Mon Jan 05 08:40:00 UTC 2026: Summary:

The World Junior Hockey Championship will crown a new champion this year after both the USA and Canada were eliminated in the quarter and semi finals. Sweden will face Czechia in the gold medal game, seeking to end long gold medal droughts. Sweden defeated Finland in a shootout to advance, while Czechia ended Canada’s hopes with a 6-4 victory. Canada and Finland will play for the bronze medal.

News Article:

World Junior Hockey Championship: North American Dominance Ends as Sweden and Czechia Vie for Gold

SAINT PAUL, Minnesota – The World Junior Hockey Championship is set for a fresh showdown as both the USA and Canada have been knocked out of contention. The tournament will see a new champion crowned, ending North America’s six-year reign, as Sweden and Czechia prepare to battle for gold.

Sweden secured their place in the final with a thrilling shootout victory over Finland after a 3-3 tie. Chicago Blackhawks prospect Anton Frondell netted the decisive goal in the shootout, while Ivar Stenberg had a goal and an assist earlier in the game.

Czechia eliminated Canada in a 6-4 semi-final clash, denying the Canadians a chance at gold for the third consecutive year. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Vojtech Cihar scoring twice for Czechia and Tomas Poletin netting the game-winner off his skate.

The gold medal game between Sweden and Czechia is scheduled for Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET, while Canada and Finland will compete for the bronze medal at 4:30 p.m. ET.

With both North American powerhouses out of the picture, either Sweden or Czechia will end their long wait for gold at the prestigious under-20 tournament.

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