WJC Blog: Back-To-Back Gold For US; Silver For Miettinen

Jan. 5, 7:58 p.m. PT | U.S. Win Back-To-Back Golds at WJC

Teddy Stiga scored the game-winning goal in overtime at 8:04, securing the United States' second consecutive gold medal at the 2025 World Junior Championship. He received a breakaway pass from Zeev Buium and managed to slip the puck between the pads of Finnish Petteri Rimpinen, sealing a thrilling 4-3 victory for the Americans. The tournament win marked a historic achievement for Team USA, as it was the first time they had won back-to-back gold medals in the tournament’s history.

Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen will leave Ottawa and head back to his Everett Silvertips club with a silver medal, having scored one goal and adding one assist in the tournament. While 2024 draft pick and goaltender Kim Saarinen did not see any game action, the experience of a playoff-like atmosphere should serve his development well. Both Miettinen and Saarinen are eligible to compete at the 2026 World Junior Championships in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Finland started the game with confidence, dominating the first period of play. They relentlessly pressured the U.S. defense and showed no hesitation in attacking the net. At 7:13, the Finns capitalized on a power play, with Emil Hemming feeding Jesse Kiiskinen in front of the net. Kiiskinen fired a shot under the glove of U.S. netminder Trey Augustine to give Finland an early 1-0 lead, and they continued to control the pace of the game, keeping the Americans on their heels.

The U.S. initially appeared tense, but they recovered midway through the second period. Finland maintained pressure, and Tuomas Uronen extended their lead to 2-1 with a brilliant individual effort. Uronen sliced through the U.S. defense and fired a perfect shot past Augustine. However, just when it seemed Finland would run away with the game, the Americans found their rhythm. James Hagens tied the game at 1-1 after a rebound bounced out of Rimpinen’s glove, and Brandon Svoboda’s shot deflected off Finnish defender Daniel Nieminen to tie it at 2-2.

With Finland still pressing, the Americans found another burst of energy. They fought back and leveled the score again in the dying seconds of the second period. With 28.7 seconds remaining, Cole Hutson beat Rimpinen with a well-placed shot after a smart pass from Ryan Leonard, making it 3-3 as the teams entered the intermission. This late equalizer shifted the momentum in favor of the U.S., who would carry that energy into the third period.

Rimpinen, named goaltender of the tournament prior to the medal ceremony, stood on his head in overtime, making a handful of 10-bell saves in the overtime period to keep Finland's hopes alive. But the Americans' persistence paid off with Stiga's game-winner.

Jan. 5, 4:18 p.m. PT | Czechia, Sale Prevail in 14-Round Shootout for Bronze

Two well-matched U20 teams from Czechia and Sweden powered through a 10-minute, 3-on-3 overtime period and a truly incredible, once-in-a-lifetime 14-round shootout Sunday in the IIHF 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship bronze medal game both teams and both goalies deserved to head home with hardware. But it was Team Czechia captain and Kraken 2023 first-rounder Eduard Sale who ended the drama by first scoring a must-goal in the 13^th round and winning the longest shootout in WJC history with a backhanded deke and shot to beat Swedish goalie Marcus Gidlof in the 14^th round. It upped the shootout record by 10 attempts.

Sale scored his squad’s second goal in regulation, tying the score in the second period of what seemed like a day ago after a tense third period and overtime with significant chances on both sides to take the medal. Then the historic shootout in which Gidlof and his Czech counterpart, Michael Hrabal, surrendered goals in the second round before stoning each skater’s attempt for 10 straight rounds. The 13^th round started with a Swedish success, make it do-or-go-back-Coachella Valley-without-a-medal for Sale, who shot the puck, jamming it over the goal line, between Gidlof’s leg pads after coming up empty on his first three attempts (though it should be noted his first one hit the crossbar in Round 4). In fact, there were several players who had more than one attempt stopped by the two goaltenders.

When Hrabal, who plays for NCAA University of Massachusetts, made his 13^th save of the shootout, Sale went to a signature move he made to score his regulation, a deke to the forehand and then a back-handed shot that he elevated to the beat Gidlof roof right upper-corner. Bedlam was next, with Czech teammates piling on their captain and subsequently starting a second pile when Hrabal, clearly exhausted, skated his way to his fellow Czechs near the team’s bench. Kraken 2024 seventh-rounder was in one or maybe both of those piles, putting in yet another solid defensive night for his country, highlighted by strong penalty killing and keeping his position net-front to clear out Swedish foes as needed.

Sale won his third straight medal, two bronze and a silver. That marks three straight medals for Czechia after 17 consecutive World Junior championships without a medal.

Overtime Chances, Close But Not In

With four-and-a-half minutes left in a 10-minute overtime, Kraken prospect Eduard Sale nearly won it for Czechia, coming off the bench for a breakaway, but Swedish goaltender Marcus Gidlof made a close-in save. With 2:01 remaining Sale evaded a Swedish defender and worked himself to another near-crease attempt that Gidlof got just a piece of the puck to make the stop.

Sale Scores Sixth Goal of Tourney, 21^st Point in 21 WJC Games

A half-minute short of the midpoint of Sunday’s bronze medal game at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, Team Czechia had managed just eight shots on goals. The ninth shot came on a Team Sweden turnover with the puck skidding to Czechia forward Miroslav Holinka, who quickly moved the puck to linemate and 2023 Kraken first-round draft choice Eduard Sale. The Czechia captain had turned toward the neutral zone looking to defend a Swedish rush.

Instead, Sale hung a quick left net front and made one of the several moves and shots he has deployed in three straight World Junior tournaments. This time, it was an NHL-caliber backhand in tight (as in almost hitting the goaltender’s glove with the follow-through) after first deking Sweden’s Marcus Gidlof. Sale’s 21^st point in 21 World Junior game tied the game at 2-2. Sale has a WJC career-high six goals in this tournament, and his three-year total is 10 goals and 11 assists.

First Period Split-Personality, Fibigr Shines on PK

The first 20 minutes of this bronze medal game between Czechia and Sweden was a tale of two segments. Sweden dominated puck possession and took all but one of the shots on goal in the first 14 minutes. But the one Czechia shot was, let’s say, highly efficient, as forward Jakob Stancl beat Marcus Gidlof a bit under four minutes into the game. It was a power play goal with Stancl drawing the penalty.

