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2026 IIHF World Junior Championship

Canada Defeats Czechia, Scores 7 In World Juniors Opening Night Game

Canada Defeats Czechia, Scores 7 In World Juniors Opening Night Game

Here's everything you need to know about Canada vs Czechia in the World Juniors Championship on Friday, Dec. 26. Follow the game recap and highlights.

Dec 27, 2025 by Andy Schamma
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The first day of the World Juniors 2026 round robin play wrapped up on Friday night with a heavyweight match-up between two of the best hockey teams in the world.

Hockey Canada and Czechia took the ice at 3M Arena, home of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, in a rematch of the 2025 semifinals starting at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Top 2026 NHL draft eligible prospects to watch included Gavin McKenna and Keaton Verhoeff for the Canadians, joining the six returners from last year's team.

Center Adam Novotný and Vladimír Dravecký on the blue line were at the top of FloHockey contributor Chris Peters' draft eligible list representing Czechia.

Czechia ended Canada's run in the last two WJC during the quarterfinals. Last year, Canada didn't hold the lead once, but a goal by Porter Martone started a comeback late in the second that was finally secured by Bradly Nadeau with just four minutes left: 3-3.

St. Louis Blues prospect Adam Jecho scored the game-winning goal on the power play, devastating the hosts with just 40 seconds remaining before Czechia would eventually go on to secure their third medal in a row.

Canada hoped to turn around things around after missing a medal the past two tournaments. That journey started against Czechia.

Canada Defeats Czechia, Scores 7 In World Juniors Opening Night Game

View the game recap and scoring highlights from Czechia vs Canada on Friday, Dec. 26 below.

That's a wrap on game one of the World Juniors preliminary round between Canada and Czechia. The start of Canada's revenge tour has gone relatively well, surging past Czechia in the final moments of the third to secure a win that looked nearly out of reach throughout most of the game.

Zayne Parekh earned the Player of the Game award after his two goals.

Martone Scores On Empty Net, Earns Unsportsmanlike - 1:00 3rd

Canada 7, Czechia 5

Porter Martone scored the empty net goal within 7 seconds off the faceoff but his celebrations resulted in an unsportsmanlike penalty which put him in the penalty box and sent Czechia up a man.

Czechia Pulls Goalie And Calls Timeout - 1:07 3rd

Canada 6, Czechia 5

Empty net for Czechia as they tried to tie it up in the final minute.

Cihar Creates Opportunity For Galvas Beauty, Brings It Within 1 - 4:34 3rd

Canada 6, Czechia 5

Czechia had a 3-on-2 going downhill. Cihar broke up Canada's defense to create an opportunity for Galvas to easily put the puck in the net over George's right pad and bring the score back within one.

Shots on goal:

  • Canada: 26
  • Czechia: 32

Martone Called For Holding, Czechia Doesn't Score On Power Play  - 6:00 3rd

Canada 6, Czechia 4

With just over eight minutes left in the third, Canadian captain Porter Martone was sent to the penalty box after a holding call to give Czechia a late breath of hope.

It was nearly two minutes straight of Czechia's power play unit pressuring George and the Canadian penalty kill. Brunicke blocked a shot with his hand. 3 SOG during the attempt.

Although they weren't able to score, Czechia has mounted a strong attack as they try to close the gap.

MacKenzie Puts Canada Up By Two - 10:48 3rd

Canada 6, Czechia 4

Unpicked through two NHL drafts, MacKenzie earned a huge goal to give Canada more breathing room than they've felt since the first period, a 6-4 lead with just over 10 minutes left.

Hage earned his third point on the night with another assist.

Iginla Pulls Up For 5th Canada Goal - 13:28 3rd

Canada 5, Czechia 4

Michael Misa took the puck through the middle and into the Czechia zone before ejecting the puck out to Tij Iginla along the left wall. He walked it in before dragging and pulling the trigger to elevate the puck for Canada's 5th goal of the game and keep the shootout going between these two teams.

