the host will play in the early semi-final match at 14:00. At 18:00, the second semi-final match will take place. The 20th of August is the date for the medal games.

This will be the first time that all World Juniors games have been held in one location since 1988. Fans will also be present.

Single-game tickets are now available for purchase starting at $40. Packages will still be available.

The 2023 World Junior Championship will not have a relegation round. This means that the same 10 teams will compete in the 2023 World Junior Championship. It will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Moncton (New Brunswick) from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5, 2023.

All games will be broadcast on NHL Networkin America andTSN Canada.

WORLD JUNIORS 2022 SCHEDULE

Aug. 9

Czechia vs Slovakia at 2 p.m. ET Latvia vs Finland, 6 p.m. ET United States vs Germany 10:05 p.m. ET

Aug. 10

Sweden vs Switzerland, 2 p.m. ET Latvia vs Canada, 6 p.m. ET Germany vs Austria at 10 p.m. ET

Aug. 11

Finland vs Czechia at 2 p.m. ET Slovakia vs Canada, 6 p.m. ET Switzerland vs United States, 10 p.m. ET

Aug. 12

Austria vs Sweden, 2 p.m. ET Slovakia vs Latvia, 6 p.m. ET

Aug. 13

United States vs Austria, 2 p.m. ET Canada vs Czechia, 6 p.m. ET Germany vs Switzerland, 10 p.m. ET

Aug. 14

Finland vs Slovakia at 2 p.m. ET Czechia vs Latvia at 6 p.m. ET United States vs Sweden, 10 p.m. ET

Aug. 15

Switzerland vs Austria, 2 p.m. ET Canada vs Finland, 6 p.m. ET Sweden vs Germany, 10 p.m. ET

Aug. 17

Quarterfinal 1, 12:15 p.m. ET Quarterfinal 2, at 3:30 p.m. ET Quarterfinal 3, 7:15 p.m. ET Quarterfinal 4, 10:30 pm. ET

Aug. 19

Semifinal 1, 4. p.m. ET Semifinal 2, 8:15 p.m. ET

Aug. 20

Third-place game, 4 p.m. ET Championship game at 8 p.m. ET

[junioricehockeywjhc]

IIHF World Junior Championship 2023 Complete WJHC game schedule

The 2023 World Juniors Ice Hockey Championships is scheduled for a 10-team tournament is confirmed to begin on Boxing day December 26, 2022, and end with a Gold Medal Game on Thursday, January 5, 2023. This is the 47th edition of the Junior Ice Hockey tournament takes place in two different locations at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Avenir Centre in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.

Who plays in the 2023 Gold Medal game?

Two semifinal winners from Group A or Group B, or both from one group will play in the 2023 Gold Medal game at Scotiabank Centre or Avenir Centre, in Canada.

When is World Juniors 2023?

The 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship live stream is scheduled from Monday, December 26, 2022, through Thursday, January 5, 2023, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.

