2026 World Juniors daily: Jan 1
A thrilling final day of the round-robin at the 2026 World Juniors saw seeding finalized for the tournament’s quarterfinals.
Dec. 31 results:
Switzerland 3-2 Slovakia
Czechia 4-2 Latvia
Sweden 6-3 USA
Canada 7-4 Finland
About yesterday
In a contest that decided who would finish third in Group A, Switzerland beat Slovakia 3-2. While CHLers on either side failed to register a point, it was a big win for the Swiss who in the process avoided top spot in Group B when the pools cross-over for the quarterfinals.
In the second game of the day, Czechia doubled up Latvia 4-2 in a result that would secure them second place in Group B. The Kelowna Rockets’ Tomas Poletin (NYI), Brantford Bulldogs’ Adam Jiricek (STL) and Portland Winterhawks Max Psenicka (UTA) all scored while the Edmonton Oil Kings’ Max Curran (COL) added two assists. In defeat, the Saint John Sea Dogs’ Olivers Murnieks (2026) had an assist but Latvia had nothing to lose as their quarterfinal spot had already before secured after a win over Denmark the day before.
In a battle for top spot in Group A, Sweden came out on top over the USA 6-3. The Soo Greyhounds’ Chase Reid (2026) scored his second goal of the tournament for the Americans but the two-time gold medallists had to settle for second place in the pool. As for Sweden, they went a perfect 4-0-0 to top the group.
Tij Iginla gives 🇨🇦 the lead for the fourth time!
A stunning stretch pass from the @SpiritHockey's Zayne Parekh is buried on the 🅿️🅿️ by the @Kelowna_Rockets star to make it 4-3! #WorldJuniors | #TusksUp | #Flames pic.twitter.com/Usd9j1mBDc
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) January 1, 2026
Finally, Canada toppled Finland 7-4 in a scintillating affair to close out 2025. The Barrie Colts’ Cole Beaudoin (UTA) had three points (2G/1A) while the Soo Greyhounds’ Brady Martin (NSH) scored twice. The Saginaw Spirit’s Zayne Parekh (CGY) and London Knights’ Sam O’Reilly (TB) each had a goal and two assists while the Kelowna Rockets’ Tij Iginla (UTA) had two points (1G/1A). As for Finland, their Everett Silvertips duo contributed offensively: Julius Miettinen (SEA) scored while Matias Vanhanen had two assists. The result meant that Canada claimed Group A after going 4-0-0 while Finland sunk to a third place finish.
CHL Player of the Day
In his second World Juniors, the Barrie Colts’ Cole Beaudoin (UTA) had his best showing at the tournament. Beaudoin scored the game-winner at 7:05 of the second and then scored again in the third before he set-up Sam O’Reilly’s (TB) empty-net goal to seal the win. The Colts captain has starred so far in the OHL where in only 25 games he has 14 goals and 41 points.
Cole Beaudoin with insurance for 🇨🇦!
His second of the night make its 6-4 in the third! #WorldJuniors @OHLBarrieColts | #TusksUp pic.twitter.com/WZE9Y1PJZe
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) January 1, 2026
Jan. 2 schedule
Germany vs. Denmark – 12:30pm ET / 9:30am PT
Sweden vs. Latvia – 2pm ET / 11am PT
Switzerland vs. Czechia – 4:30pm ET / 1:30pm PT
USA vs. Finland – 6pm ET / 3pm PT
Canada vs. Slovakia – 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT
CHL leading scorers
| Name | Country | Points | CHL club |
| Zayne Parekh | Canada | 8 | Saginaw Spirit (OHL) |
| Gavin McKenna | Canada | 8 | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) |
| Brady Martin | Canada | 7 | Soo Greyhounds (OHL) |
| Vojtech Cihar | Czechia | 7 | Kelowna Rockets (WHL) |
| Jasper Kuhta | Finland | 6 | Ottawa 67’s (OHL) |
| Porter Martone | Canada | 5 | Brampton Steelheads (OHL) |
| Cole Beaudoin | Canada | 5 | Barrie Colts (OHL) |
| Tij Iginla | Canada | 5 | Kelowna Rockets (WHL) |
| Caleb Desnoyers | Canada | 5 | Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) |
| Matias Vanhanen | Finland | 5 | Everett Silvertips (WHL) |
Tournament notes:
79 past and present CHL players to compete at 2026 World Juniors
Canada roster
Non-Canada players
Quarter-finals are set!💥 #WorldJuniors #IIHF
Watch games live at ➡️ https://t.co/GVtjaQ8Rra pic.twitter.com/98OI3cJ1Rl
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) January 1, 2026
