2024 IIHF World Junior Championship: United States Opens Against Norway

• NHL
• WJC

The United States will begin its quest for glory in the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship against Norway on December 26, marking one of four games hosted in Gothenburg, Sweden, on the tournament's opening day.

"Every game is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind you and start over again." - Bob Feller.

Tournament Details

The championship will be played from December 26, 2024, to January 5, 2024. The tournament's previous edition saw Canada clinching the title in an exhilarating overtime victory against Czechia. The 3-2 win marked Canada's second consecutive championship, echoing their historical five consecutive tournament victories from 2005-09.

Canada's first preliminary-round game in the 2024 championship will be against Finland on the opening day. This year's championship will feature ten teams, with the United States being placed in Group B for the preliminary round alongside Czechia, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Norway. The teams will compete at Frolundaborg in Gothenburg.

Group Distribution and Schedule

Group A will witness the competition among Canada, Sweden, Finland, Germany, and Latvia at Scandinavium in Gothenburg. Notably, Russia will not participate in international play due to its invasion of Ukraine.

The championship's format allows the top four teams from each group to advance to the quarterfinals, scheduled for January 2. The semifinals and relegation game will occur on January 4, followed by the championship and third-place games at Scandinavium on January 5.

Dec. 26

1. Slovakia vs. Czechia, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET
2. Finland vs. Canada, Scandinavium, 8:30 a.m. ET
3. United States vs. Norway, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
4. Sweden vs. Latvia, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET

Dec. 27

1. Slovakia vs. Switzerland, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET
2. Finland vs. Germany, Scandinavium, 8:30 a.m. ET
3. Norway vs. Czechia, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
4. Latvia vs. Canada, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET

Dec. 28

1. Switzerland vs. United States, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
2. Germany vs. Sweden, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET

Dec. 29

1. Norway vs. Slovakia, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET
2. Latvia vs. Finland, Scandinavium, 8:30 a.m. ET
3. Czechia vs. United States, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
4. Canada vs. Sweden, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET

Dec. 30

1. Switzerland vs. Norway, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
2. Germany vs. Latvia, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET

Dec. 31

1. United States vs. Slovakia, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET
2. Sweden vs. Finland, Scandinavium, 8:30 a.m. ET
3. Czechia vs. Switzerland, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
4. Canada vs. Germany, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET

Jan. 2

1. Quarterfinal 1, Frolundaborg, 6 a.m. ET
2. Quarterfinal 2, Scandinavium, 8:30 a.m. ET
3. Quarterfinal 3, Frolundaborg, 11 a.m. ET
4. Quarterfinal 4, Scandinavium, 1:30 p.m. ET

Jan. 4 (Scandinavium)

1. Relegation Game, 5 a.m. ET
2. Semifinal 1, 9 a.m. ET
3. Semifinal 2, 1:30 p.m. ET
4. Jan. 5 (Scandinavium)
5. Third-place game, 9 a.m. ET
6. Championship game, 1:30 p.m. ET

Looking Forward

With the tournament's schedule and matchups now public, ice hockey fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the thrilling clashes lined up. The United States' opening game against Norway promises an exciting start to their campaign in the championship. The expectation and excitement continue to build as the teams prepare to take to the ice.

The 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship is an enthralling spectacle of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. As we approach the opening faceoff, fans, players, and pundits look forward to witnessing ice hockey at its finest.