Top players from the final day of round-robin play at the 2024 World Junior Championship
The round-robin is over, so now the real games are set to begin.
Canada, Finland, Czechia and the United States all managed to win on the final day of preliminary-round action, with Germany and Norway set to make up the relegation game on Jan. 4.
The eight teams advancing to the quarterfinal will get Jan. 1 off before looking to win on Jan. 2. The four teams that advance will play in the semifinal on Thursday, with the finalists going for gold on Friday evening in Sweden.
Here’s a look at the quarterfinal schedule for Jan. 2:
Slovakia vs. Finland – 6:00 AM ET
Canada vs. Czechia – 8:30 AM ET
USA vs. Latvia – 11:00 AM ET
Sweden vs. Switzerland – 1:30 PM ET
Canada holds on to 6-3, Germany to play in relegation game
Canada has finished the round-robin on a high note, beating Germany 6-3 in a game that was much closer than the score might suggest.
With the win and second place in Group A, Canada will look to replicate their result from the gold medal game in 2023 in their game against Czechia on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Germany will play Norway on Thursday in a winner-takes-all single-game relegation contest, with Latvia clinching the final quarter-final spot.
It all started off poorly for the Canadians, who lost forward Conor Geekie to a head contact game misconduct at just 11 seconds in. Arizona Coyotes prospect Julian Lutz took advantage of the man advantage, scoring at 2:57 with a perfectly placed shot.
Canada didn’t waste much time getting on the board when they got to 5-on-5. At 6:20, Macklin Celebrini took the puck from his own zone and made no mistake firing it past Matthias Bittner to make it a 1-1 game. Brayden yager then scored on Canada’s own power-play chance at 14:37 in a dominant period that saw Canada outshoot Germany 13-3.
But that didn’t stop the Germans from keeping things interesting. At 21:49, Roman Kechter scored on the power play after beating a screened Mathis Rousseau with a perfectly placed wrister – giving Germany two goals on just four shots.
Missing scoring chances in close became a trend for the Canadians for the rest of the second, which kept the game tied. But the third period was all Canada, with Owen Beck, Jordan Dumais, Celebrini and Easton Cowan all scoring goals in the third. Julius Sumpf had tied the game at 47:32, but Canada made them pay for mistakes over the remainder of the game to close things out.
Canada
#17 Macklin Celebrini, C (2024 NHL Draft): Celebrini was plenty rested when he hit the ice six minutes into the game, going from his own to score the tying goal. He was consistently Canada’s best player, grabbing six shots in the first two periods alone before generating at least one chance on nearly every shift he had in the third period. Despite being 17, coach Alan Letang wants Celebrini on the ice as often as possible because when the pressure’s on, Celebrini gives it his all. That was exemplified when he scored that 5-3 goal from an impossible angle, giving Canada some much-needed breathing room.
#29 Brayden Yager, C (Pittsburgh Penguins): Did Letang finally find the right linemate for Celebrini? Yager and Celebrini clicked instantly, with the pair combining for three goals. They can both shoot, but Yager has such a heads-up offensive game that he hadn’t managed to unlock before tonight. This was Yager’s best game of the tournament, no question.
#9 Nate Danielson, RW (Detroit Red Wings): While Canada’s stars took charge today, Danielson had a couple of chances of his own and brought a ton of energy throughout the game. He’s got a strong frame, and doesn’t get pushed around easily. That allowed him to hold his own in front of the net while also playing a very effective two-way, shutdown game.
#8 Owen Beck, C (Montreal Canadiens): Beck finally registered his first goal, which felt like a long-time coming. He’s been great at serving the shutdown center role, but he and Carson Rehkopf connected for the much-needed 3-2 goal. Count me as one of many surprised that Beck didn’t record a point in the first three games given how effective he’s been.
#22 Jordan Dumais, RW (Columbus Blue Jackets): If anyone needed a goal today, it was Dumais. He has struggled all tournament long, and his power-play goal at 48:32 ended up being the game-winner. Will it help spark his confidence in the medal round, especially if Savoie can’t return?