Poletin Nets Second Goal, Ties It Back Up - 14:20 3rd

Canada 4, Czechia 4

Galvas worked the puck around to find a seam pass and bounce it off the boards behind the net, as George reacted, Poletin was already there to scoop the puck into the net and tie things back up at 4.

Parekh Scores Again, This Time On Power Play - 16:00 3rd

Canada 4, Czechia 3

Jiricek was called for a fist to Cootes' face as the physicality picked up early in the third period—just like the second. Canada has a huge chance to take the lead with a man up to open the third.

Canada was 0-2 so far with an extra man, but Zayne Parekh secured a second in a row for the go-ahead goal during the power play. A beautiful handle and flick of the wrist near the right face-off dot launched the puck upwards and past Orsulak.

McKenna and Reschny on the assist.

The Home Stretch - 20:00 3rd

Canada 3, Czechia 3

It's been an incredible night of elite junior hockey between these two Goliaths. The final 20 minutes are underway as someone tries to take control and stride ahead tonight.

End of 2nd: Canada vs Czechia Score Tied After 40

Canada 3, Czechia 3

After 40 minutes of play, Czechia and Canada are all tied at three goals each. The second period surged and waned in intensity, starting out with both teams speeding around the ice, especially Canada as they were able to get their offensive presence established. 

Despite the solid footing, Czechia was able to take advantage of Canada's mistakes to not only catch up but also take the lead momentarily. Calgary Flames defender Zayne Parekh put that to an end, though, threading the puck through to the back of Czechia's net for his first World Juniors goal— and breaking Canada's scoring drought since the end of the first period.

Czechia continues to be a thorn in Canada's foot as they try to regain the glory of years past with one of the best teams they've had in years.

Zayne Parekh Snipes Goal Between Czech Defenders - 2:58 2nd

Canada 3, Czechia 3

After playing all over the ice in the second period, Zayne Parekh finally found the net with a speedy release between three Czech defenders to score Canada's third goal and tie things up in Minnesota.

Shots on goal:

  • Canada: 16
  • Czechia: 22

Czechia Surges, Take First Lead Of Game - 8:50 2nd

Canada 2, Czechia 3

In a defensive zone breakdown by Canada, Cihar found Petr Sikora with a beautiful tic-tac-toe play to get the puck past Carter George for the go-ahead goal.

Shots on goal:

  • Canada: 15
  • Czechia: 21

Canada Squats In Czechia's Zone, Can't Score Though - 8:50 2nd

Canada 2, Czechia 2

After what seemed like nearly two minutes straight of time spent in Czechia's zone by Canada's top lines, the arguable WJC favorites were still unable to find the back of the net and beat Orsulak to separate the score.

Canada Back On Power Play, Falls Short - 14:27 2nd

Canada 2, Czechia 2

Matyas Man was called for hooking Michael Hage on what was almost a breakaway attempt for Gavin McKenna. Despite their top unit circling for the final 35 seconds of the power play, Canada was only able to get in one shot on goal.

Czechia Tie It Up During Delayed Penalty - 16:00 2nd

Canada 2, Czechia 2

A slash by Beaudoin onto Man allowed Czechia to pull their goalie during the delayed penalty and it allowed Vojtech Cihar to tip the puck in off of the Adam Benak delivery from the boards.

Physicality Picking Up In Second - 16:45 2nd

Canada 2, Czechia 1

Hage took two massive hits entering Czechia's zone—the reigning bronze medalists aren't going to go down without a fight while Canada's forwards try to work more speed into their zone entry.

Puck Is Live On Second Period

And we're off into the middle period of this heavyweight dual between Czechia and Canada at the 2026 World Juniors.

Follow More World Juniors Live Updates Tomorrow On FloHockey

Check out FloHockey on Saturday, Dec. 27 to follow along with the latest World Juniors Championships coverage including on-site interviews, behind the scenes content, and live updates during every Team USA and Team Canada game.