Sweden countered with its own power play goal 12-plus minutes into the first period. Kraken 2024 seventh-rounder Jakub Fibigr was defending the play net-front to prevent a rebound. It appeared as he was clearing the crease area, the puck inadvertently hit his skate, which then caromed to Sweden’s David Edstrom, who scored both of his nation’s goals in regulation. Sweden had three power play opportunities in the opening period, with Fibigr and his fellow Czech penalty killers turning in stellar work to keep the game in hand.

Jan. 04, 7:09 p.m. | USA Knocks Czechia To Bronze Medal Game

The United States grinded out a low-event 4-1 win over Czechia Saturday night in the second and last semi-final game of the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championships. Kraken prospects Eduard Sale and Jakub Fibigr faceoff with fellow prospect Zeb Forsfjall Sunday at 12:30 p.m. PT for the bronze medal.

It was a tight opening two periods at Ottawa's Canadian Tire Centre, with the US staking a 2-1 lead heading into the final frame thanks to a powerplay goal by Cole Eiserman, ripping a one-timer past Czech goaltender Michael Hrabal. That lead would hold through the end of regulation as the U.S. was able to neutralize the Czechia attack in the final 20 minutes and add a second tally from Eiserman.

American netminder Trey Augustine was the story of the third period with Czechia pushing harder to equalize. Augustine made several grade-A stops, including a cross-crease desperation save to deny Czech quarterfinal hero Adam Jecko.

Hrabal, playing at NCAA UMass, is more than familiar with this U.S. squad, with ten members of the American team, including Eiserman (Boston U.), playing in the same Hockey East conference.

The result leaves Finland's Julius Miettinen and Kim Saarinen as the remaining Kraken prospects competing for a gold medal on Sunday against 2024 winner, the US. The bronze will either go to Czechia's Eduard Sale and Jakub Fibigr or Sweden's Zeb Forsfjall. Should Czechia earn the bronze, Sale becomes just the 29th player in tournament history to earn a medal at three different World Junior Championships (silver in 2024, bronze in 2023).

Jan. 04, 4:12 p.m. | Miettinen, Finland Advance To Gold Medal Game

Julius Miettinen and Team Finland advance to the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championships final with a 4-3 overtime win over rival Sweden. Fellow Kraken prospect Zeb Forsfjall and Sweden will play for a bronze against the loser of Czechia vs. USA later Saturday.

The last time that Sweden had trailed in a game during the 2025 edition of the World Juniors was in the first period of their opener against Slovakia, in an eventual 5-2 win for the Tre Kronor. Finland's Jesse KIiiskinen would be the first to blemish that mark, albeit briefly. With Finland and the powerplay and 6:32 left in the second period defenseman Topias Hynninen wired a shot from the point that deflected off a Sweden stick and over to the far post, where Kliiskinen was waiting for a backdoor tap-in to make it 2-1 Finland.

Sweden would answer in under five minutes when Sweden's Otto Stenberg flubbed a one-timer for the top of the right circle and deflected off of Veeti Vaisanen's glove, surprising goaltender Petteri Rimpinen as it bounced into the net.

But a minute and a half later, Finland would battle back on a goal from Arttu Alasiurua with a tick over 20 seconds remaining to send Finland into the locker room with a 3-2 lead, capping off a dominant middle frame that saw the Finns outshoot Sweden 20-10.

Alasiurua drove to the net with the puck, crashing goaltender Melker Thelin and kicking Thelin's pad on the way in. For a moment, it looked as if Sweden might challenge the play for goaltender interference but ultimately opted to let the officials drop the puck to close out the period.

In these two squads' previous seven matchups at the World Juniors, all had been decided by a single goal. A testament to the parity between the two Nordic nations in recent history and maybe some foreshadowing as they took the ice for period three.

In a reversal of the second period, the third was controlled by Sweden from start to finish, stymying Finland for nine minutes without a shot middle second period and dominating the shot count by a total of 20-3. The flurry of offense would pay off when Wilhelm Hallquisth's wrist shot from the blue line bounded off the catching glove of Rimpinen and into the net with 8:28 to go in the game.

Sweden would continue their dominance into overtime and end it on a Benjamin Rautiainen shot from an impossible angle to the left of Rimpinen, sending Finland to the finals for the first time since 2019.

Kraken prospects Julius Miettinen and Zeb Forsfjall didn't figure into the scoring for their squads, each picking up two shots on goal and more importantly, both competing for a medal on Sunday. Kraken goaltender Kim Saarinen was scratched for this contest. He has been rotating with Noa Vali in Finland's backup role throughout the tournament.

Sweden's bronze medal game is Sunday at 12:30 p.m. PT on NHL Network.

Jan. 02, 7:57 p.m. | Catton, Price, Rehkopf Leave WJC Without Medal

Berkly Catton, Caden Price and Carson Rehkopf will leave Ottawa without a medal following their 4-3 loss to Czechia in the quarterfinals at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. Eduard Sale and Jakub Fibigr, on the other hand, look forward to a semi-final matchup against the US.

At the conclusion of a fast-paced first period, capitalized by an Eduard Sale goal with 2.1 seconds left, it looked as if Canada would need to dig deep to salvage this game and a chance at a medal. Sale's strike came on a Czechia rush, a partial two-on-one set up by Matej Mastalirsky, with Sale streaking down the left side and accepting the cross-ice pass and putting it by netminder Carter George to make it 3-1.

But Canada was up to the task, tying this physical game (14 total penalties) shorthanded with under five minutes to go. Canada's penalty trouble, which plagued them throughout the tournament, would become their Achilles heel once again. With Andrew Gibson in the box for kneeing (the third kneeing penalty of the night), Czechia's Adam Jecho converted on the powerplay with 40 seconds remaining.

Catton, Price, and Rehkopf are the first of the eight Kraken prospects to be eliminated from the tournament with Sale, Fibigir, Julius Miettinen, Kim Saarinen (FIN), and Zeb Forsfjall all continuing to play for a medal.

Jan. 02, 5:27 p.m. | Miettinen Picks Up Assist In Finland Q-Final Win

Finland held on for a 5-3 quarterfinal win over Slovakia on Thursday night, with Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen picking up one assist. The Finns now await the result of the Canada vs. Czechia game to determine their opponent in the semifinals.