Here’s the World Junior Championship Game Schedule 2023 including, start time, date, TV channel, location, results and more.GameDateTime (ET)TVVenueFinland vs SwitzerlandMon, Dec 26, 202212:00 PMNHL Network, TSNAvenir Centre, MonctonSweden vs AustriaMon, Dec 26, 20222:30 PMNHL Network, TSNScotiabank Centre, HalifaxLatvia vs United StatesMon, Dec 26, 20225:00 PMNHL Network, TSNAvenir Centre, MonctonCzechia vs CanadaDecember 26, 20227:30 PMNHL Network, TSNScotiabank Centre, HalifaxFinland vs SlovakiaDecember 27, 202212:00 PMNHL Network, TSNAvenir Centre, MonctonGermany vs SwedenDecember 27, 20222:30 PMNHL Network, TSNScotiabank Centre, HalifaxSwitzerland vs LatviaDecember 27, 20225:00 PMNHL Network, TSNAvenir Centre, MonctonAustria vs CzechiaDecember 27, 20227:30 PMNHL Network, TSNScotiabank Centre, HalifaxSlovakia vs United StatesDecember 28, 20225:00 PMNHL Network, TSNAvenir Centre, MonctonCanada vs GermanyDecember 28, 20227:30 PMNHL Network, TSNScotiabank Centre, HalifaxLatvia vs FinlandDecember 29, 202212:00 PMNHL Network, TSNAvenir Centre, MonctonSweden vs CzechiaDecember 29, 20222:30 PMNHL Network, TSNScotiabank Centre, HalifaxUnited States vs SwitzerlandDecember 29, 20225:00 PMNHL Network, TSNAvenir Centre, MonctonAustria vs CanadaDecember 29, 20227:30 PMNHL Network, TSNScotiabank Centre, HalifaxSlovakia vs LatviaDecember 30, 20225:00 PMNHL Network, TSNAvenir Centre, MonctonGermany vs AustriaDecember 30, 20227:30 PMNHL Network, TSNScotiabank Centre, HalifaxSwitzerland vs SlovakiaDecember 31, 202212:00 PMNHL Network, TSNAvenir Centre, MonctonCzechia vs GermanyDecember 31, 20222:30 PMNHL Network, TSNScotiabank Centre, HalifaxUnited States vs FinlandDecember 31, 20225:00 PMNHL Network, TSNAvenir Centre, MonctonCanada vs SwedenDecember 31, 20227:30 PMNHL Network, TSNScotiabank Centre, Halifax

Quarterfinals scheduleGamesDateTime (ET)TVVenueTBA vs TBAMon, Jan. 2, 202312:00 PMTSN, NHL NetworkAvenir Centre, MonctonTBA vs TBAMon, Jan. 2, 20232:30 PMTSN, NHL NetworkScotiabank Centre, HalifaxTBA vs TBAMon, Jan. 2, 20235:00 PMTSN, NHL NetworkAvenir Centre, MonctonTBA vs TBAMon, Jan. 2, 20237:30 PMTSN, NHL NetworkScotiabank Centre, Halifax

Semifinals ScheduleGamesDateTime (ET)TVVenueTBA vs TBAWed, Jan 4, 20233:30 PMTSN, NHL NetworkScotiabank Centre, HalifaxTBA vs TBAWed, Jan 4, 20237:30 PMTSN, NHL NetworkScotiabank Centre, Halifax

Bronze Medal GameGamesDateTime (ET)TVVenueTBA vs TBAThu, Jan 5, 20233:30 PMTSN, NHL NetworkScotiabank Centre, Halifax

Gold Medal GameGamesDateTime (ET)TVLocationTBA vs TBAThu, Jan 5, 20237:30 PMTSN, NHL NetworkScotiabank Centre, Halifax

When is the 2023 World Juniors gold medal game?

The World Juniors championship game is the gold medal game that takes place on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at 7:30 pm ET at Scotiabank Centre, Halifax.

How many matches are in the 2023 world juniors?

There are 31 matches is scheduled to be played in the 2023 world juniors tournament from December 26, 2022, to January 5, 2023, in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.

What TV channel hosts the 2023 World Juniors in the US?

The NHL Network has extensive broadcasting rights to the 2023 World Juniors championships in the United States. However, it may start early with the exhibition games but are yet to announce and team USA’s games are available on NHL Network.

How to watch from Canada?

You can watch the 2023 World U20 Ice Hockey Championship in Canada you need to visit TSN.ca or download the TSN App and follow the instructions and enjoy.

[puckingoff]

Bruins Assign Matthew Poitras to World Juniors

The Boston Bruins announced that 19-year-old rookie Matthew Poitras is joining Team Canada for the upcoming IIHF World Junior Championship, which takes place in Gothenburg, Sweden, from December 26, 2023, to January 5, 2024.The 180 lb. forward from Ajax, Ontario, has appeared in 27 games for the Bruins thus far in 2023-24. Poitras has racked up five goals and eight assists for 13 points in that…

[mcgregorvspacquiaofight]

Team USA to Have Faber Wear the "C": On August 9, 2022, the IIHF World Junior Championships will get underway.

Prior to the next IIHF World Junior Championships 2022 Live, USA Hockey named junior Brock Faber of the University of Minnesota as the captain of the 2022 U.S. National Junior Team. He is the fourth Gopher in program history to represent Team USA in the World Junior Championships, and the first since 1981.

