2026 World Juniors daily: Jan 3
The semi-finals at the 2026 World Juniors are set as Canada, Czechia, Finland and Sweden will all play for medals.
Jan. 2 results
Germany 8-4 Denmark
Sweden 6-3 Latvia
Czechia 6-2 Switzerland
Finland 4-3 USA (OT)
Canada 7-1 Slovakia
About yesterday
In the first game of the day, Germany secured its World Juniors status for 2027 after they beat Denmark 8-4 in the elimination game. The Saskatoon Blades’ Dustin Willhoft ended his impressive World Juniors with a four-point (1G/3A) showing to lead the Germans while his Blades teammate David Lewandowski had a goal and two assists. The Chicoutimi Sagueneens Maxim Schafer (WSH) had a goal and an assist while the Halifax Mooseheads’ Carlos Handel (MTL) tallied three assists. As for Denmark, the Sags’ Anton Linde scored his third goal of the tournament in defeat. With seven points (two goals) in five games, Willhoft was named as one of Germany’s top three players of the tournament as was Linde for Denmark after he had four points in the tournament.
The first quarterfinal saw Sweden double up Latvia 6-3 to advance to the semi-finals for the fifth straight year. In defeat, the Saint John Sea Dogs’ Olivers Murnieks (2026) scored his first goal of the tournament. Former Blainville-Boisbriand Armada forward Kristers Ansons finished as Latvia’s joint scorer at the tournament with six points (three points).
Czechia ensured they will play for a medal for the fourth straight year after they beat Switzerland 6-2. Twice the Czechs fell behind but a string of five straight goals secured their spot in the semis. The Shawinigan Cataractes’ Jiri Klima led the way with three points (1G/2A) while the Red Deer Rebels’ Sam Drancak, Brantford Bulldogs’ Adam Jiricek (STL) and Brampton Steelheads’ Jakub Fibigr (SEA) also scored. In goal, the Prince Albert Raiders’ Michal Orsulak stopped 18 shots. For Switzerland, the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies’ Lars Steiner (2026) had an assist and the Kitchener Rangers’ Christian Kirsch made 37 saves. After he finished the tournament with a goal and three assists, Steiner was named as one of Switzerland’s top three performers.
A first #WorldJuniors goal for Jiri Klima! 🚨
The @Cataractes_Shaw forward extends 🇨🇿's lead to 5-2 in their quarterfinal against 🇨🇭! pic.twitter.com/XdnUMMq7Ln
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) January 2, 2026
There will be a new World Juniors champion in 2026. The two-time defending champs USA were beaten 4-3 in overtime on home soil by Finland. The Everett Silvertips’ duo of Matias Vanhanen and Julius Miettinen (SEA) both assisted on Arttu Valila’s game-winner as Finland moved to the semis for the third straight year.
Finally, Canada are back into the semi-finals for the first time since 2023 after a dominant 7-1 victory over Slovakia. The London Knights’ Sam O’Reilly (TB), Saginaw Spirit’s Michael Misa (SJ), Barrie Colts’ Cole Beaudoin (UTA) and former Brampton Steelheads captain Porter Martone (PHI) each had a goal and an assist while the Kelowna Rockets’ Tij Iginla (UTA), Soo Greyhounds’ Brady Martin (NSH) and former Victoria Royal Cole Reschny (CGY) also scored. Ex-Steelhead Jack Ivankovic (NSH) stopped 21 shots. Slovakia’s lone goal came from the Sudbury Wolves’ Jan Chovan (LA).
FIVE IN THE FIRST! 😤
The @OHLHoundPower's Brady Martin (#Preds) finishes off a dominant first period for 🇨🇦! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/Bh4rZtgDUo
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) January 3, 2026
CHL Player of the Day
The Kelowna Rockets’ Tij Iginla continued his impressive tournament as he buried the game-winner for Canada in their 7-1 victory over Slovakia. The Utah Mammoth prospect has three goals and six points at the World Juniors. With the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota host Rockets, Igina’s managed 27 points (13 goals) in 17 games.
TIJ SNIPE! 🎯
The @Kelowna_Rockets' #TusksUp prospect has his third to double 🇨🇦's lead over 🇸🇰! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/s1gY4vq9gr
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) January 3, 2026
Jan. 4 schedule
Sweden vs. Finland – 4:30pm ET / 1:30pm PT
Canada vs. Czechia – 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT
CHL leading scorers
| Name | Country | Points | CHL club |
| Zayne Parekh | Canada | 10 | Saginaw Spirit (OHL) |
| Gavin McKenna | Canada | 9 | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) |
| Vojtech Cihar | Czechia | 9 | Kelowna Rockets (WHL) |
| Brady Martin | Canada | 8 | Soo Greyhounds (OHL) |
| Dustin Willhoft | Germany | 7 | Saskatoon Blades (WHL) |
| Porter Martone | Canada | 7 | Brampton Steelheads (OHL) |
| Cole Beaudoin | Canada | 7 | Barrie Colts (OHL) |
| Tij Iginla | Canada | 6 | Kelowna Rockets (WHL) |
| Michael Misa | Canada | 6 | Saginaw Spirit (OHL) |
| Jasper Kuhta | Finland | 6 | Ottawa 67’s (OHL) |
Where to watch
Sweden and Finland can be seen live on TSN 1/4/5 while Canada’s contest with Czechia is available on TSN 1/3/4.
Tournament notes:
79 past and present CHL players to compete at 2026 World Juniors
Canada roster
Non-Canada players