Slovakia outshot Finland 36-18, but Finnish netminder Petteri Rimpinen was excellent in his fifth straight WJC start. Slovak goaltender Alan Lendak, whose only previous appearance was in the 4-2 loss to Czechia after giving up three goals on five shots.

Miettinen would pick up his first assist of the tournament late third period, losing an offensive zone face-off but tying up his man just long enough for Heikki Ruohonen to pick up the loose puck and pass it to Jesse Nurmi positioned in the high slot, who fired a wrist shot past goaltender Samuel Urban. The goal would stand as an important insurance maker for Finland, which was under siege from a late Slovakia attack.

Jan. 02, 12:54 p.m. | Forsfjall Scores, Sweden Advances To Semis

Sweden survived a late-game scare from the surprise of the tournament, Latvia, in the opening game of the quarterfinals on Thursday by a score of 3-2.

Kraken 2023 6th-rounder Zeb Forsfjall would find the back of the net first for Sweden a little over 9 minutes into the opening period. Forsfjall raced into the Latvia zone down the left wall and fired a mid-range wrist shot on net that kissed the post and beat goaltender Linards Feldbergs. The goal was not without controversy, as the instant replay showed a missed textbook interference call, allowing Forsfjall the space to enter the zone and get a clean shot off.

Forsfjall through five games, Forsfjall has registered two goals and three assists while primarily playing a shutdown role for undefeated Sweden, matching up against opponents' top lines.

Sweden would eventually go up 3-0 before a Latvia surge that saw them pull within a goal late in the second period.

Dec. 31, 8:33 p.m. | Penalty Trouble Sinks Canada, Catton In Rivalry Game

In their 12th all-time New Year's Eve meeting, the Americans secured the top seed in Group A heading into the knockout round with a 4-1 win over Canada on Tuesday night. Berkly Catton, Carson Rehkopf and Caden Price's Canada squad ends the group stage as the third seed with a faceoff against Eduard Sale and Jakub Fibigr's Czechia side on Thursday.

Canada has a clear mission in just under 48 hours when the puck drops in their do-or-die knockout round game: discipline.

Eight minor penalties, three of which resulted in goals for the US, did Canada in against the Americans, despite controlling play at five-on-five. In fact, half of the US's 28 shots came with the man advantage. If head coach Dave Cameron's crew can't stay out of the box on Thursday, Eduard Sale (2 powerplay goals) and company will have plenty of opportunity for an upset against the hosts.

Canada controlled the pace early with an 11-5 shot advantage in the opening period, but the opportunistic Americans scored the only goal when Cole Hutson skated off the wall with the puck and released a shot far side, beating Carter George on the powerplay.

Canada and the US exchanged more powerplay goals in the third period, with Canada striking first to tie it at one when Ryan Leonard took a roughing penalty after time had expired in the second period. With 2 seconds remaining on the man advantage, Bradley Nadeau tied it with a one-timer from the left face-off circle. Rehkopf didn’t get an assist on the play, but it was his presence net-front drawing the man away from Nadeau, allowing him time and space to set up from a location that Kraken fans are used to seeing Jared McCann fire away from. As players celebrated, the crowd at Canadian Tire Centre erupted as ‘Hey! Baby’, performed by DJ Otzi, played over the arena speakers. A fan-favorite goal song last used by Canada during the World Juniors in 2018.

Danny Nelson quickly deflated the boisterous pro-Canada crowd with a powerplay goal of his own just two minutes and 24 seconds later. The US added a pair of insurance markers from Cole Eiserman (powerplay) and Ryan Leonard (empty net) late third period, but Nelson's wrist shot from the slot would be all they'd need.

The Kraken's top pick in the 2024 draft, Berkly Catton, received high praise from TSN broadcasters during the first intermission. “There has been one player who has found space, speed and creativity tonight for Canada, and that’s Berkly Catton,” said Mike Johnson, veteran of 661 NHL games.

Rehkopf spent time on Canada's second powerplay unit, arguably the more impactful of the two throughout the night in terms of goals and chances. He also joined Catton's line for spurts in both the first and second period. We'll see how Cameron draws his lineup on Thursday, but a duo of Catton and Rehkopf could be a fun look at what's to come for the Kraken.

Price had 18:42 of ice time, a good portion of which was spent on the penalty kill and good for 4th most among Canada's defensemen. He recorded two shots on goal.

Canada will meet Czechia at 4:30 p.m. PT, and the US will play Switzerland at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday.

Dec. 31, 5:29 p.m. | Sweden Tops Czechia, Sale for Group B No. 1 Seed

Kraken 2023 first-rounder and Czechia captain Eduard Sale had seven shots on goal in the first two periods against Sweden Tuesday, plus some near misses. He was all over the ice but didn’t score until a half-minute into the third period when he was slashed while breaking for the net. Awarded a penalty shot, he put some moves on Swedish goalie Melker Thelin that Kraken fans will welcome during future shootouts for the NHL club.

Sale’s score moved Czechia within two goals, but the scoring stalled from there. Czechia simply could not overcome a deep Swedish squad (19 NHL draft choices on the roster, including Kraken 2023 sixth-round forward Zeb Forsfjall) that was the recipient of two fortunate puck bounces that led to two of four Sweden's goals in the second period. The first period was scoreless and lived up to its billing as a matchup of this tourney’s top two teams in group play. Early on, Sale missed a net just after slipping into time and space after a faceoff win. From there, both goalies put on a show, stopping 29 shots on goal between them.

Sweden’s first two strikes of the game and middle period were power play-related goals (one was tallied seconds after the penalty expired and before the play in the Czech zone was even strength). Scoring both goals was Herman Traff (New Jersey, 2024, third round), who clearly was enjoying his 19^th birthday with family in the crowd. Sweden’s win gets them one step closer to looking to better their silver medal last January, losing the JWC title at the hands of Team USA.

