Hear the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championships on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio and Canda Talks
Once all the presents are opened, and everybody’s stuffed themselves with turkey and stuffing, and you’ve heard Uncle Ernie’s stories for the umpteenth time, rest assured, there’s a reward waiting at the end of the Christmas rainbow. It’s once again time for one of the best tournaments on the hockey calendar.
The 2026 World Junior Hockey Championships
This esteemed tournament, which features many of the best male hockey players aged 20 and younger, has been held officially since 1977.
A Boxing Day (December 26th) tradition in Canada, the World Juniors has also gained significant traction with hockey fans in the United States and Europe over its half-century of top-level hockey.
And for good reason, as the rest of the hockey world has caught up with Canada, the proof in the Christmas pudding being the hosts this time around, having won the past two championships.
The United States have taken home the gold medal the last two years, and looks to complete the hat trick this December/January on home ice. It’s the seventh time the United States has hosted the tournament. This time around it’s being staged in the State of Hockey, for the first time since 1977.
Minnesota is as steeped in hockey as any Canadian province, and has sent a large number of players to college, junior hockey, and the NHL.
The games this time around will be held in St. Paul (Grand Casino Arena) and Minneapolis (3M Arena at Mariucci). The Americans have never won a junior gold medal on home soil. Will they be the first nation to win three in a row since Canada won 5 straight gold medals between 2005 and 2009?
Canada leads the way with 20 gold medals overall. Russia (who, for obvious reasons, won’t be participating again) is next in line with 13, followed by 7 golds for the United States, and 5 for Finland. Sweden and Czechia both have won 2 gold medals.
The Groups
For this year’s tournament, Group A consists of the host Americans, Sweden, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Germany.
Group B comprises Finland, Czechia, Canada, Latvia, and Denmark, who were promoted to the Top Division from Division One (they finished an impressive 5th in 2017). Finland took home the Silver Medal last year in Ottawa; Czechia captured Bronze.
The United States and Canada have dominated the past half dozen tournaments, both taking home three gold medals over that span.
Since 1977, the IIHF World Junior Championships have seen some of the biggest names in hockey represent their respective countries. The alumni list of NHL’ers is impressive, and a short roll call includes Macklin Celebrini, Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Dominik Hasek, Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Peter Forsberg, Connor Bedard, Auston Matthews, Artemi Panarin, Mark Stone, Jonathan Toews, Eric Lindros, John Tavares, Roman Josi, and Mitch Marner.
Who will add their name to this impressive list?
The Players
On December 8th, Canada revealed the 27 players invited to the mini-camp. Six players return from the team that finished a disappointing 6th last year, including Porter Martone and Gavin McKenna. The final roster will be determined by December 22nd. Canadian management has stressed that they’ve put together a “true team”, not just a collection of All-Stars.
NHL teams often release eligible players to suit up for their respective national squads, but with the stunning achievements from so many of the young guns in the league so far this season, it’s no surprise most of them will remain with their NHL clubs.
Which country takes home the coveted gold medal this time around, on the 50th Anniversary of this esteemed tournament? The answer to that question will soon be determined, and SiriusXM will bring you the play-by-play action, beginning Friday, December 26th.
The Semi-Finals are set for Sunday, January 4th, while the Gold Medal game goes on the evening of Monday, January 5th.
The World Junior Preview Show
To get you set for the 2026 tournament, Shane Malloy and Jason Bukala bring you an in-depth examination of the teams and players involved. The World Junior Preview Show will air on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio Channel 91 at the following times:
Wednesday, December 24th at 6 pm EST
Thursday, December 25th at 7 am & 8 pm EST
Friday, December 26th at 4 pm EST
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