The stage is set for a high-octane Scandinavian showdown as Finland takes on Sweden in the first semifinal of the IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championship. The game promises to deliver all the thrills and spills that fans have come to expect from this storied rivalry. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario.

How to watch:

• USA: Watch on Fubo, NHL Network
• Canada: Watch on Fubo, TSN
• Czech Republic: CT sport, CT sport Plus
• Slovakia: JOJ Play, JOJ Sport
• Germany: Magenta Sport
• Finland: Max, TV5
• Sweden: SVT 2, SVT Play
• Ukraine: XSport

Road to the Semifinals

Finland

The Finnish squad has showcased resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Led by Nashville Predators prospect Jesse Kiiskinen, who has amassed five points so far, Finland’s offensive prowess is complemented by the stellar goaltending of Petteri Rimpinen. Rimpinen boasts a remarkable 2.01 goals-against average and a .941 save percentage, anchoring the team’s defensive strategy.

Recent Results:

• 03.01.25: Finland 5, Slovakia 3
• 01.01.25: Finland 3, Latvia 0
• 30.12.24: USA 3, Finland 3 (OT)
• 28.12.24: Finland 1, Germany 3
• 27.12.24: Canada 4, Finland 0

Sweden

Sweden enters the semifinal riding a wave of momentum, having won all their games in the tournament so far. Detroit Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka has been the team’s offensive juggernaut, tied for the tournament lead with nine points. Anton Wahlberg, a Buffalo Sabres draft pick, has also been a standout performer for the Swedes, contributing key goals and assists.

Recent Results:

• 02.01.25: Sweden 3, Latvia 2
• 01.01.25: Sweden 4, Czech Republic 2
• 29.12.24: Sweden 5, Switzerland 7
• 28.12.24: Sweden 8, Kazakhstan 1
• 26.12.24: Sweden 5, Slovakia 2

Rivalry History

Finland and Sweden share a long-standing rivalry in international ice hockey, and their head-to-head record reflects the intensity of their matchups. Most recently, Finland edged Sweden in a 5-4 shootout victory during tournament play. However, Sweden has had the upper hand in recent friendly games, including a 5-0 win in November 2024.

Head-to-Head Matches (Last 5):

• 10.11.24: Finland 0, Sweden 2
• 27.08.24: Finland 0, Sweden 5
• 03.08.24: Sweden 3, Finland 5
• 17.04.24: Sweden 12, Finland 11
• 06.02.24: Finland 7, Sweden 2

Prediction

This semifinal clash promises to be a battle of wills, with Finland relying on their defensive discipline and Sweden leveraging their offensive depth. While Finland’s Rimpinen will be crucial in keeping the Swedish attack at bay, Sweden’s firepower led by Sandin-Pellikka and Wahlberg could prove to be the difference-maker.

Prediction: Sweden 4, Finland 2.

What’s at Stake?

The winner of this game will secure a coveted spot in the gold-medal game on Sunday, adding another chapter to their nation’s illustrious hockey history. Both teams have the talent and determination to go all the way, making this matchup one of the highlights of the tournament.

Hockey fans around the world won’t want to miss this epic clash between two of the sport’s greatest rivals. Grab your popcorn and tune in for what promises to be an unforgettable game!