Czechia was penalty-prone all game, which was not an encouraging development given Sweden iced the top power play of group play. Kraken prospect and Czechia defenseman Jakob Fibigr (2024, seventh round) was stellar on the penalty kill, keeping a clean sheet during his formidable time on the ice during six of Czechia’s penalties. He couldn’t kill the seventh one because he went to the penalty box himself with six minutes remaining in regulation. He was whistled for cross-checking, the penalty drawn by the aforementioned Forsfjall. Sale went off for roughing with under three minutes left in the game.

The penalties, especially those in the final period, were part of the loss in that Czechia was defending rather than generating offensive chances to rally. What sunk Czechia was a pair of Swedish equal-strength goals later middle period to make it 4-1 at intermission.

For his part, Forsfjall chipped in seven of 10 faceoff wins. Sale’s goal represented his 19^th point for Czechia in his eight World Juniors games, moving out of a tie with Carolina star forward Martin Necas (another Ron Francis first-round pick) to stand second all-time for his country.

The reward for Sweden’s win is the top seed in the tournament, starting with a group-crossover quarterfinal game with Latvia (which did upset Canada) and, if Sweden wins, they will features the lowest seed from either group in the semifinals. Czechia awaits the winner of the much-ballyhooed USA-Canada New Year’s Eve game. Czechia would play the loser of the matchup in the quarterfinals unless, stick with us, unless the North American rivalry goes beyond regulation. Then Czechis would face Finland, who become the Group A third-place team if the finale of group play goes into extra time.

Dec. 31, 3:47 p.m. | Finland Win Applies Pressure to USA-Canada Matchup

Kraken prospect Julien Miettinen and his Team Finland mates stamped any notions of another Latvia upset by posting a business-like 3-0 shutout Tuesday. The decisive win in regulation adds more intrigue to the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve group play finale between USA and Canada. If one of the squads wins in regulation, the loser will finish third behind Finland in Group A.

Here's where it gets dicey for the losing team if the game does not go into overtime: The Group A third-place team will face the loser of Tuesday’s game between the top two teams in Group B, Sweden and Czechia, the only two undefeated teams of the group play heading into their opening faceoff. Czechia is captained by Kraken 2023 first-round draft choice Eduard Sale, who is on loan from AHL Coachella Valley. Sale scored the game-winner and the insurance goal in a big win over rival Slovakia 4-2.

The 6-foot-4, 207-pound Miettinen played another solid game on his nation’s third line, winning four of six faceoffs (60 percent) and providing the strong, big-bodied 200-foot game the Seattle player development is emphasizing with him this WHL season with the Everett Silvertips. He played his most shifts during the third period to help protect the lead, which grew to three during the last 20 minutes.

Miettinen, who has 10 goals and 24 assists for 34 points in 30 games for the Silvertips, has supplied offense as well at this tournament in Ottawa. He was named Player of the Game in Finland's 4-3 overtime shocker over defending champ USA, setting up the nail-biter for American and Canadian fans Tuesday eve. Miettinen scored his first goal of the tournament late second period.

Dec. 30, 7:52 p.m. | What’s At Stake On Final Day Of Group Play

While no Kraken prospects were in action on Monday, the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship still provided high drama in a two-game slate, with Slovakia beating Kazakhstan in overtime by a score of 5-4 and Latvia punching their ticket to the knockout round with a 4-3 overtime win over Germany, a game in which they only needed to get to overtime to clinch.

Let’s take a look at what’s at stake in tomorrow’s four-game slate:

Group A

A win, in any fashion, from either the US or Canada secures that team the top of Group A.

If that game ends in regulation, the loser faces some uncertainty should Latvia or Finland win their game in regulation. For starters, a Finland win in regulation and a US or Canada loss in regulation would place Finland 2nd in Group A and the loser of US and Canada in 3rd.

In an unlikely scenario, a Latvia blowout win over Finland and/or a USA or Canada blowout can mathematically move Latvia up to 2nd in the group based on goal differential. Keep in mind the US is currently working with a +9 differential, Canada a +6, and Latvia a -2.

Should Latvia beat Finland in regulation, Latvia moves to 3rd, and Finland finishes 4th in Group A.

Group B

Group B is a bit more straightforward.

The winner of Czechia and Sweden secures the top spot in Group B.

Slovakia has locked themselves into the 3rd spot in Group B with their win over Kazakhstan on Monday.

In the battle for the 4th and final spot in Group B, a win in any fashion for Kazakhstan or Switzerland advances them to the knockout round's Group B 4th spot while the loser has a date with Germany in the relegation game on Jan. 2.

Dec 29, 7:43 p.m | Day Four Recap

Five of the eight Kraken prospects invited to Ottawa by their respective nation's hockey governing bodies played big-time roles in their team's wins on Sunday. Let's look back through today's scoresheet:

• Zeb Forsfjall picked up a goal and an assist in Sweden's 7-5 win over Switzerland. Forsfjall and new linemate David Granberg found instant chemistry, assisting on each other's goals.
• Julius Miettinen won Player of the Game honors in Finland's 4-3 overtime shocker over defending champs, the United States. Miettinen scored his first goal of the tournament late second period.
• Czechia captain Eduard Sale scored the game-winner and the insurance marker for his Czechia side, defeating geographic rival Slovakia 4-2. Like Miettinen, Sale also picked up Player of the Game honors.
• Berkly Catton helped Canada get on the board in the first period with a powerplay assist on what would shake out to be the game-winning goal.
• Caden Price added an insurance goal of his own for Canada, his first of the tournament, to secure the 3-0 win over Germany.

Dec 29, 7:24 p.m | Price's Puck Luck Secures Canada Win

The new-look Canada powerplay cashed in, with Berkly Catton picking up an assist on the play. Kraken defense prospect Caden Price would secure the W for Canada on a long-range shot and a little help from the end boards to secure the W for Canada. Canada leapfrogs Finland with the 3-0 win over Germany to sit second in Group A with a New Year's Eve showdown on the horizon against the 2024 WJC winners, the United States.

With Canada on the powerplay in the first period, Catton displayed excellent puck movement, picking up a secondary assist on the game-winner. The Kraken first-round draft pick in 2024 started the play on the goal line to the left of German goaltender Nico Pertuch. The Saskatoon native cycled the puck up high in the zone while Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan assumed Catton’s original location along the goal line. Catton sent a pass back down low to Cowan. All the while, Oliver Bonk was set up in the bumper slot, anticipating the puck coming his way. Cowan delivered, and Bonk took a quarter turn and fired the puck into the back of the net.

