MINNEAPOLIS and ST. PAUL — The 2026 World Juniors delivered an intense day of quarterfinal action on Friday, with five matches determining the fate of several teams. Unfortunately for the host nation, the USA’s quest for a third consecutive gold was cut short as they fell to Finland 4-3 in a dramatic overtime finish, leaving the Grand Casino Arena in stunned silence.
USA head coach Bob Motzko expressed his disappointment after the loss, stating, “That one hurts. On so many levels. We were this close to playing a perfect game. … But that’s sports. It rips your bloody heart out.” Finnish goaltender Petteri Rimpinen, the reigning tournament’s top goaltender, showcased his skills with 28 saves and proved pivotal in his team’s win. Rimpinen shared his excitement, remarking, “I waited for this the whole year. Just wanting to go far. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
In the relegation match, Germany triumphed over Denmark 8-4, marking their first victory in the tournament. This win ensures Germany a place in the top flight for the eighth consecutive year, while Denmark faces relegation to be replaced by Division 1A champions Norway in the 2027 World Juniors in Edmonton and Red Deer. Key performances came from David Lewandowski (EDM) and Carlos Handel (MTL), both contributing three points to Germany’s success.
Sweden secured a spot in the semifinals by defeating Latvia 6-3, with standout performances from Anton Frondell (CHI), who scored twice, and Leo Sahlin Wallenius (SJS), who had three points. Simultaneously, Czechia defeated Switzerland 6-2, with Vojtech Cihar (LAK) and Petr Sikora (WSH) continuing their strong tournaments, both adding two points.
On a reflective note, the Swiss national team paid tribute by wearing black armbands during their match against Czechia. This act honored the memory of the 40-plus victims of a tragic bar fire in a Swiss ski resort on New Year’s Eve. Coach Jan Cadieux highlighted the importance of this gesture, stating, “We wanted to send our emotions and energy to all of the people and families who are touched by this.” Despite a loss, players expressed pride in their performance throughout the tournament.
Czech captain Petr Sikora had a memorable birthday, scoring a goal and registering three points in the victory over Switzerland, bringing his total points to eight for the tournament. The USA team, however, faced criticism, as high expectations and notable first-round draft picks resulted in a disappointing overall performance, with many players struggling to find their scoring touch.
Canada made a triumphant return to the semifinals for the first time since Connor Bedard’s standout performance in 2023, routing Slovakia 7-1. This strong showing saw 14 Canadian players find the scoresheet, a demonstration of their depth and offensive capability. Canada is now set for a rematch against Czechia, who has eliminated them in the past two tournaments.
The semifinals will take place on January 3 with a day off before resuming on January 4, featuring Sweden versus Finland at 3:30 p.m. CT and Canada against Czechia at 7:30 p.m. CT. With the tournament now narrowing down to the final stages, anticipation builds for what promises to be exciting matchups ahead.