The IIHF World Junior Championship, officially recognized in 1977, is a major event for national under-20 ice hockey teams. Held every year during the holiday season, it features top players from countries like Canada, the U.S., and Russia. The tournament has become a highlight in the hockey world, drawing attention for its competitive nature and the potential of future NHL stars.
Canada has achieved the most success, claiming 20 gold medals, while the U.S. added its 6th gold in 2024. Sweden also reached the 2024 gold medal game. The top 10 teams are split into two groups, each battling for a spot in the knockout rounds. The introduction of the relegation round in 2023 made the event even more competitive.
IIHF world junior championship tickets
According to Hockey Canada's official website, the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship will be held in Ottawa from December 26, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Single-game tickets for the event were made available to the public on September 20, 2024. Prices for tickets vary depending on the game type and venue, with tickets for preliminary rounds starting at $30 at Canadian Tire Centre and $35 at TD Place.
VIP packages and full event ticket packages were also offered but sold out. Ticket packages for games at Canadian Tire Centre range from $900 to $2,550, while those for TD Place range from $440 to $708. Tickets can be purchased online, with accessible seating options available.
IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship broadcasting
According to IIHF's official website, the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada, with streaming available on TSN+ for Canadian viewers. In the United States, the tournament will be shown on NHL Network, though streaming details for U.S. viewers are not yet available. Other countries have their own broadcast arrangements, such as SPOTV in parts of Asia, Viaplay in Scandinavia, and ORF in Austria. Fans can access coverage through different platforms based on their location.
When does the IIHF World Junior Championship start?
According to the NHL's official website, the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship begins on December 26, 2024, in Ottawa, Ontario, and will feature four games on opening day. The tournament runs until January 5, 2025. The United States, the defending champions, will face Germany in their first game, while Canada will open against Finland. Games will take place at the Canadian Tire Centre and TD Place, with ten teams competing in two groups.
IIHF World Junior Championship Format
According to IIHF's official website, the IIHF World Junior Championship features 10 teams divided into two groups of five for the preliminary round. Each group plays a single round-robin series. The top four teams from each group advance to the playoff round, while the fifth-placed teams enter the relegation round. The playoff round includes cross-over quarter-finals, followed by semi-finals, bronze medal, and gold medal games. Teams earn points using a three-point system. Tiebreakers are determined by head-to-head results, goal differences, and other criteria. Relegation involves the bottom two teams playing to decide which team remains in the top division for the next tournament.
FAQs on IIHF World Junior Championship
A. The first season was in 1974 (unofficial), and it became official in 1977.
A. The Canadian Tire Centre and TD Place will host the games.
A. The most recent champions are the United States, who won their 6th title in 2024.
A. Canada has won the most titles, with 20 championships.
A. The IIHF stands for International Ice Hockey Federation.