Bonk, son of Radek, a veteran of 969 NHL games, goes by the nickname “Bumper Bonk” for his ability to score from the bumper slot with the man advantage for his London Knights (OHL). Surprisingly, in Canada’s first two games of the tournament, head coach Dave Cameron elected not to use Bonk in that role, but the disappointing loss to Latvia on Friday forced Cameron’s hand in shaking up his lineup. Sam Dickinson was swapped out in favor of Bonk on the first powerplay unit. A move that clearly paid off for the Canadians.

Early-second period, Carson Rehkopf saw his first quality scoring chance on a two-on-one with Bradley Nadeau. Nadeau dished it over to Rehkopf, streaking down the right side, and fired a shot that just nicked the toe of Pertuch's extended leg. For coming into the tournament cold and facing limited ice time in his 2025 WJC debut, Rehkopf looked sharp and should earn more ice time the rest of the way for Canada.

The third period started with a long-range wrist shot by Catton from just inside the German blue line. His howler caught Pertuch by surprise but glanced the post and went wide. Catton would have another grade-A chance just before the ten-minute mark, stickhandling through three German players on a great individual effort but running out of real estate before putting a shot into the chest of Pertuch.

The hero, though, was none other than defenseman Caden Price, who split third-pairing time with Beau Acky in the game. Price made the most of what he was given late in the third period, with Canada buzzing in the offensive zone. Swayer Mynio, inserted into the lineup for the first time in the tournament, sent a cross-ice pass to Price, readying himself at the right point. Price walked the blue line to square himself with the goal, then fired a low wrist shot that bounced off the end boards and banked off of the back of Pertuch's leg to give Canada the breathing room they needed to secure the victory.

Dec 29, 4:53 p.m. | Sale Scores Twice In Czechia Win

Czechia captain Eduard Sale scored twice in his country's 4-2 win over rival Slovakia on Sunday afternoon, putting Czechia at the top of Group B through three of four round-robin games. The Coachella Valley Firebirds rookie now has three goals and two assists in the tournament as his squad looks ahead to a matchup with Sweden on New Year's Eve in a winner-takes-Group B game. Sale became the second Kraken prospect to earn Player of the Game honors after Julius Miettinen did so in Finland's win over the U.S. earlier in the day.

Sale's first goal, the game-winner, came on a two-on-one rush with linemate Matej Mastalirsky. Mastalirsky came flying into the zone with the puck and Sale matching his speed on his left flank. Mastalirsky, thinking pass the entire time, slid the puck over to Sale, who rifled it low past the outstretched right pad of Slovakia goaltender Alan Lendak with 2:39 to go in the second period to put Czechia up 3-1.

The Kraken prospect would also add a much-needed insurance goal early third period, accepting a cross-ice pass from Miroslav Holinka. Sale took a couple of strides toward the net, then picked his corner, going crossbar and in from the right faceoff circle.

That insurance goal was vital, as Czechia's Vojtech Cihar, was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct for a check from behind on Miroslav Satan late in the third period. Satan stayed down and eventually left the ice under his own power. To make matters worse, forward Jiri Felcman was assessed a tripping minor a minute into Slovakia's man advantage. Slovakia pulled the goaltender for a 6-3 advantage, and it paid off by way of a goal from Dalibor Dvorsky to pull Slovakia within two and plenty of powerplay time remaining. Czechia would hold strong for the remainder of the major to pull out a gutsy win.

Defenseman Jakub Fibigr, who entered play today tied for the tournament lead in assists and points by a defenseman, did not factor into any of Czechia's scoring but was utilized heavily on the aforementioned major penalty kill in the late stages of regulation.

Dec 29, 2:37 p.m. | Miettinen Awarded Player Of The Game In Upset Over USA

A back-and-forth Group A battle that saw four lead changes was put to bed by Vegas 2023 6th-round pick Tuomas Uronen in overtime to give Finland a 4-3 win. The U.S. put themselves behind the eight ball, taking six minor penalties, disrupting their ability to find a rhythm for most of the afternoon. Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen recorded his first goal of the tournament and was awarded Player of The Game for Finland.

The 2024 2nd-round pick by the Kraken, Julius Miettinen, had flown under the radar through two games at the 2025 World Juniors, but the Finn found the scoreboard for the first time in the tournament, trailing the play and accepting a pass from San Jose 2nd-round pick (2023) Kasper Halttunen in the high slot. Miettinen showed a quick release and pinpoint accuracy on the shot, blowing it over the left shoulder of Michigan State goaltender Trey Augustine.

The United States coaches checked their monitors for a potential offside but ultimately decided against challenging, giving Finland a 3-2 lead midway through the second period.

The third period was fast-paced as the teams traded chances. Despite the all-out offense, Buffalo Sabres prospect Brodie Ziemer would score the only goal in the third, tying the game at three just 3:26 in, beating his man to the puck at the far post and redirecting Teddy Stiga's crosse-crease pass behind goaltender Petteri Rimpinen.

The US had a prime scoring chance to end it in the overtime period when Danny Nelson, uncovered, lasered a one-timer from point-blank range into the body of Rimpinen. Moments later, he 3-on-3 overtime ended when Tuomas Uronen took advantage of a misplay by defender Cole Hutson, picking up the loose puck near the US blueline and skating down the right boards. From the right circle, Uronen fired a wrist shot that hit the glove of Augustine and bounced into the net. Finland hadn't possessed the puck in the extra period until Uronen skated up ice for the clincher.

The overtime win gave Finland two points and the US one, making the New Year's Eve showdowns between Canada and the US and Finland and upstart Latvia that much more interesting for the top two spots in Group A heading into the knockout stage.

Dec 29, 12:53 p.m. | Rehkopf Expected To Draw Into Lineup For Canada

Kraken fans can expect 2023 2nd-rounder Carson Rehkopf to see his first action of the tournament for Canada this afternoon against Germany.

At morning skate, Rehkopf and winger Mathieu Cataford shared duties alongside Jett Luchanko and Ethan Gauthier on Canada's fourth line.

Puck drop for Canada vs. Germany is 4:30 p.m. PT on NHL Network.

