Overview
- Canada returned Jake O’Brien, Marek Vanacker and Jackson Smith to their clubs, reaching the IIHF limit of 14 forwards and eight defensemen with one goaltender cut still expected.
- Hockey Canada could face late changes if NHL loans arrive, with reporting indicating Berkly Catton and Sam Dickinson are considered unlikely but still possible additions.
- Canada opened tune-ups by beating Sweden 2–1 in Kitchener and plays Sweden again Saturday before a final exhibition versus Denmark on Tuesday in Mankato.
- Team USA has nine returnees in camp, a live goalie competition that now includes 18-year-old Brady Knowling, exhibitions vs. Germany (Dec. 21) and Finland (Dec. 23), and plans a final roster by Dec. 24.
- The tournament starts Dec. 26 in Minneapolis–St. Paul (USA–Germany, Canada–Czechia), with TSN carrying early Canada tune-ups, NHL Network airing USA games, additional streaming on USA Hockey TV, and tickets available via StubHub.