Saturday, December 27

  • 2:00 p.m. ET - Slovakia vs Germany
  • 4:30 p.m. ET - Latvia vs Canada *Live Updates*
  • 6:00 p.m. ET - USA vs Switzerland *Live Updates*
  • 8:30 p.m. ET - Denmark vs Czechia

End of First Period: Canada Leading Czechia 2-1 After First 20

Canada 2, Czechia 1

To end the period, Iginla tried to elevate the puck with a shot from between his legs but Colorado Avalanche prospect Curran caught it in his hand and threw the puck out behind the net. The refs missed the call during the play, prompting Canada's team to stay on the ice for a few minutes after the horn blew.

After a review, the refs determined it was not a goal and there was no penalty on the play, although the commentators debated that it could've been a penalty shot if it were called during play due to the defender closing his hand around the puck.

Shots on goal:

  • Canada: 11
  • Czechia: 11

Michael Hage Adds His Own, Canada Back In Front - 2:00 1st

Canada 2, Czechia 1

Montreal Canadiens first-round pick Michael Hage sniped Canada's next goal, bouncing the puck off the post past Orsulak to retake the lead.

Shots on goal:

  • Canada: 8
  • Czechia: 10

Poletin Snags Impressive Tip To Tie It Up - 2:55 1st

Canada 1, Czechia 1

The puck hit what looked like three different surfaces on its way into the back of the net as Czechia tied it up.

New York Islanders' 4th round pick Tomas Poletin thrust his stick in the netfront position and after Adam Benak launched it towards the net.

McKenna and Martin Connect For Canada's First Goal - 6:07 1st

Canada 1, Czechia 0

Michael Hage took the puck deep to give Brady Martin and Gavin McKenna all the space they needed in the offensive zone to rip the puck into the net on the high glove side and score Canada's first goal of the 2026 WJC.

Canada's Top Line Looking Dangerous, Still Searching For First Goal - 7:03 1st

Canada's top line in Iginla, Misa and Martone have clearly had the best looks, getting set up in Czechia's end with relative ease as they still look to score their first goal of the 2026 WJC.

Orsulak Struck In Back of Head By Crossbar - 8:37 1st

In some normal tussling behind the net, players bumped the pipes which knocked the crossbar into the back of Czechia goalie Michal Orsulak's head which sent him to the ice. Refs blew the whistle to make sure he was okay—he continued play after a commercial break.

Shots on goal:

  • Canada: 4
  • Czechia: 5

George, Orsulak Both Called On To Make Big Breakaway Saves Early - 13:16 1st

Carter George didn't have much time to warm up into the opening game with early breakaways by Czechia's speedy attackers, withe Nestrasil nearly scoring after leaving the box.

Hage went the other direction but was unable to find the back of the net.

Shots on goal:

  • Canada: 2
  • Czechia: 3

O'Reilly Draws Hooking For First Canada Power Play - 16:27 1st

Fans got their first look at the Canadian power play after Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Sam O'Reilly drew a hooking on Vaclav Nestrasil to go on the man advantage.

They were able to set up but couldn't get the puck through for a shot on goal. Czechia put up a good showing, earning their own two shots on goal during the shorthanded period.

And We're Off: Will Canada Start Their Revenge Tour With A Win?

We'll know the answer to that in less than three hours.

Puck Drop Is Next: Canada vs Czechia In 2026 WJC at 3M Arena

Things are about to get started in Minneapolis, MN between the best under-20 hockey players from Canada and Czechia as they converge in preliminary round competition.

Carter George starts in the net for Canada with Michal Orsulak starting for the Czechs.

2026 NHL Draft Prospects To Watch At World Juniors

Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg and more: Chris Peters shared his top draft prospects to watch at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. Read the full write-up here.

A few players he listed from tonight's game:

  • Gavin McKenna, LW, Canada
  • Carson Carels, LHD, Canada
  • Keaton Verhoeff, RHD, Canada
  • Adam Novotný, LW, Czechia
  • Vladimír Dravecký, RHD, Czechia

Here's what Chris had to say about Carson Carels:

"Is he the fastest rising prospect in the draft? Yep. Carson Carels finished his pre-tournament by playing in Canada’s top four. A steady, reliable two-way defenseman who can skate and play physically, Carels is viewed as the kind of player that can be on an NHL blueline in the near future and for a very long time. If he manages to establish himself up Canada’s lineup, the buzz will grow."