Dec. 29, 11:58 a.m. | Forsfjall Scores In Sweden Win Over Switzerland

In the early contest of a four-game slate on Sunday, Team Sweden survived a late scare with a 7-5 win over Switzerland. 2023 Kraken 6th-round pick Zeb Forsfjall had his best outing of the tournament thus far, scoring Sweden's second goal and adding an assist that was the result of some high-effort backchecking on Sweden's fourth tally.

The line shakeup initiated by Sweden head coach Magnus Havelid this morning did wonders for Forsfjall's offensive production. His new running mate on the right side, David Granberg, added an element of size (6'2") and playmaking ability that were on full display, setting up Forsfjall for his first tally of the tournament.

Granberg won the puck battle in the right corner, then poked the puck to fellow new linemate Isac Hedqvist behind the net with one hand. Hedqvist took a quick look, spotting Forsfjall cutting to the net and backhanded the puck net front to him. The Kraken prospect showed no hesitation unloading a onetimer that beat Swiss goaltender Elijah Neuenschwander to restore Sweden's lead at 2-1 midway through the first period.

In a pre-tournament interview with KHN's Alison Lukan, Kraken Director of Player Development Jeff Tambellini was encouraged about the prospects of this tournament for Forsfjall's development. “(Forsfjall) is going to be given an elevated role, hopefully, in a third line checking role -something that he does extremely well,” Tambellini said.

Those skills shined on Sweden's fourth goal of the morning, with Forsfjall applying pressure on the back check to create the turnover, then shoveling the puck up ice to Hedqvist. Hedqvist sent the puck forward to Granberg at center ice, the winger then cut outside, racing down the boards before angling toward the goal, beating Neuenschwander on the short side in tight quarters. The Kraken prospect picked up a secondary assist for his heads-up work on the play.

Switzerland controlled the third period, as Sweden got into penalty trouble, allowing four powerplay goals in the final stanza. However, the deficit was too much for the Swiss to overcome, and Sweden pulled off the 7-5 win.

With the win, Sweden clinched a top 3 spot in Group B, avoiding the Group A winner in the quarterfinals.

Sweden faces it’s toughest test of the tournament and a chance to clinch first place in Group B on New Year’s Eve against Eduard Sale and Jakub Fibigr’s and Czechia squad.

Dec. 29, 8:58 a.m. | Sweden Shuffles Lines For Game Three

For the third straight game, Sweden head coach Magnus Havelid has shuffled his team's lines, slotting Zeb Forsfjall with David Granberg and Isac Hedqvist. Granberg, a big body at 6'2", currently ranks 2nd among SWE forwards in scoring thus far at the WJC.

Dec. 28, 1:09 p.m. | Canada Registers Rehkopf To Roster

Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects reports that Team Canada has registered Kraken 2023 2nd-round pick (50th overall) Carson Rehkopf to their roster, making him eligible to participate in Canada's next outing against Germany on Sunday.

Through 27 games with the OHL's Brampton Steelheads this season, Rehkopf has scored 20 goals and added 27 assists - ranking 10th in OHL scoring.

Dec. 28, 12:51 p.m. | Sale, Fibigr Sharp In Czechia Blowout

Kazahkstan, promoted from Division 1A in 2024 and competing in the IIHF World Junior Championships for the first time since 2020 fell to favored Czechia by a final score of 14-2. Eduard Sale picked up two assists, while Kraken 2024 7th-rounder Jakub Fibigr added four helpers of his own. The win props Czechia atop Group B on goal differential (+16 to Sweden’s +10) heading into the final game of group play.

Friday night’s shootout thriller that saw Latvia upset heavily favored Canada was a stark reminder to WJC fans to be prepared for anything in international hockey. It was likely also a reminder for Sale, Fibigr and their Czechia teammates to not take any opponent lightly.

Consider that reminder heard by a Czechia squad that was clinical in their dismantling of Kazakhstan on Saturday.

Sale and Fibigr were off to the races early, both assisting on Czechia’s opening goal by Matej Mastalirsky, 05:45 into the opening period.

Sale, possessing the puck in the offensive zone, began the play at the left point, directing traffic and skating over to the right point. Some smooth edge work by Sale created space, allowing him to shift back to the right point and deliver a pass to Fibigr, crashing the net at the right post. Fibigr jammed at it, and the rebound popped out to Mastalirsky, who went post and in to give Czechia the early lead.

Sale’s second assist on Czechia’s third goal was a well-executed face off play by the Czechs. With the draw to the right of the KAZ net and Sale lined up on the right wing, the Coachella Valley Firebirds’ rookie and Czech captain skated behind center Jiri Felcman to receive the face-off win and then quickly passed it over to Jakub Dvorak, who was set up the left point. Dvorak took a couple of strides towards the net and unleashed a blistering wrist shot for the goal.

With Czechia's two easiest group play games in the rearview, Sale, Fibigr and company now look ahead to a Sunday matchup with Slovakia.

Dec. 27, 8:01 p.m. | Latvia Stuns Canada In Shootout

In an all-time stunner, unheralded Latvia pulled off a 3-2 shootout upset of host country and gold-medal favorite Canada on Friday night in Ottawa behind the standout 53-save goaltending of Lindards Feldsbergs.

Early first period, the crowd at Canadian Tire Center erupted when Berkly Catton nearly broke the ice, crashing the crease, following up on a Gavin McKenna rebound. Catton’s put-back hit the post and left the puck trickling the length of the goal line as Feldbergs was still recovering from his initial save. McKenna was adamant with officials as play continued that the puck had crossed the goal line but replays showed that Catton’s attempt was just inches from giving the Canadians the early lead.

Flyers prospect Jett Luchanko would get Canada on the board in the second period.

With the Canadians shorthanded, Luchenko pickpocketed the Latvian defender at the blue line then raced up ice on a breakaway. Luchanko slowed, forcing Feldbergs to commit, then deked around the netminder for a backhand goal to give Canada a 1-0 lead that would carry into the second intermission.

Before Friday’s game, Berkly Catton and his head coach, Dave Cameron, spoke with the media about their upcoming contest with Latvia. Catton echoed his coach's sentiments about Latvia being a tough team to play against because of their exceptional effort.

