Team USA takes gold again

The 2025 Junior World Cup begins today in exciting fashion: Sweden and Slovakia begin group play. Both teams are medal contenders for this year’s tournament, but it won’t be easy in an extremely talented field. Let’s take a look at the event and who will take home the gold, silver and bronze medals at this year’s WJC.

The United States has never won consecutive gold medals at the WJC. However, this year’s roster is, on paper, one of the best that Hockey USA has ever assembled. Their forward group is outstanding, with experienced players from last year’s team mixed in with new additions like standout James Hagens, who is eligible for the 2025 draft. Their defense is even better and they have arguably the best goalie in the tournament in Trey Augustine. It’s a tough, tough road for the US team, but they have everything they need to win their second straight gold medal.

What also makes the team so impressive is the camaraderie that many players experience, as opposed to the team being a collection of the best American amateurs. Many of these players are currently teammates on their respective NCAA teams or played together and advanced to the amateur ranks through the United States National Team Development Program. They are a cohesive unit and their chemistry could be a deciding factor.

The X-factor for this team will undoubtedly be Augustine. Last year he was the overall best player in the tournament. He helped the U.S. win gold thanks to his four-game 4-0 record, combined with a goals average of 1.75 and a save percentage of .936. If he can replicate that performance in this year’s tournament, the United States will have a much better chance

According to the author of Breakaway On SI, it’s a repeat of 2024 as the Swedes face the United States in the final and come out on top for the second year in a row. But if any team can match the US team line for line, it’s Sweden. They have an extensive list of NHL prospects, many of whom play in Sweden’s top professional league. It could give them a physical advantage and the similar advantage of more established chemistry.

The X factor for the Swedes is striker Otto Stenberg. He will play a big role for the team and try to make an impact. Currently playing in the SHL, he plays a protected role on an experienced roster and could benefit greatly from a stint in the WJC. He has silky-smooth puck handling and excellent vision, he will be a problem for opposing defenses and goaltenders.

The Canadians improve on last year’s terrible 5th place finish to take the bronze medal. The tournament is simply too congested, and while the talent is there, it’s not as balanced or impressive as any of the scheduled finalists. They have a great forward group and offense shouldn’t be a problem. But defensively they lack the clear number one. 2025 draft-eligible defenseman Matthew Schaefer is trying to secure that spot, but it’s open. The Philadelphia Flyers’ young players Oliver Bonk and Sam Dickinson also have claims to this spot. Still, the lineup as a whole is a step down from the USA and Sweden’s group, and they will likely face the likes of Finland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic in the bronze medal game.

The X-factor for Canada is 17-year-old budding superstar Gavin McKenna. The Medicine Hat Tigers center is expected to be the second-line center for Canada and can be counted on to provide plenty of offense. He’s more than capable, but on the biggest stage against some of the best amateurs in the world, Hockey Canada is counting on McKenna to answer the call.

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