When Does Canada Play In The World Juniors?

Canada plays Czechia starting at 8:30 p.m. ET on Friday, December 26. Follow along here for live updates and to watch highlights.

Chris And Cam Make Their 2026 WJC Top Goalie Predictions

Team Czechia Projected Line-up Vs. Canada

Here's the official line-up.

Forwards

Vaclav Nestrasil (CHI) - Vojtech Cihar (LAK) - Petr Sikora (WSH)

Maxmilian Curran (COL) - Adam Benak (MIN) - Tomas Poletin (NYI)

Jiri Klima - Adam Novotny (2026) - Stepan Hoch (UTA)

Matej Kubiesa - Richard Zemlicka - Adam Titlbach

Defense

Adam Jiricek (STL) - Jakub Fibigr (SEA)

Max Psenicka (UTA) - Tomas Galvas

Matyas Man - Vladimir Dravecky (2026)

Goalies

Matyas Marik

Michal Orsulak

Team Canada Projected Line-up Vs. Czechia

Here's the official line-up.

Forwards

Tij Iginla (UTA) – Michael Misa (SJS) – Porter Martone (PHI)

Gavin McKenna (2026) – Michael Hage (MTL) – Brady Martin (NSH)

Cole Reschny (CGY) – Cole Beaudoin (UTA) – Jett Luchanko (PHI)

Liam Greentree (LAK) – Braeden Cootes (VAN) – Sam O’Reilly (TBL)

Caleb Desnoyers (UTA)

Defense

Cameron Reid (NSH) – Zayne Parekh (CGY)

Carson Carels (2026) – Harrison Brunicke (PIT)

Kashawn Aitcheson (NYI) – Ben Danford (TOR)

Ethan MacKenzie

Goalies

Carter George (LAK)

Jack Ivankovic (NSH)

Canada’s projected power-play units (via TSN’s Mark Masters)

Brady Martin, Michael Hage, Cole Reschny, Gavin McKenna, Zayne Parekh

Porter Martone, Jett Luchanko, Michael Misa, Tij Iginla, Harrison Brunicke

2026 World Juniors Scores On Day 1

It's been an exciting first day of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. Here are the scores so far:

  • Sweden 3 - 2 Slovakia
  • Finland 6 - 2 Denmark
  • USA 6 - 3 Germany

Live Now: USA vs Germany Heats Up, Within 1 At Halfway Point

The United States hosts Germany in Saint Paul, Minn., in its opening preliminary-round game of the 2026 World Juniors.

FloHockey contributor Amelia Engstrom is providing live updates throughout the game.

Canada World Juniors Roster 2026

Forwards

  • Carter Bear, LW/C, Everett Silvertips (DET)
  • Cole Beaudoin, C, Barrie Colts (UTA)
  • Braeden Cootes, C/RW, Seattle Thunderbirds (VAN)
  • Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats (UTA)
  • Liam Greentree, RW, Windsor Spitfires (LAK)
  • Michael Hage, C, Michigan (MTL)
  • Tij Iginla, LW, Kelowna Rockets (UTA)
  • Jett Luchanko, C, Brantford Bulldogs (PHI)
  • Brady Martin, C, Soo Greyhounds (NSH)
  • Porter Martone, RW, Michigan State (PHI)
  • Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (2026)
  • Michael Misa, C/LW, San Jose Barracuda (SJS)
  • Sam O'Reilly, C/RW, London Knights (TBL)
  • Cole Reschny, C/LW, North Dakota (CGY)

Defense

  • Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie Colts (NYI)
  • Harrison Brunicke, D, Pittsburgh Penguins (PIT)
  • Carson Carels, D, Prince George Cougars (2026)
  • Ben Danford, D, Brantford Bulldogs (TOR)
  • Ethan MacKenzie, D, Edmonton Oil Kings
  • Zayne Parekh, D, Calgary Flames (CGY)
  • Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener Rangers (NSH)
  • Keaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota (2026)