“I’ve never played the Latvians. I’ve heard they’re a hard-working team, so we’ve got to come out at full speed and play them,” said Catton. “We’ve got to start hard and just build on it from there.”

His assessment of the Latvians was spot on.

Through two periods, Canada - a heavy favorite - clung to a one-goal lead before defenseman Andrew Gibson took a two-minute elbowing penalty, one that was reviewed for a possible 5-minute major, that put Latvia on the powerplay.

With the advantage, one of only two NHL-drafted players on Latvia’s roster, Eriks Mateiko (2024 3rd Rd, WSH), accepted a quick pass from Bruno Osmanis and drilled it into the open net. Canada fans were understandably tense with the score now tied.

Nearly 40 seconds after the Latvia equalizer, hope and some concern for Canada and Kraken fans alike emerged when Martins Klaucans boarded Catton with a dangerous hit. The Kraken prospect got up under how own power, looking visibly shaken, and Canada was awarded a two-minute powerplay. On the advantage, Callum Ritchie restored Canada's lead, though only momentarily.

The march to the penalty box would continue for Canada when Ethan Gauthier took a hooking penalty (their 6th penalty of regulation) with just over three minutes remaining in the game. On the Latvia powerplay, Peteris Bulans would play hero, sending a long-range shot through traffic into the back of the net.

Much like in Canada’s opener against Finland, coach Dave Cameron deployed Caden Price to close out regulation. A good sign that Price has earned the coaching staff’s trust in critical situations.

The teams traded chances in overtime, but Canada goaltender Jack Ivankovic and Latvia's Feldbergs were up to the task. Feldbergs would end up making 54 saves in the game, ensuring that his outing will likely go down in history as one of the greatest goaltending performances in World Junior history.

Shooters were 0-for-15 in the shootout until Mateiko bagged the winner for Latvia on a powerful wrist shot that went post and in. Catton went 0-for-2 for Canada.

Latvia picked up two points for the shootout win, while Canada was awarded a single point for getting through regulation.

Dec. 27, 4:33 p.m. | Forsfjall Picks Up Two Assists In SWE Rout of KAZ

2023 Kraken draft pick Zeb Forsfjall picked up his first point of the tournament in Sweden’s 8-1 rout of Kazakhstan. With the clock ticking down to end the first period, Forsfjall’s teammates battled behind the Kazakhstan net for possession; Forsfjall retrieved the loose puck then sent it out to the left circle for a waiting Anton Wahlberg, who plays his pro hockey with the Rochester Americans (AHL), rifled it past goaltender Vladimir Nikitin to put Sweden up 5-0.

Forsfjall would add another assist, setting up Oskar Vuollet 5:24 into the 3rd period to give Sweden a 7-1 lead.

Kazakhstan returns to the tournament for the first time since 2020, earning promotion to the top division by winning Division I last season. The aforementioned Nikitin is the only player on the squad drafted to the NHL, going 207th overall to Ottawa in 2023.

Sweden now stands atop Group B with 6 points at 2-0-0-0. Next up is Switzerland on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. PT.

Dec. 27, 3:12 p.m. | Miettinen's Finland Squad Picks Up First Win

The underdog Germans kept this contest close, conceding just one goal in the first period, then outshooting Finland 6-0 in the opening five minutes of the second. But Finland's Arrtu Alasiurua found the back of the net, finishing a tic-tac-toe passing play off the rush to put Finland up 2-0.

Later second period, Germany's lone goal came just as a penalty for a failed offsides challenge expired. Clemens Sager, who was serving the penalty, bolted out of the penalty box to help the Germans defend, then raced up ice alongside teammate Julius Sumpf. Sumpf delivered a drop pass to Sager at the right circle, who spun and snuck it past the left pad of Petteri Rimpanen. Rimpanen, who had a heavy workload yesterday making 37 saves and earning player of the game honors against Canada, would likely want that one back.

Kraken 2024 2nd-rounder Julius Miettinen is gaining valuable experience for his native Finland despite being held off the scoresheet in both of his squad's opening games. Finland head coach Lauri Mikkola has trusted the Everett Silvertips center in all situations, deploying him on both the powerplay and the first penalty kill unit. Mitettinen also saw significant ice time in the final 4 minutes of regulation as Finland was clinging to their 2-1 lead.

Kraken goaltending prospect Kim Saarinen, who assumed the backup role yesterday against Canada, was scratched this afternoon in favor of Noa Vali, who has recorded 11 starts for his Liiga club TPS this season.

Finland would add an empty net goal to defeat Germany 3-1. Their next test comes Sunday at 11:30 a.m. PT against the favored Americans.

Dec. 27, 11:13 a.m. | Rehkopf Scratched For Canada vs. Latvia

Canada coach Dave Cameron announced on Friday morning that Kraken prospect Carson Rehkopf would be scratched for Canada's second game of the group stage against Latvia.

Rehkopf picked up two goals and two assists for Canada at last year's tournament, in which Canada was ousted by Czechia in the quarterfinals.

Check back throughout the day for updates on other Kraken prospects in action: Zeb Forsfjall (SWE), Julius Miettinen (FIN), Kim Saarinen (FIN), Caden Price (CAN) and Berkly Catton (CAN).

Dec. 26, 7:12 p.m. | High Praise For Catton In Canada Win

Gavin McKenna, who turned 17 just ten days ago and is not draft-eligible until 2026, got the scoring started in Canada's opener against Finland. McKenna first fired a shot low that rebounded back off of goaltender Petteri Rimpinen's pad, then shot high, just under the crossbar, to send the crowd at Canada's capital into a frenzy. McKenna is the 8th-youngest player to ever play for Canada in the tournament.

While McKenna's linemate, Berkly Catton, did not find the scoresheet in Canada's 4-0 opening night win, he was one of Canada's most dangerous players in the offensive zone, both creating scoring chances for teammates and himself. During the second intermission, when asked who the most impressive forward for Canada was to this point in the game, TSN broadcaster and two-time Olympic gold medalist for Canada Cheryl Pounder was quick to mention Catton:

“I’ve been talking about him up here both on and off the puck. He has six shots in this game and the reason why is because he’s so effective off-puck. He sniffs out space on the ice to get to, and he knows when he’s got the dot, and he’s going to take a shot," said Pounder. “It’s what you do without the puck. You drive the back post and open up different lanes. I love that he’s direct.”