Germany
#24 Roman Kechter, C (Undrafted): Between making the save of the year (as a center) and then scoring the tying goal on the power play, Kechter was a crucial part of Germany’s attack. That was especially important with Oswald Veit out due to a suspension. The Germans would have probably liked him to produce a bit more, but no one played a more impactful team on that squad.
#1 Matthias Bittner, G (Undrafted): Despite seemingly wanting to leave the crease any time possible (the NHL 24 tethering mechanic would suit him well), Bittner was the primary reason why the game was close to begin with. The Canadians struggled to get many high-quality chances, but Bittner came up with many big stops as the quicker, more skilled opponents made him work for it. Bittner has been great in his two games and should get Germany’s next start.
#22 Jakob Weber, D (Undrafted): Weber isn’t known for his offense, but he had a pair of assists and drew a penalty that led to a German goal. Germany hasn’t gotten much help offensively from their blueline, and Weber entered the game with no points, but he blocked shots, made some solid passes out of his own zone and played with urgency.
USA stomps Slovakia to win Group B
The United States has locked up first place in Group B with a statement 10-2 win over Slovakia on Sunday.
It was one of the most important games of the tournament, with Slovakia entering with a perfect 3-0 record and nine points. The Americans had three eight points after needing a shootout to beat Czechia, so all eyes were on the opening matchup of Dec. 31.
The first period had some great energy, with Rutger McGroarty scoring first for USA at 6:21 – taking advantage of another slow start by the Slovaks. But Slovakia battled back, with Marian Mosko tying things up two minutes later. The United States would cap the third off with Zeev Buium’s goal, one that the Slovaks unsuccessfully challenged for goaltender interference.
Gavin Hayes was thrown out of the game late in the opening frame for kneeing, a moment that could have sunk the Americans. Instead, Gavin Brindley scored a big shorthanded goal after Lane Hutson sent him down for a chance, making it 3-1.
Filip Mesar would then score to make it a 3-2 game, keeping things close once again. But the Americans had different plans to close out the second, with Ryan Leonard making it a 4-2 game shortly after. Two more goals from McGroarty completed the hat-trick, while Eric Pohlkamp, Cutter Gauthier and two from Isaac Howard finished things off.
USA
#2 Rutger McGroarty, RW (Winnipeg Jets): He’s back, baby. Captain America needed a few games to show how good he could, but he scored a hat-trick today to shine as USA’s top player. That was especially vital in Snuggerud’s absence. It seemed like everytime McGroarty touched the puck, magic happened.
#11 Oliver Moore, LW (Chicago Blackhawks): While the Americans missed having Jimmy Snuggerud in the lineup – who was out with an illness – Moore brought speed and competitiveness to the top line. It paid off as he helped McGroarty open the scoring before having a couple of other good plays throughout the game. Moore is one of the fastest skaters in the tournament, and Slovakia had a difficult time containing him.
#4 Gavin Brindley, RW (Columbus Blue Jackets): Brindley has been one of USA’s most important players, and his shorthanded goal early in the second after blasting past Maxim Strbak helped give the Americans a bit of a buffer. The way he attacks on the penalty kill is remarkable because he’s always moving and trying to create something. Brindley was seen hunched over in significant pain after blocking a shot late in the five-minute PK, but He doesn’t miss many shots on the rush, either.
#1 Trey Augustine, G (Detroit Red Wings): Augustine was supposed to start against Czechia, but missed the game due to illness. He clearly had no lingering effects on Sunday as he stood tall for 38 stops against a determined Slovak team trying to finish a perfect preliminary round run. It’s hard to believe in a 10-2 game, but goaltending really mattered for the United States in this one, especially in the first half.
#22 Isaac Howard, LW (Tampa Bay Lightning): It’s hard to go wrong with two goals, even if the Americans didn’t need them. Howard was brought in to score, and the Michigan State University star now has five goals – and a shootout winner – in four games.