Goalies

  • Carter George, G, Owen Sound Attack (LAK)
  • Jack Ivankovic, G, Michigan (NSH)
  • Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George Cougars (SJS)

Czechia World Juniors Roster 2026

Forwards

  • Adam Benak, C, Brantford Bulldogs (MIN)
  • Vojtech Cihar, LW, Kelowna Rockets (LAK)
  • Max Curran, C/LW, Edmonton Oil Kings (COL)
  • Samuel Drancak, C, Red Deer Rebels
  • Stepan Hoch, LW, HC Motor Ceske Budejovice (UTA)
  • Adam Jecho, C/RW, Edmonton Oil Kings (STL)
  • Jiri Klima, LW, Shawinigan Cataractes
  • Matej Kubiesa, RW, HC Ocelari Trinec
  • Vaclav Nestrasil, RW, UMass (CHI)
  • Adam Novotny, LW/RW, Peterborough Petes (2026)
  • Tomas Poletin, LW, Kelowna Rockets (NYI) 
  • Petr Sikora, C, HC Ocelari Trinec (WSH)
  • Adam Titlbach, C/LW, Vancouver Giants
  • Richard Zemlicka, F, Youngstown Phantoms

Defense

  • Vashek Blanar, D, HV71 (BOS)
  • Vladimir Dravecky, D, Brantford Bulldogs (2026)
  • Jakub Fibigr, D, Brampton Steelheads (SEA)
  • Tomas Galvas, D, Bili Tygri Liberec 
  • Adam Jiricek, D, Brantford Bulldogs (STL)
  • Matyas Man, D, Prince Albert Raiders
  • Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle Thunderbirds (BUF)
  • Max Psenicka, D, Portland Winterhawks (UTA)
  • Jakub Vanacek, D, Tri-City Americans (2026)

Goalies

  • Matyas Marik, G, HC Motor Ceske Budejovice
  • Michal Orsulak, G, Prince Albert Raiders
  • Jakub Milota, G, Blainville-Broisbriand Armada (NSH)

How to Watch Czechia vs Canada Hockey World Juniors In Canada, US

All games during 2026 World Juniors tournament will be broadcast live on the NHL Network for viewers in the US. 

The network will air live game telecasts of the World Junior Championships plus analysis, highlights, and interviews about the tournament.

If you live in Canada, you can watch each game on TSN.

You can also follow along on FloHockey for the latest news throughout the tournament.

Watch The Ivar Stenberg Shot That Secured Sweden's World Juniors Win

Ivar Stenberg broke out against Slovakia to score the third and final goal and take the lead over Slovakia in the third period with a five-hole slip past Alan Lendak.

Sweden's power play was rock solid across the second and third period but it was Slovakia who surged back late in the game to tie it up in the World Juniors opener on Friday, Dec. 26.

As one of the potential No. 1 NHL draft picks in 2026 competing with Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg already had a lot of attention going his way and this will only add to the excitement.

Earlier Tonight: Anton Frondell Talks About Ending Sweden's Drought

2026 World Junior Championship Schedule

View the full schedule below for the Group Stage and playoff rounds of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota. FloHockey will provide free live updates for each USA and Canada game including analysis, scoring summaries, and highlights.

Friday, December 26

  • 1:00 p.m. ET - Sweden 3 - 2 Slovakia
  • 2:30 p.m. ET - Denmark 2 - 6 Finland
  • 6:00 p.m. ET - Germany 3 - 6 USA
  • 8:30 p.m. ET - Czechia vs Canada *Live Updates*

Saturday, December 27

  • 2:00 p.m. ET - Slovakia vs Germany
  • 4:30 p.m. ET - Latvia vs Canada *Live Updates*
  • 6:00 p.m. ET - USA vs Switzerland *Live Updates*
  • 8:30 p.m. ET - Denmark vs Czechia

Sunday, December 28

  • 2:00 p.m. ET - Sweden vs Switzerland
  • 4:30 p.m. ET - Finland vs Latvia

Monday, December 29

  • 1:00 p.m. ET - Germany vs Sweden
  • 3:30 p.m. ET - Finland vs Czechia
  • 6:00 p.m. ET - