2024 IIHF World Junior Championship: An In-depth Look at Group A

• WJC

The 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship is set to take place in Gothenburg, Sweden, from Dec. 26-Jan. 5. This article focuses on the Group A preliminary-round bracket, providing an in-depth analysis of the participating teams - Canada, Sweden, Finland, Germany, and Latvia.

"Every game, goal, and move on the ice tells a story."

Canada: The Defending Champions

Canada aims for a third gold medal at the 2024 World Junior Championship. The only returning player from the 2023 WJC roster is Montreal Canadiens forward prospect Owen Beck. Despite being the only player with a feel for what it takes to win, Beck remains hopeful about bringing his experience to the team this year. Although Canada may lack World Junior experience, it compensates with high-end skills. The roster features nine players picked in the first round of the NHL Draft in 2022 and 2023, and forward Matthew Poitras (Boston Bruins), who has played in the NHL all season.

Sweden: The Hosts and Contenders

Sweden, the host nation, returns with nine players from the 2023 WJC, where it finished fourth. The team is hungry for a win, and with players like Filip Bystedt (San Jose Sharks) and David Edstrom (Vegas Golden Knights) showing great potential, they might have what it takes. Axel Sandin Pellikka (Detroit Red Wings) is also expected to be one of the best defensemen at the tournament.

Finland: The Work Ethic Warriors

Finland might not have much firepower or experience, but there is some exciting skill in the team. Kasper Halttunen (Sharks) has scored 20 goals in 28 games, and Konsta Helenius, a 17-year-old A-rated prospect for the 2024 draft, has 20 points in 28 games for Jukurit in Liiga, the top professional league in Finland.

Latvia: The Fighters

Latvia survived relegation at the 2023 WJC. To avoid that round this year, it will need big production from two of its most experienced players, forwards Dans Locmelis (Boston Bruins) and Sandis Vilmanis (Florida Panthers).

Germany: The Underdogs

Germany has avoided relegation in the past four tournaments but will have a tough time avoiding it this year. Seven players return from the 2023 team that finished eighth, including defenseman Philip Sinn, who tied for the team lead with three points.