#28 Zeev Buium, D (2024 NHL Draft): With a goal and an assist, this was Buium’s best game of the tournament. He had his usual strong defensive game, but his offensive game looked what we’re used to seeing him at the University of Denver. Buium is one of the top defenders for the 2024 draft, and today’s effort helps his case.
#20 Lane Hutson, D (Montreal Canadiens): This was Hutson’s best defensive effort of the tournament. He nabbed an assist on Brindley’s shorthanded goal, blocked shots and took away lanes from the Slovak attack. Watch Hutson’s game now compared to this tournament – or even this matchup from a year ago – and you’re watching someone who understands how important it is to commit to defense. We know Hutson can score, but this tournament has shown that he’s more well-rounded.
#5 Drew Fortescue, D (New York Rangers): Sure, he took a delay of game penalty and then found himself potentially facing a major later. But Fortescue had a huge block to stop a potential goal, got in Slovakia’s head and then pinched in to set up McGroarty for the 5-2 goal. This was Fortescue’s most impactful game, for better and for worse, but I thought it was a good showing overall.
Slovakia
#10 Filip Mesar, RW (Montreal Canadiens): Mesar was grinding all game, chasing pucks, getting in the way of chances, and even stealing the puck off future Habs teammate Lane Hutson. He eventually capitalized on the power play to bring Slovakia back within one goal. It wasn’t enough, but it was needed for a Slovak team starting to fall behind.
#6 Viliam Kmec, D (Undrafted): I’ve truly liked how involved Kmec has been in Slovakia’s offense this tournament. He likes to join the rush, has some good stretch passes and plays a strong defensive game. Kmec didn’t have the footspeed to slow down some of USA’s faster players, but the effort was there.
Finland hands Sweden first loss of tournament
Sweden’s shutout streak was finally broken, and they finally dropped a game as Finland managed to win 5-4 in the shootout for their second consecutive win.
Finland was in control of the first, taking a 2-0 lead off the heels of goals from Tommi Mannisto and Lenni Hameenaho. Sweden had just four shots in the first period, but a four-goal second period, thanks to Isac Born, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Theo Lindstein and Filip Bystedt, helped change the course of the game. Kasper Halttunen added one for Finland, but it wasn’t until Jani Nyman scored an empty-netter with just over a minute left that the Finns truly found themselves back in contention.
The game required a shootout, with Jonathan Lekkerimaki scoring first for Sweden. But goals by Konsta Helenius and Nyman sealed the deal for the Finns, coming back after a difficult second period took them out for a bit.
Finland
#33 Jani Nyman, RW (Seattle Kraken): Nyman has been quieter than I was hoping for in this tournament, but he seemed involved in everything today. He got himself into scoring position for the 4-4 goal with the empty net, giving the Finns the momentum back after losing it early in the second. Add in the shootout goal, and it was only fitting Nyman scored given how well he played. If he can replicate his effort today going forward, watch out.
#34 Tommi Mannisto, LW (Undrafted): Please, someone draft Mannisto. Few players worked as hard as he did today, or any game. The quick-skating, puck-chasing winger from Michigan State University scored the first goal Sweden allowed all tournament, his second in four games. But it’s not the offense that excites me, because that’s not his game. It’s how he never, ever gives up on a play, bringing a nice physical touch to every shift.
#22 Kasper Halttunen, RW (San Jose Sharks): Halttunen did it all: he hit, he scored, he snagged an assist and got into Sweden’s head. His power-play goal was an absolute snipe, and I thought he hustled as hard as he has in any game so far. Halttunen’s skating isn’t a strong point, but he makes himself difficult to play against.
#20 Oiva Keskinen, C (Columbus Blue Jackets): It was another good showing for Keskinen, who tallied two assists. He’s a great setup guy who doesn’t buckle under pressure and finds open lanes, especially for his good buddy Halttunen. Keskinen is having a career year back home, and this tournament has showed that he’s a toolsy forward who can find open lanes.
