Overview
- Canada is aiming for a third straight gold medal in the IIHF World Junior Championship, but will face stiff competition from a deep United States squad, the host country, and Slovakia.
- Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier is expected to be a key player for the United States, having scored 23 points in 17 games this season.
- Oliver Bonk is expected to play a significant role for Canada, especially after injuries to Tanner Molendyk and Tristan Luneau.
- Slovakia's Alex Čiernik, another Flyers prospect, could be a surprise standout in the tournament.
- Projected No. 1 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Macklin Celebrini, is one of the top players to watch in the tournament.