The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship is set to ignite with a classic clash between arch-rivals Canada and Finland. The highly anticipated matchup will take place at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on December 27th at 7:30 PM EST.
Canada U20 vs Finland U20 Ice Hockey Match Info:
What: 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Junior Championship
Who: Canada U20 vs Finland U20
When: Thursday, December 26, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
TV Channel: NHL Network; TSN, Max (Fin), TV5 (Fin), XSport (Ukr)
Live stream: Watch on Fubo
Game preview: Canada U20 vs Finland U20
The Finns, despite a fourth-place finish last year, enter the tournament with a strong core. While they may not possess the flashiest offensive firepower, their depth is a significant asset. Goaltender Petteri Rimpinen is expected to shoulder a heavy workload, backed by a solid tandem.
Konsta Helenius, a promising prospect for the Buffalo Sabres, will lead the Finnish attack, with Detroit Red Wings draft pick Jesse Kiiskinen also poised to contribute offensively. However, navigating Group A, which includes the host nation and the formidable United States, will be a challenging endeavor.
The Canadian squad will be eager to erase the memory of their disappointing quarterfinal exit in the previous tournament. Playing on home ice will undoubtedly amplify the pressure, but it also provides a unique opportunity for redemption.
All eyes will be on Gavin McKenna, a highly touted prospect considered a potential top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. 1 The cousin of Connor Bedard, McKenna possesses immense talent and will be a key player to watch. Canada also boasts a roster featuring several players with NHL experience, including Calum Ritchie and Jett Luchanko.
Predicting the outcome of a Canada-Finland matchup is always a daunting task. These two hockey powerhouses consistently deliver thrilling and closely contested games. While Canada may hold a slight edge, a hard-fought battle is anticipated.
This game promises to be a thrilling affair. Based on the current information, a narrow victory for Canada is predicted, with the score potentially landing at 4-3.
Goaltending: The performance of both goaltenders, Rimpinen for Finland and Canada’s starter, will be crucial in determining the outcome.
Special Teams: Both teams will need to capitalize on power-play opportunities and effectively kill penalties. Physicality: Expect a physical and intense battle, with both teams vying for every inch of ice.
This Canada-Finland clash is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament. It will be a true test for both teams as they strive to achieve their respective goals in the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.
