When is the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship?

The tournament begins on Friday and runs through January 5.

Who are the top prospects to watch at the World Juniors?

Notable prospects include Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg, and Juho Piiparinen, with many others looking to impress scouts.

Which teams are considered favorites for the World Juniors?

While the USA aims for a three-peat, Canada and Sweden are also strong contenders, though player availability impacts final predictions.

Home / Sports / USA Aims for Three-Peat at World Juniors

USA Aims for Three-Peat at World Juniors

23 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Tournament features top under-20 players not in NHL.
USA defending champions, seeking a third consecutive title.
NHL teams' decisions impact player availability for top nations.

USA Aims for Three-Peat at World Juniors

The highly anticipated IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship is set to commence in Minneapolis and St. Paul, featuring the world's best hockey players under 20 who are not yet in the NHL. The United States enters the tournament aiming for a historic third consecutive championship victory on home soil.

However, the competition landscape has been significantly altered by NHL and AHL teams retaining key prospects, including prominent players for Canada and Finland. This decision impacts the expected dominance of certain nations and opens the door for closer matchups throughout the event.

The tournament, running through January 5, promises intense action, showcasing exceptional skill, speed, and emotional play as teams vie for national pride and individual recognition, with several nations battling for medals and others fighting to avoid relegation.

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