Can Canada come out on top at the 2024 World Juniors hosted in Sweden?

With 10 nations vying for glory, the 2024 IIHF World Juniors begins in Sweden on December 26, with the championship match scheduled for January 5. Canada is aiming to reach the final for the fifth consecutive year. Betting Sites Odds for the games will be shared closer to the dates, but, for now, only predictions for the tournament winner exist. Let’s explore the 10 participating teams and their tournament outlook.

Competing teams are sorted into two groups of five. Each team plays four games within their group, and the top four teams will advance to the quarter-finals. The matches then transition to a knockout format where it's do-or-die in a single game elimination.

The last-place team in each group will engage in a relegation playoff. The loser will be demoted, making way for Kazakhstan, who recently claimed victory in Division I Group A in Bucharest, to join the next tournament in Ottawa.

Canada's dominance in the World Juniors is well-known, being the most successful team with victories in 20 out of the 47 tournaments, including back-to-back wins in 2022 and 2023 on home ice.

They only stumbled once in the 2023 tournament, ultimately defeating Czechia in the final. Meanwhile, the USA and Sweden rounded out the semi-finals, with the USA clinching the bronze medal.

Austria's loss to Latvia in the relegation match paved the way for Norway to join the 2024 tournament, after Austria lost all six of their games in 2023. Latvia remains a strong contender for another relegation struggle in 2024.

Canada's accomplished reaching the finals in four straight years, predominantly on home turf, securing three titles while their lone defeat was to the USA in 2021.

Canada's roster, brimming with emerging talent, includes numerous future NHL stars. Among them, Conor Geekie stands out, connected to Bruins player Morgan Geekie, formerly of the Seattle Kraken.

Top draft picks like Nate Danielson, Braden Yager, Matthew Wood, Oliver Bonk, Tanner Molendyk, and Easton Cowen are also set to don the Canadian jersey this year, promising a powerhouse team.

Adding to this talent pool, Macklin Celebrini is tipped as the anticipated #1 pick in the 2024 NHL draft, boosting excitement for Canada's journey to triumph once more.

Canada will face strong opposition from the other four teams in Group A, which includes skilled teams ready to challenge them.

Sweden

As hosts, Sweden is optimistic about advancing far in the tournament. They reached the semi-finals in 2023 but lost an electrifying 8-7 overtime match for third place to the USA. Despite rare victories, their consistent final appearances make them noteworthy contenders.

Having reached the semi-finals 15 times out of the last 17 tournaments, Sweden's minimum ambition this year is to replicate this feat. During the 2014 home tournament, they narrowly missed out on the title to Finland in overtime.

With prospects from the Vancouver Canucks like Elias Pettersson, Tom Willander, and Jonathan Lekkerimaki, this tournament is a platform for these young players to shine and amplify fan excitement.

Finland

Finland has secured the champion title thrice in the last decade in 2014, 2016, and 2019. Despite Tomi Lamsa's recent appointment as Head Coach, their potential for strong performances remains highly anticipated.

After four consecutive semi-final appearances, they stumbled at the quarter-finals last year. However, given previous successes, including a gold medal in 2019, the team aims to rebound strongly.

Germany

Germany has a consistent European presence with aspirations fueled by NHL star Leon Draisaitl's success. Yet, reaching beyond the quarter-final stage remains a challenge for them.

Doubts exist regarding Germany's chances in 2024. Last year, they managed only a single victory against Austria, which ranked lowest. They put up fights in close matches but were outmatched by Canada and Czechia.

Latvia

Latvia is set to contest with Germany in their group, potentially finishing last after failing to clinch a group stage win last year. However, triumphs against Austria in the relegation rounds preserved their standing.

Despite losses, Latvia's close encounters against major teams highlight their resilience, notably tying with the USA at one stage last year and narrowly losing to Switzerland in a shootout.

Many eyes are on performance within the secondary group of teams. Though often labeled as weaker, these 10 teams offer challenging play levels, making determined group competition inevitable.

USA

The USA clinched their first World Juniors victory only in 2004 but have added a total of five since, including a 2021 win over Canada in the final with players like Cole Caulfield and Trevor Zegras leading the charge.

Facing Norway in the group stage opener on December 26 looks promising for the USA to outshine early on, offering a promising start with potential goalscoring opportunities.

A 2023 semi-final loss to Canada is motivating the US team to seek retaliation at the World Juniors stage if the opportunity arises.

Czechia

Canada's promising lineup opens with a clash against Slovakia, having reached a spectacular final last year and recovering from a two-goal deficit to push Canada to overtime, demonstrating growth since their last medal in 2005.

With two tournament wins in 2000 and 2001, before placing fourth in 2022 and reaching the gold medal game last year, the team is poised for a competitive run.

Denmark seems on the outskirts of striking gold again, yet the USA matchup on December 29 could reveal which team will assert dominance within their group.

Slovakia

Slovakia has made it to semi-finals three times, with bronze in 1999 and 2015. They brought a near-upset to Canada last year in the quarters, showcasing their competitive edge.

Young standout Filip Mešár from the Montreal Canadiens is returning revitalized after playing with Kitchener Rangers, keen to shine in the forthcoming tournament.

Switzerland

Slovakia's journey to the semi-finals saw a third-place triumph in 1998, though subsequent years brought semi-final exits. Recent qualification matches hinted at ongoing prowess despite a 2023 quarter-final loss to Czechia.

Facing Czechia again presents Slovakia the chance for redemption in a crucial group match on December 31, understanding the importance of quarter-final seeding.

Norway

Norway's return to this tier carries hope, aiming to halt their recurring immediate relegations from the past.

Norway's last appearance in 2014 brought heavy losses, but strategic defensive play hopes to mitigate expected challenges against formidable teams this year.

Anticipation builds for an enthralling World Juniors as fans eagerly watch these rising stars destined for the NHL establish their presence, notably those linked through team drafts.

This year, Canada faces a tough challenge without a standout player like Connor Bedard. The previous tournament saw them stretched to their limits, needing extra time against Slovakia in the quarter-finals and Czechia in the gold medal match. Playing away from home now, without the support of their roaring fans, will certainly raise the stakes for the team.

With the tournament being hosted by Sweden, they're optimistic about putting on a stellar performance. Czechia, buoyed by their runner-up finish last year, will also be aiming high. Meanwhile, the USA is confident with their strong roster and feels poised to make a significant impact. Truly, a number of teams have their sights set on the ultimate prize.

Canada is poised for their third consecutive victory, entering as the top contenders of the tournament. However, this year’s team doesn’t quite have the same punch as last year's squad and they'll need to be laser-focused from the very beginning. For those eyeing long odds, Slovakia showed glimpses of brilliance last year, hinting they might pull off surprises at the 2024 World Juniors.