The IIHF World Junior Championship, featuring the best under-20 ice hockey talent from around the globe, was officially started in 1977. The 2025 WJC marks its 49th edition and will be hosted in Ottawa, Canada, from December 26, 2024, to January 5, 2025. This will be Canada’s 19th time hosting and Ottawa’s first since 2009, with games held at the Canadian Tire Centre and TD Place Arena.
Ten nations, including hockey powerhouses like Canada, the United States, Sweden, and Finland, will compete in the ‘Top Division’ for the gold medal. Teams in the lower divisions will battle for promotion. The United States enters the 2025 tournament as the defending champion, having secured their sixth title in 2024 against Sweden. Apart from team success, individual performances are recognized with awards for Best Goaltender, Best Defenceman, Best Forward, and the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Related: IIHF World Junior Championship Rosters
Youngest MVP winner in World Junior Hockey
Connor Bedard became the youngest player to receive the Most Valuable Player award at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship as per Flohockey.tv. As a 17-year-old, he led the tournament with 23 points, setting multiple Canadian World Junior records. Bedard, at the 2023 World Junior Hockey Championships, led Canada to a gold medal and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Bedard scored 23 points, including nine goals and 14 assists, in seven games. This set a new Canadian record for points scored in a single tournament, surpassing the previous mark of 18 held by Dale McCourt (1977) and Brayden Schenn. His 14 assists set a Canadian record for most assists in a single tournament as per Sportsnet. Bedard also surpassed Jaromir Jagr's points total for players aged 18 or younger while setting the Canadian career goal record at the World Juniors, scoring 16 goals to overtake Jordan Eberle’s 14.
One of his standout moments came in overtime against Slovakia in the quarterfinals, where he scored a goal to help Canada to the semifinals as per Sportsnet. Bedard’s contributions were crucial to Canada securing back-to-back golds and their 20th World Junior Championship title.
FAQs on Who is the youngest MVP winner?
A. Connor Bedard is the youngest MVP winner at the IIHF WJC.
A. Bedard scored 23 points, including nine goals and 14 assists, in seven games. This set a new Canadian record for points in a single tournament.
A.The World Junior Championship 2025 is taking place in Ottawa, Canada.
A. The age limit for the World Junior Championship is under-20.
