Host Canada closes out the 1st day of play at the World Juniors in Ottawa when it takes on Finland in a Group A matchup.
Last year’s World Junior Championships ended abruptly for 20-time gold medalist Canada as it was bounced by Czechia in a stunning quarterfinal loss. The Canadians will start their quest for a third gold medal in four years on Thursday at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa when the host nation takes on Finland, which lost the bronze-medal game to the Czechs a year ago. Canada’s 20 gold medals makes it the most successful national program in the world and has won a record five straight twice (1993-97 and 2005-09). The Finns have five gold medals, most recently in 2019.
How to Watch Finland vs. Canada in 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship Today:
Game Date: Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024
Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: NHL Network
Live stream the Finland vs. Canada Group A game from the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship on Fubo: Start your free trial today!
Canada is without two of its top eligible players, Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks and Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks, but Calum Ritchie (Colorado Avalanche) and Jett Luchanko (Philadelphia Flyers) bring NHL experience to the Canadian side. The talented forward group also includes prospects Brayden Yager (Winnipeg Jets), Bradly Nadeau (Carolina Hurricanes), Berkly Catton (Seattle Kraken) and Easton Cowan (Toronto Maple Leafs), Tanner Molendyk (Nashville Predators) and Oliver Bonk (Flyers) will anchor the defense.
Finland’s goalie depth is solid, with Petteri Rimpinen expected to start ahead of Seattle prospect Kim Saarinen. Aron Kiviharju (Minnesota Wild) leads a deep group of defensemen and the offensive player to watch for the Finns is Konsta Helenius (Buffalo Sabres). The team also has Jesse Kiiskinen (Detroit Red Wings), Jesse Nurmi (New York Islanders) and Kasper Halttunen (San Jose Sharks) up front with Emil Henning (Dallas Stars) a solid two-way player at forward.
Antti Pennanen coaches Finland, with Dave Cameron leading the Canadians.
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