Canada beats Germany 3-0 to return to 2025 World Junior Championship

Canada returned to Group A of the 2025 World Junior Championship by beating Germany 3-0, while Finland surprised the United States with a 4-3 overtime victory. In Group B, Sweden and Czechia remain unbeaten heading into their deciding clash, while Switzerland battle to avoid relegation.

Group A

Canada beat Germany 3-0 Sunday night in the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, a victory that partially alleviated the disappointment of the surprise loss to Latvia two days earlier. Despite this success, doubts remain about the level of play of the Canadians, who must face the United States on December 31 to try to clinch first place in Group A.

In front of 18,526 spectators, the Canadians dominated in number of shots (36 against 25), but their performance lacked intensity, particularly during a first period marked by imprecision. Goalkeeper Carter George distinguished himself with a second shutout of the tournament, while Nico Pertuch, of the German side, praised his team’s progress despite the defeat.

Without Matthew Schaefer due to injury, Canada added Sawyer Mynio in defense, while Carson Rehkopf replaced Porter Martone in attack. These adjustments have produced mixed results, without compromising the overall balance of the team.

The Canadians opened the scoring at the end of the third period thanks to a goal from Price, followed by an empty net from Cataford. Germany, still without a victory, must beat Latvia to avoid relegation. Canada, for its part, will have to raise its game against the United States to hope to aim for a 21st world title.

Earlier today, Finland surprised the United States with a 4-3 overtime victory. Kingston Frontenacs forward Tuomas Uronen scored the decisive goal after one minute and 46 seconds, shorthanded. The Finns slightly dominated the shots on goal (44 against 33), ending a series of American victories.

The United States, the defending champions, will play their final preliminary phase match against Canada, while Finland will face Latvia. This victory reminds us that Finland had not beaten the United States since the quarter-finals in 2020.

Group B

Czechia beat Slovakia 4-2, taking the lead in Group B alongside Sweden. These two undefeated teams will face off on December 31 to decide first place ahead of the quarter-finals, scheduled for January 2. With one victory and two defeats, Slovakia is in fourth place ahead of Kazakhstan and Switzerland, who have not yet scored points. Slovakia will play a crucial match against Kazakhstan to try to qualify.

The Czechs built their victory on two quick counterattacks in the first third, including a shorthanded goal from Vojtech Hradec. A moment of tension broke out after a dangerous check by Vojtech Cihar on Miroslav Satan, who was forced off the ice. Despite a power play goal from Dalibor Dvorsky, Slovakia was unable to catch up.

In the other match, Sweden defeated Switzerland 7-5 in a spectacular game marked by eight power play goals. After leading 6-1, the Swedes saw the Swiss reduce the gap with four goals in the final third.

This success allows Sweden to secure a place in the quarter-finals. Switzerland, still without a victory, will have to beat Kazakhstan to avoid relegation. Tom Willander, with two goals and an assist, and Axel Sandin Pellikka, co-leader of the tournament in goals and points, stood out on the Swedish side. Despite the defeat, the Swiss can rely on their end of the match to approach their next duel.