Overview
- The U-20 event runs Dec. 26 to Jan. 5 in Minneapolis–Saint Paul, with group play starting Friday, quarterfinals on Jan. 2 and the medal games on Jan. 5.
- Team USA starts its title defense with James Hagens headlining and Will Horcoff elevated to a tune‑up top line with Hagens and Brodie Ziemer.
- Canada leans on top right-shot defender Zayne Parekh, with Harrison Brunicke projected for heavy second-pair minutes and San Jose’s Michael Misa joining on loan.
- Sweden features Chicago draft pick Anton Frondell as an alternate captain and opening-line center on a roster considered capable of contending.
- Scouts will track leading draft-eligible talent including Canada’s Gavin McKenna, Sweden’s Ivar Stenberg, Latvia’s Alberts Smits and the United States’ Chase Reid.