Mon Dec 29 19:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship is currently taking place in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota, from December 26th to January 5th. Group A, featuring the reigning champion United States, Sweden, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Germany, is playing its preliminary round games at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul. Group B, featuring Canada, Finland, Czechia, Latvia, and Denmark, is playing its preliminary round games at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis. Preliminary round games have already begun, with key matchups upcoming. The tournament will culminate in the medal games on January 5th at the Grand Casino Arena.

News Article:

World Junior Championship Heats Up in Minnesota: USA, Canada Lead Early Pack

St. Paul & Minneapolis, MN – The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship is underway in the Twin Cities, drawing hockey fans from across the globe. St. Paul’s Grand Casino Arena and Minneapolis’ 3M Arena at Mariucci are playing host to the future stars of hockey, as teams battle for gold from December 26th to January 5th.

Reigning champion United States, fresh off their overtime victory against Finland in 2025 and their earlier win in 2024, is aiming for a three-peat. They lead Group A alongside Sweden, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Germany. Meanwhile, Canada, boasting projected 2026 NHL Draft No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna, heads up Group B, which also includes Finland, Czechia, Latvia, and Denmark.

Early results have seen strong showings from the favorites. The United States are off to a strong start, while Canada has also impressed with a dominant victory. Competition is fierce, and upsets are always a possibility in this prestigious tournament.

The tournament continues with crucial preliminary round games this week, setting the stage for the medal rounds on January 5th at the Grand Casino Arena. Hockey fans can catch all the action live on NHL Network and TSN.

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