Sweden
#9 Theo Lindstein, D (St. Louis Blues): I wouldn’t be surprised if Lindstein ends up on the tournament all-star team. Lindstein’s been great in his own zone, and he scored his first of the tournament after registering five assists in his first three games. Lindstein was a late addition to the team, but he’s almost was one of the best offensive defensemen any time he represents Sweden internationally. He’s a big reason for Sweden’s success on home ice.
#16 Felix Unger Sorum, RW (Carolina Hurricanes): FUS might be my second favorite player for the Swedes. He had two assists in the second period to help get the Swedes back in front and came close to scoring one of his own. Unger Sorum’s two-way game continues to impress, and he’s one of the best playmakers on the Swedish squad.
#23 Jonathan Lekkerimaki, RW (Vancouver Canucks): One of my biggest questions for Sweden was which Lekkerimaki we were going to see. He’s had his fair share of ups and downs with the national team, but this has been a good tournament for him – especially on the power play. He scored the 2-2 goal with the man advantage and nearly scored an insurance marker late in the third, among other good looks. When he’s dialed in, the offense follows, and it helped lead to a shootout goal, too.
#12 Noah Ostlund, C (Buffalo Sabres): Ostlund was feeling it today, even though he didn’t score. From the get-go, he was one of Sweden’s hardest-working players and made some noise around the net. His two-way game continues to improve, too. Ostlund was injured earlier in December, but I feel like he’s looking quicker and more engaged with every game.
Czechs clinch third in Group B with win over Switzerland
They nearly saw things fall to the wayside, but Czechia clinched third place in Group B with a 4-2 win over Switzerland.
Switzerland will finish fourth in the group and will play the hosts from Sweden in the quarterfinal on Tuesday.
Just past the halfway point, the Czechs had a two-goal advantage. Matyas Sapovaliv had the game’s first goal at 12:04 on the man advantage before Robin Sapousek scored on a delayed penalty at 30:05.
However, goals from Simon Meier and Julien Rod to close out the second period gave the team some hope, especially after getting just nine shots on net in the first 40.
But a two-goal second period for the Czechs put the game out of reach. First, Jiri Kulich tapped in a pass from a hard-working effort by Tomas Galvas at 52:47. Then, three minutes later, Tomas Hamara took a feed from Ondrej Becher and made it 4-2 to cap things off.
Czechia
#4 Matej Prcik, D (Undrafted): With Ales Cech playing just 1:11 in the second, Prcik had to step up, and he did. He had four shots in the second period alone as he tried to get the Czechs back on the scoresheet, but he had nothing to show for on the scoresheet. Still, as the Swiss started to find their footing, it was good to see Prcik fight back for the Czechs.
#24 Matyas Sapovaliv, C (Vegas Golden Knights): Not only did the VGK prospect score the only goal of the first period, but he also dominated in the faceoff dot. He went 12-2 in the first 40 minutes while also using his 6-foot-4 frame to his advantage to win puck battles and generate chances in front of the net for Jiri Kulich. While some of Czechia’s stars have had their ups and downs, Sapovaliv has consistently been in the thick of things.
#9 Tomas Hamara, D (Ottawa Senators): This was Hamara’s best game of the tournament, leading all players in ice time. He did a little bit of everything, including cutting the angles to give Hrabal a chance in the Czech net. Hamara’s 4-2 goal with 4:42 to go in the game helped seal the deal in a big way for the Czechs. He’s a good two-way defenseman that’s active on the rush, and he showed that today.
Switzerland
#29 Alessio Beglieri, G (Undrafted): After giving up two goals in the first half of the game, Switzerland needed a good second half from Beglieri – who was not at fault for the two goals against. It all seemed to fall apart in the latter stages of the game, but there’s only so much you can do when your team couldn’t generate much offensively.
#4 Rodwin Dionicio, D (Anaheim Ducks): Dionicio had assists on both Swiss goals today while averaging eight minutes of ice time per period. There isn’t much to say that hasn’t been said – the Swiss would be far, far worse without Dionicio making up for not having Lian Bischel on the point. He’s so smart with the puck and is the best skater on the Swiss blueline.
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