Welcome to Last Word On Hockey’s editions of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships predictions. Throughout the tournament our team will break down key matchups, storylines and stats, then make a prediction on how the game will play out. You can also check out our NHL editions. For this edition, we’ll take a look at the gold medal game between Czechia and Sweden.
World Junior Championship Predictions: Czechia vs Sweden
How to Watch: US TV: NHL Network Canada TV: TSN
Time: 8:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Where: Grand Casino Arena (St. Paul, Minn.)
We’ve made it to the gold medal game between Czechia and Sweden. This is our last edition of World Junior Championship predictions for the 2026 tournament. Many expected the Swedes to be in the final. Sweden outlasted rival Finland, 4-3, in a shootout in the one semifinal.
The Czechs have had a meteoric rise to the final after getting revenge against Canada in the semifinal. Czechia beat Canada in a wild 6-4 matchup to book its first trip to the final since 2023 and its first gold medal since 2001.
Let’s dive into the stats and storylines in this gold-medal edition of World Junior Championship predictions.
The Czechia Story
This is the first time since 2012 that either Canada, Finland, or the United States won’t be in the final. Czechia lost to Canada, 7-5, in the preliminary round. However, the Czechs turned the tables in the semifinal to get a spot in the championship game.
Los Angeles Kings prospect Vojtech Cihar leads the team on offence with four goals, seven assists, and 11 points. Tomas Galvas has been passed over two drafts. However, he’s tied with Washington Capitals draftee Petr Sikora for second with nine points.
Michal Orsulak has gotten a majority of the starts and will likely get the call again. He’s made some big saves, but he’ll need to stand tall against an offensively talented team like Sweden.
The Sweden Story
Sweden has been efficient and looked like one of the top teams from the jump in this tournament. There have been some nervy moments like the semifinal win, but the Swedes have a shot at its first gold since that 2012 tournament.
Chicago Blackhawks prospect Anton Frondell, Detroit Red Wings choice Eddie Genborg, and Philadelphia Flyers selection Jack Berglund both have eight points so far in this tournament. However, the Swedes can get points from a variety of sources.
St Louis Blues prospect Love Harenstam will probably draw the start in this game. Harenstam has gotten the start in five of the team’s six games in this tournament.
Prediction
One team will end a long gold-medal drought at the end of the night. The Swedes have looked like one of the favourites for most of this tournament. However, do not discount the Czechia, who can score goals with the best of them.
Despite the Czechs’ scoring prowess, the Swedes possess more depth and are stronger on the defensive end. Sweden should end its decade-plus championship drought.
Main photo by: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
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