Before the competition was postponed in December, Faber, who assisted the United States in winning a gold medal at the last competition, was appointed the alternative captain. Throughout the 2022–23 campaign, the defensemen will also represent Minnesota by donning the "C." 

Learn More: All Sports Schedule, Results and Live Scores 

Faber is no stranger to donning the Red, White, and Blue as a graduate of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. The Maple Grove, Minnesota, native not only competed for his country in the 2022 Winter Olympics but also scored five goals in the World Junior Championships gold medal game. The defenseman has 14 points (two goals, 12 assists) in 32 games with the Gophers last season, winning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Big Ten honors.

The University of Minnesota has a long and illustrious history in the World Junior Championship, having participated in 43 of the 46 competitions since the event's inception in 1977. At the World Junior Championship, USA Hockey won 13 medals, including five gold ones (2004, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2021).

The 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships, which will take place in Edmonton, Alberta, starting on August 9 and lasting until August 20, will include a full roster announcement for Team USA on Sunday, August 7. Starting with a preliminary game against Germany on Tuesday, August 9 at Rogers Place at 9:00 p.m. CT, NHL Network will broadcast all American games.

[toasttt11]

octavia hughes

Octavia Wren Hughes

Number: 8

Season: Second

Position: LW

Height: 5”10

Hometown: Manchester, New Hampshire

S/C: L

NHL: TOR

Prev School: University of Michigan

NHL

• Selected 2nd overall (first round) by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2021 NHL Draft.

International

Team USA

• 2023 World Junior Championship- Bronze Medal, 9 G, 8 A, 7 GP

• 2022 World Junior Championship- 8 G, 6 A, 5 GP

•2022 IIHF World Championship-13 G, 13 A, 10 GP

• 2021 World Junior Championship- Gold Medal, 13 G, 11 A, 6 GP

•2021 IIHF World Championship-14 G, 12 A, 10 GP

•2019 World U-17 Hockey Challenge- Silver Medal, 6 G, 7 A, 6 GP

Second Season (2023-2024)

Toronto Maple Leafs

36 G, 41 A, 77 P, 40 GP

Rookie Season (2022-2023)

Toronto Maple Leafs

65 G, 52 A, 117 P, 78 GP

Received the Rookie of the Year award.

Third in most points in the whole NHL.

Signed a Contract for 12 Million dollars for three years and a 1 million dollar signing bonus.

Freshman Year (2021-2022)

•First and only Year at University of Michigan, 45 G, 31 A, 41 GP.

•Big Ten Freshman of the year.

Before University of Michigan

• Played two seasons with the USNTDP.

• Totaled 224 points (138-97--235) in 124 games with the USNTDP, the most points and goals ever in USNTDP history.

• First on the team in scoring in 2019-2020 with 69 goals, 47 assists for 115 points in 61 games with the U17 and U18 team

• Scored 110 points (71-48--118) in 63 games with the U18 team in 2020-2021, First on the team in scoring.

Personal

• Born September 9, 2003

• Daughter of Jim and Ellen Hughes

• Has three siblings, Quinn, Jack, Luke.

[sergeifyodorov]

How does world juniors work and where would one watch?

This is my first season watching the nhl and I’m from nz so I suspect we wont be represented lol but I’m keen to learn more and watch some! Any recommendations on what ones to watch?

omg anon WELCOME and also ... a brief WORLD JUNIORS PRIMER for you all...

Puppy Bowl!

If you're from NZ I'm not sure you know about the Puppy Bowl -- a show run concurrent to the Super Bowl, but all the participants are puppies? It means absolutely nothing but it is adorable. The World Juniors are basically that, but also it is exactly as important as the Olympics what are you talking about. Their official name is the "IIHF U-20 World Championship," which is a pretty self-explanatory name -- it's a tournament for players 20 and under (I believe they have to be at least sixteen, but because young athletes mature physically a LOT in those four years, the vast majority are eighteen-nineteen-twenty). Tradition dictates it starts on Boxing Day, and it runs for about three weeks -- it starts with a round-robin, followed by a single-elimination tournament, a bronze-medal match, and a relegation match.