In the third period, with Canada up 2-0, Kraken defense prospect Caden Price collected a pass at the point, skated in toward the net, stickhandling past FIN winger Benjamin Rautinen, then threaded a pass through a sea of sticks directly to Luca Pinelli who buried the shot putting Canada up 3-0. The TSN broadcast crew lauded Price for his creativity on the play.

Carter George (2024 2nd Rd, LAK) made 31 saves to earn the shoutout for the Canadians. His toughest test came in the final minutes of the third period with Canada on the penalty killer, plus Finland utilizing the extra attacker for what was effectively a 6-on-4 powerplay. Finland put seven shots on the net during that two-minute span, but George was up to the task and took home player of the game honors for Canada.

Canada takes on Latvia Friday at 4:30 p.m. PT, while Finland squares off with Germany at 12:30 p.m. PT.

Dec. 26, 4:33 p.m. | Sale, Fibigr Impressive In Czechia Win

Eduard Sale extended Czechia’s lead to 2-0 on the powerplay in the second period, setting up down low and connecting on a one-timer off of a seam pass from Miroslav Holinka (2024 5th Rd, TOR). The entire powerplay sequence prior to the goal was a clinic by the newly-named Czech captain. He masterfully stickhandled the puck to safety along the blue line upon entering the zone and then set up a teammate for a prime scoring chance. All of the skills that prompted the Kraken front office to select Sale 20th overall in the 2023 draft were on display.

Just over two minutes after Sale’s strike, Jakub Fibigr, praised for his mobility, sent a point-to-point pass to his defense partner, Vojtech Port, who cycled the puck to Ondrej Kos. Fibigr drifted down low to disrupt the Swiss defense, allowing Kos room to skate in down the left wall and fire the puck net front, deflecting off of Swiss defender Eric Schneller’s stick and into the net to give CZE a 3-0 lead.

Czechia secured the 5-1 win and will next face Kazakhstan on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. PT.

Dec. 26, 04:04 p.m. | Canada, Finland Name Rosters For Opener, No Rehkopf

Kraken prospect Carson Rehkopf was not registered in Canada’s lineup for their first action of the tournament against Finland despite being named to Team Canada’s roster two weeks ago.

Rehkopf remains available for future games should Canada wish to insert him.

2024 first-rounder Berkly Catton is expected to center 17-year-old Gavin McKenna (draft eligible in 2026) and Luca Pinelli (2023 4th round, CBJ).

On defense, Caden Price will pair with Sam Dickinson, the 11th overall pick by the Sharks in 2024.

For Finland, goaltending prospect Kim Saarinen will serve as the backup to Petteri Rimpinen, while Seattle's 2024 2nd round pick, Julius Miettinen, will center Rasmus Kumpulainen (2024 2nd Rd, MIN) and Emil Hemming (2024 1st Rd, DAL).

Dec. 26, 12:12 p.m. | CVF Rookie, Sale, Named Czechia Captain

Kraken former first-rounder and Coachella Valley Firebirds rookie standout Eduard Sale is returning for his third trip to the World Junior Championships, this time as a captain for his Czechia squad. Sale won a silver in 2023, a bronze last year and is looking to become the 29th player in tournament history to win three medals at the World Juniors.

The only player to ever win three golds? Kraken assistant general manager, Jason Botterill.

Czecha hosts Switzerland at 2:00 p.m. PT this afternoon.

Dec. 26, 12:01 p.m. | Forsfjall, Sweden Pull Away In 3rd For 5-2 Win

Sweden entered the 2025 World Junior Championships having not lost an opening game at the tournament since 2006, and that streak looked shaky for the better part of 20 minutes into their opener against a Slovakia squad that struck first on a goal by St. Louis Blues' first-round prospect Dalibor Dvorsky. Slovakia goaltender Samuel Urban, an Arizona St. University commit (alma mater of Joey Daccord), looked sharp in his own right, stopping all 9 of Sweden's shots on goal in the opening frame.

At the intermission, Sweden found another gear, holding SVK without a shot for 14 minutes and tying the game when Rasmus Bergqvist whipped a wrist shot from the left faceoff circle past Urban at 3:41 into the second. From there, it was all Sweden, highlighted by Detroit Red Wings 2023 1st-rounder Axel Sandin-Pellikka completing the hat trick and leading Sweden to a 5-2 victory.

And give credit to Kraken prospect Zeb Forsfjall, whose work along the boards on three separate shifts near the middle point of the second period kept offensive zone possession alive for the Swedes and factored heavily in the tempo shift that powered Sweden's late push. The best of those shifts was the third, where his work to cycle the puck helped pin SVK in their own zone for nearly a minute, resulting in a tired Slovakia squad committing a holding penalty. On the ensuing powerplay, Sandin-Pellikka accepted a cross-ice pass from linemate Felix Unger-Sorum and unloaded on a one-timer that beat Urban for his first of three goals and Sweden's first lead of the day.

Next up for Sweden is Kazakhstan at 2:00 p.m. PT tomorrow.

Dec. 26, 8:14 a.m. | Sweden Looking To Forsfjall for Leadership, Checking Role

2023 6th-round pick Zeb Forsfjall and his Sweden squad take on Slovakia in the opening game of the tournament (9 a.m., NHL Network) from TD Place in Ottawa in Group B action. The 5'9" shutdown center is expected to center Carolina Hurricanes prospect Oskar Vuollet (2024, 5th round) and New Jersey Devils prospect Herman Träff (2024, 3rd round). Kraken Hockey Network analyst Alison Lukan chatted with Kraken director of player development Jeff Tambellini about what to expect from Forsfjall, who is returning for his second WJC:

“(Forsfjall) is going to be given an elevated role, hopefully, in a third line checking role -something that he does extremely well,” Tambellini said. “Penalty killing has always been a very big part of his game, and we think he'll be asked to be a little bit more part of the leadership group by being a returning player. Zeb is another late-round pick who is showing that he can compete on the world stage and has continued to deliver on the national stage with under-18 teams and World Junior teams; he made Skellefetea and the SHL earlier than we expected, so he's been on a great track, and we think he's should be primed for another good tournament.”