Canada falls to United States at 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, quarterfinal matchups set

Ottawa, Ont.- A slew of penalties sank Canada against the United States and in Group A standings on New Year’s Eve.

Canada took 11 penalties in a 4-1 loss to the defending gold medalists, which saw the U.S. capitalize with three powerplay tallies and an empty netter.

Winnipeg Jets prospect Brayden Yager (Lethbridge Hurricanes / Saskatoon, Sask.) picked up Player of the Game honours for Canada.

The Canadians close out round-robin play in third place and will face Czechia in the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship Quarterfinals.

Washington Capitals prospect Cole Hutson broke through on an American powerplay 13:02 into the opening period, marking the first time Canada has trailed in regulation at the tournament.

Hunting for an equalizer, Catton drove the net shortly after and put up a close shot on Augustine, prompting scrums between several players and offsetting penalties.

The extracurriculars carried over to the end of the first period and into the middle frame, which featured no scoring but a multitude of penalties.

Canada finally broke through on a third-period powerplay, as Nashville Predators prospect Tanner Molendyk (Saskatoon Blades / McBride, B.C.) fed Captain Canada Brayden Yager for a slick cross-ice pass for a Bradly Nadeau (Chicago Wolves / Saint-François-de-Madawa, N.B.) one-timer.

In the theme of the night, the host nation found themselves back in the penalty box minutes later.

Danny Nelson quickly restored the U.S. lead with a screened shot from the slot, and Canada’s penalty woes would continue to haunt them as Cole Eiserman added more powerplay insurance for a 3-1 lead.

Ryan Leonard put the game away with an empty netter as the visitors cruised to a 4-1 lead, sealing a first-place finish in Group A.

Playoff matches set

Canada will face reigning bronze medalist Czechia, which features six WHLers, in the quarterfinals on January 2.

The United States will face Leo Braillard, Ewan Huet and Switzerland, while Julius Miettinen and Veeti Vaisanen will help Finland take on Slovakia.

Finally, Calgary Flames prospect Axel Hurtig and Sweden will take on underdog Latvia.

Notes: Utah Hockey Club prospect Veeti Vaisanen (Medicine Hat Tigers) registered an assist on the game-winning goal in Finland’s 3-0 win over Latvia to clinch second place in Group A. 2024 St. Louis Blues pick Adam Jecho (Edmonton Oil Kings) picked up a helper in Czechia’s 5-2 loss at the hands of Sweden. Lethbridge Hurricanes import Leo Braillard logged 17:32 of ice time in Switzerland’s 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan to clinch fourth in Group B and avoid the relegation round.