Players are selected by their national hockey administration -- for Canada, it's Hockey Canada, but all countries within the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) have their own. The intricacies of ~Sports Bureaucracy~ are really long and only a LITTLE relevant, but every country ices the best roster they can, which means players are often "loaned" from CHL teams, NCAA universities, European league teams, or, occasionally, the NHL. (Note: You can usually tell how good a World Junior team is by how many players have been drafted/signed by NHL teams: the Canadians, Swedes, and Americans are almost always entirely draftees or under-18s, while the other teams in the upper division might only have a handful, or even only one, drafted player.)(Second note: The quality of a team has less correlation than you might think to them winning a single-elimination tournament.)

Like I said earlier, it starts with a round-robin: there are ten teams in the main WJ (we'll get to this in a second), divided into two groups of five, who each play each other once. The worst-performing team of each group is sent to the relegation match post-tournament, and the eight other teams do a single-elimination match until one team wins gold.

Teams and Divisions

This year, the top ten teams are: Canada, the US, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Norway, Czechia, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Latvia. Because of the invasion of Ukraine, Russia is banned from participating in IIHF tournaments, but when it's not it's always in the top ten (likely instead of Norway, Switzerland, or Latvia.) UNLIKE the NHL, the IIHF has multiple "divisions" of teams, and at the end of the tournament the bottom two teams play a match to avoid relegation from the official ~IIHF World U20 Championship~ to Division I, which is right under it. There is also a Division II and a Division III -- and after some sleuthing, there IS a New Zealand team in Div III!!!!!

Canada and Broadcasting

Unfortunately, the WJC is basically only popular in Canada -- essentially a Boxing Day tradition to watch the babies play and cheer for our teams' prospects, or, usually, just Team Canada. In fact, Hockey Canada has bid to host it basically every other year until 2030. Because of this (or maybe a bit of a chicken-egg situation), the WJC is... kind of hard to find online if you're outside of Canada? I know for a fact it's broadcast on TSN (one of our sports networks) without any regional blackouts, but I don't think there's anything available in NZ that will be streaming it, especially because it's not one of the IIHF top ten countries. If you're not already doing so, you'll probably have to sail the high seas for your fix. (If you don't know where to do this, you can slide into my DMs and I can send you a link!)

Who to watch?

There's basically two routes for this: one, pick the team you think is going to win, or two, go look up what prospects your NHL team has that are playing at the WJC and watch them (Note: neither the Avs nor the Oilers have any WJC prospects this year!) The IIHF website has the game schedule listed, including time-zone adjusted start times -- they're all staggered, so if you have a lot of free time you might be able to watch more than one!

Personally, as both a Canadian and a Leafs fan -- both WJC-chosen Leafs prospects are Team Canada players, including their captain Fraser Minten -- I would recommend Team Canada (unashamed homer bias here.) They're usually one of the favourites to win, and they're almost entirely either drafted or not yet eligible, so you can see either your prospects or you can look at Celebrini and hope (if your team is bad) that he's coming to you one day. The Americans are generally considered Thee tournament favourites, if you prefer your teams highly touted.

To me, the WJC has twofold appeal: one, junior hockey is, for lack of a better term, messier than high-level hockey? Pucks are more likely to bounce in silly ways, rushes can get crazy, and you can get both a super high amount of shots and a super high amount of goals. Hormonal teenagers playing super high-stakes hockey for the first times in their lives and they can get really, really into it! The passion a kid has scoring a medal-winning goal in front of a sold-out crowd is absolutely unrivalled by all but the Cup Finals. (OMGGGGG THIS IS YOUR FIRST HOCKEY SEASON TOO... ok don't let me start talking about nhl playoffs because THIS is the puppy bowl that is the super bowl. but worse! i mean better but it's worse (for your cardiovascular health.))

Two, that these guys are still so young, and that at least a few of them have long, illustrious, potentially-Hall-of-Fame NHL careers ahead of them. For a lot of young stars, the World Juniors is an important part of their Lore. Watching someone become something as an adult after you've seen him as a junior is... magical? World Junior hockey is diamond-in-the-rough hockey. There's no polish, but it's the rawness of the million-dollar stone that sells it.