If there’s one consistent theme to the World Junior Championships, it’s that they hardly ever disappoint. And Day 1 of the 2026 tournament — the 50th anniversary of what has become an annual highlight on the hockey calendar — proved to be no exception. Among the four games, there were a trio of captivating contests filled with drama and intrigue on the ice. As if that’s not enough, Friday’s night cap may end up as one of the true highlights of this year’s round robin games. At the very least, they set a high bar to follow.
Below is a brief recap of the action that took place in Minnesota…
WJC: Day 1 Recap
Sweden vs. Slovakia
While some see Sweden as a true medal contender this year, for many years now they’ve made a lot of noise in the round robin games, only to fizzle quickly in the playoffs. True to form, they handled business in this game, defeating an upstart Slovakia team 3-2. It started out scoreless after 20 minutes, before Sweden struck for two goals early in the middle frame. Trailing 2-1 after 40 minutes, things really became interesting when Slovakia tied it 2-2 midway through the final frame of regulation. In defeat, Kings prospect Jan Chovan logged heavy minutes.
#GoKingsGo prospect Jan Chovan led all players on Slovakia with 19:25 TOI.
He finished with 1 SOG and was plus-1. https://t.co/otL5fkdF2s pic.twitter.com/5NaeqbH3K4
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 26, 2025
Denmark vs. Finland
Of the four contests scheduled, this was assumed to be the least competitive game, yet it was probably much closer than many expected — at least early on. The score was 2-1 Finland after just six minutes of play, likely raising more than a few eyebrows. Even at 3-1 when first intermission arrived, it felt like Denmark was hanging in there. Then, it happened; a trio of Finland goals in the middle frame gave then a commanding 6-1 lead with 20 minutes remaining. Denmark managed to get another puck past Kings prospect Petteri Rimpinen in the final 20 minutes, but that was it.
Finland def. Denmark 6-2#GoKingsGo prospect Petteri Rimpinen w/the W. He was named top goalie at the #WorldJuniors last year and is expected to challenge Carter George for the title this year.
Next up, USA v GER.
Then, Kings on Kings crime!
More here https://t.co/XzaNlfGWpE pic.twitter.com/mQIORZVloS
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 26, 2025
Germany vs. United States
If you’re cheering for the Americans, this game was way too close for comfort in the first period, maybe even the first half of the game. USA was up 3-2 early in the second period, but when Germany went on the power play, it felt like all the momentum was on their side. Enough was enough, though. The U.S. took command and never really looked back, giving themselves a two-goal lead twice before finally earning a three-goal lead off a give and go from two Boston University players.
From a Kings perspective, the real story was prospect Brendan McMorrow. He was solid throughout and ended up earning Player of the Game. Not too bad for a seventh-round pick.
USA up 2-0
Last goal was assisted by McMorrow. He drove that play and has had several good shifts in P1 already. #WorldJuniors
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 26, 2025
BU goal…
Eiserman from Hutson
USA up 6-3
Late P2
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 27, 2025
Again, stats won’t do it justice. However, for those scoring at home…
McMorrow played 13:37
Led ALL players in the game with 6 SOG, including 4 SOG in P3.
Was plus-3 and credited with 1A — FWIW, was also a key part of at least one other USA goal.
Just a solid performance. https://t.co/Nh5WEG4T9l pic.twitter.com/2eOjmbzxxn
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 27, 2025
Canada vs. Czechia
Given the history between these two teams over the past few years at the WJC, this one had a medal game feel, even during warmups when Canada was looking to stir things up:
Canada was up to some pre-game shenanigans at centre ice with Czechia. 👀#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/zWKYi9X4uF
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 27, 2025
While the final score was 7-5, the seventh goal came with an empty net. For nearly 60 minutes regulation play, this game was back and forth. Czechia scored first, yet Canada led 2-1 after 20 minutes. Czechia later took a 3-2 lead, only to enter second intermission tied 3-3. No matter what Canada did to try and impose their will, Czechia seemed to have a countermove up their sleeves. They just weren’t able to get that final big goal late in the game to tie things up.
This game could easily be a preview of what’s to come from these two countries later in the tournament. Kings prospect Vojtech Cihar also made a strong case to deserve being named Czechia’s Player of the Game. He wasn’t, so we’ll see if he can elevate his game even further as the tournament moves along.
#GoKingsGo prospect Cihar ties it 2-2.
Keep saying — remember that name.
Early P2
CAN v CZE
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 27, 2025
🇨🇿 GOAL🚨🇨🇿 tie it up 2-2 in the second period against 🇨🇦
Listen to the #WorldJuniors LIVE🎧 https://t.co/kUlFGXIIcf
— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) December 27, 2025
Czechia takes 3-2 lead, goal was assisted by Cihar
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 27, 2025
Cihar also had 5 SOG, tied for the most among all CZE players.
He also was a plus-3, which did lead the team.
All while only playing the fifth most minutes for CZE. #WorldJuniors2026 https://t.co/nWLQKo32OH
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 27, 2025
The reminder you’ll hear a lot over the next two weeks…
After the WJC, look for Cihar to head to WHL Kelowna for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
He’ll join fellow LA prospect defenseman Will Sharpe, as the Rockets hope to go on a deep run. #GoKingsGo
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) December 27, 2025
Upcoming WJC Schedule
All USA games (and nearly all other games, as well) will be televised by NHL Network.
December 27
Slovakia vs. Germany, 11 a.m. Pacific
Latvia vs. Canada, 1:30 p.m.
USA vs. Switzerland, 3 p.m.
Denmark vs. Czechia, 5:30 p.m.
December 28
Sweden vs. Switzerland, 11 a.m. Pacific
Finland vs. Latvia, 1:30 p.m.
December 29
Germany vs. Sweden, 10 a.m. Pacific
Finland vs. Czechia, 12:30 p.m.
Slovakia vs. USA, 3 p.m.
Canada vs. Denmark, 5:30 p.m.
December 30
Switzerland vs. Germany, 11 a.m. Pacific
Latvia vs. Denmark, 1:30 p.m.
December 31
Switzerland vs. Slovakia, 10 a.m. Pacific
Czechia vs. Latvia, 12:30 p.m.
USA vs. Sweden, 3 p.m.
Canada vs. Finland, 5:30 p.m.
January 2
Quarterfinal 1, 11 a.m. Pacific
Quarterfinal 2, 1:30 p.m.
Quarterfinal 3, 3 p.m.
Quarterfinal 4, 5:30 p.m.
January 4
Semifinal 1, 1:30 p.m. Pacific
Semifinal 2, 5:30 p.m.
January 5
Third-place game, 1:30 p.m. Pacific
Championship game, 4:30 p.m.
Photos via IIHF
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