The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship starts on December 26 in Ottawa, Ontario. This annual event showcases young hockey talent from around the world and offers fans exciting matchups. The U.S. team will defend their title, beginning with a game against Germany. This matchup will take place at 2:30 p.m. ET on opening day, airing on NHL Network and available for streaming on services like ESPN+, fuboTV, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream. The tournament will divide teams into two groups: Group A includes Canada, Finland, Germany, Latvia, and the U.S., while Group B has Czechia, Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Sweden, and Switzerland. This format ensures thrilling competitions throughout the preliminary rounds. The schedule includes several key matchups on the opening days, featuring teams like Canada and Sweden. Fans can look forward to a series of games offering high-energy hockey as the tournament progresses.

2025 IIHF World Junior Championship: Game Schedule, Streaming Options, and What to Expect!

Key Takeaways

  • The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship takes place in Ottawa from December 26 to January
    5.
  • The U.S. team will begin their title defense against Germany on December 26 at 2:30 p.m. ET.
  • Fans can watch the games via NHL Network and various streaming platforms including ESPN+ and fuboTV.

Overview of the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship

The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship is poised to excite hockey fans as it starts in Ottawa, Ontario, from December 26 to January
5. The U.S. team, the reigning champions, begins their title defense against Germany at 2:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, December
26. Fans can watch this match live on NHL Network and stream it via platforms like ESPN+, fuboTV, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream, with some providers offering discounts. The tournament features two groups in the preliminary round: Group A includes powerhouse teams such as Canada, Finland, Germany, Latvia, and the USA, while Group B showcases Czechia, Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Sweden, and Switzerland. The day one schedule is packed with thrilling matchups:
• Noon ET: Sweden vs. Slovakia
• 2:30 p.m. ET: Germany vs. United States
• 5 p.m. ET: Switzerland vs. Czechia
• 7:30 p.m. ET: Canada vs. Finland The excitement continues on Friday, December 27, with these games:
• 1 p.m. ET: Slovakia vs. Switzerland
• 3:30 p.m. ET: Finland vs. Germany
• 5 p.m. ET: Kazakhstan vs. Sweden
• 7:30 p.m. ET: Canada vs. Latvia As teams compete for glory, fans can anticipate more thrilling matches scheduled for December 28 and
29.

Streaming Options and Game Schedule

The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship offers hockey fans a full schedule of exciting games. Teams will vie for victory, highlighting the skill and talent of young players from around the world. In Group A, the United States will face tough competition from rivals such as Canada and Finland. Meanwhile, Group B features teams aiming to prove themselves, including Sweden and Switzerland. Fans can easily engage with the tournament through accessible streaming options, making it convenient to follow their favorite teams and players. The event not only celebrates the sport but also fosters a sense of community among supporters, as they cheer for their countries and enjoy the thrill of junior hockey.