The WJC 2025 finals begin on Jan. 5 bringing countries one step closer to winning the World Juniors title. The United States and Finland square off in the World Junior Hockey Championship final. Both teams secured their spots with thrilling semifinal victories on Saturday in Ottawa, Canada.
The United States overcame Czechia with a solid 3-1 win, while Finland edged past Sweden in a nail-biting 4-3 encounter.
Watch Gold Medal Team USA vs. Finland and Bronze Medal Sweden vs. Czechia WJC 2025 Anywhere
United States Aims for Back-to-Back Championships
The Americans are on the brink of history, aiming for consecutive championships and their third title in five years. Their semifinal triumph showcased an impressive team effort, with standout performances from Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perrault. Both players tallied a goal and an assist, while defenseman Aram Minnetian made his mark with two assists.
The trio combined to open the scoring for the United States just 3:14 into the first period. Perrault capitalized on a perfect setup from Leonard and Minnetian, giving the Americans an early edge.
Leonard’s Highlight-Reel Play
Ryan Leonard’s contribution to the opening goal was nothing short of spectacular. Displaying incredible skill and determination, Leonard chipped the puck off the boards to himself, evading a defender in the process. While falling to the ice, he managed to deliver a precise pass to Perrault, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net.
WATCH: TEAM USA VS FINLAND LIVE FINAL GAME
Finland’s Resilient Path to the Final
Finland’s semifinal victory over Sweden demonstrated their resilience and offensive depth. Despite facing a strong Swedish team, the Finns held their nerve in a high-scoring affair to secure their place in the final.
What to Expect in the Final
The championship matchup promises to be an intense battle, with the United States bringing their dynamic offense and Finland showcasing their tenacity and tactical discipline. Fans can expect a hard-fought contest as these hockey powerhouses vie for junior hockey supremacy.
The much-anticipated gold medal matchup between USA vs. Finland and the Third-place game Sweden vs. Czechia will air on 5th January at 3:30 p.m. ET & 7:30 p.m. ET. Fans in Canada can catch the game on television via TSN and RDS, with streaming available on TSN+ or CastR
Looking to catch the action? You can watch Sweden vs. Czechia, United States vs. Finland, and other thrilling Junior Ice Hockey Final, live online. Stream the World Juniors Championship from anywhere for just $4.99. Click here to start watching now!
How to Watch World Juniors 2025 Anywhere
Fans around the world can catch the action live on NHL Network in the United States and TSN in Canada. For those looking for a streaming option, platforms like NassHliski.com offer a tournament pass for $4.99, providing access to every game.
United States Looks to Continue Dominance
The defending champion United States is off to a strong start, aiming to secure its third consecutive win in the tournament when it faces Finland on December 29 at 2:30 p.m. ET. This game, airing on NHL Network in the U.S. and TSN in Canada, marks a key matchup as both teams navigate the challenging group stage.
Team USA, led by coach David Carle, boasts a roster of ten returning players from last year’s gold-medal-winning team. Notre Dame’s Danny Nelson has already made a significant impact, scoring within the first two minutes of the game against Latvia. The Americans ultimately dominated Latvia with a 5-1 victory, continuing their undefeated streak from last year’s championship.
James Hagens, a standout player eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft, is another key asset for Team USA. Hagens, who has racked up 20 points in 16 games at Boston College, is skating alongside his college linemates Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault. Defenseman Logan Hensler, also an A-rated prospect, adds to the team’s depth and skill on the ice.
Finland Aims for Upset
Finland enters the game with a 1-1 record in the tournament, looking to build momentum after defeating Germany 3-1 on December 27. Known for their disciplined play and strong defensive systems, the Finns will be a formidable opponent for the Americans. With NHL scouts watching closely, Finland’s young talent will aim to make a statement against the defending champions.
The Tournament’s Rising Stars
The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship is not just about national pride; it’s also a stage for future NHL stars to shine. Besides James Hagens and Logan Hensler, other players to watch include:
- Porter Martone (Canada): A forward whose offensive prowess has earned him an A-rating from NHL Central Scouting.
- Matthew Schaefer (Canada): A top defenseman who suffered a tournament-ending injury but remains a name to remember.
- Victor Eklund (Sweden): The younger brother of San Jose Sharks’ William Eklund, Victor is already making a name for himself as a dynamic forward.
Stunning Upset by Latvia
One of the most surprising moments of the tournament so far came on December 27 when Latvia shocked Canada with a 3-2 shootout victory. Goalie Linards Feldbergs was the hero of the night, making an astonishing 56 saves to secure the win. This upset not only energized the Latvian team but also sent a message to the traditional powerhouses that no game can be taken for granted.
2025 World Junior Championships schedule, scores
Here are some key games to watch in the coming days:
Thursday, Dec. 26
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Sweden 5, Slovakia 2 | — | — |
| USA 10, Germany 4 | — | — |
| Czechia 5, Switzerland 1 | — | — |
| Canada 4, Finland 0 | — | — |
Friday, Dec. 27
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Slovakia 2, Switzerland 1 | — | — |
| Finland 3, Germany 1 | — | — |
| Sweden 8, Kazakhstan 1 | — | — |
| Latvia 3, Canada 2 (SO) | — | — |
Saturday, Dec. 28
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Czechia 14, Kazakhstan 2 | — | — |
| USA 5, Latvia 1 | — | — |
Sunday, Dec. 29
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Sweden 7, Switzerland 5 | — | — |
| Finland 4, United States 3 (OT) | — | — |
| Czechia 4, Slovakia 2 | — | — |
| Canada 3, Germany 0 | — | — |
Monday, Dec. 30
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Slovakia 5, Kazakhstan 4 (OT) | — | — |
| Latvia 4, Germany 3 (OT) | — | — |
Tuesday, Dec. 31
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Switzerland 3, Kazakhstan 1 | — | — |
| Finland 3, Latvia 0 | — | — |
| Sweden 4, Czechia 2 | — | — |
| United States 4, Canada 1 | — | — |
Thursday, Jan. 2
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Relegation: Germany 4, Kazakhstan 3 | — | — |
| Quarterfinal: Sweden 3, Latvia 2 | — | — |
| Quarterfinal: United States 7, Switzerland 2 | — | — |
| Quarterfinal: Finland 5, Slovakia 3 | — | — |
| Quarterfinal: Czechia 4, Canada 3 | — | — |
Saturday, Jan. 4
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Semifinal: Finland 4, Sweden 3 (OT) | — | — |
| Semifinal: United States 4, Czechia 1 | — | — |
Sunday, Jan. 5
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Bronze medal: Sweden vs. Czechia | 3:30 p.m. | NHL Network, TSN |
| Gold medal: United States vs. Finland | 7:30 p.m. | NHL Network, TSN |
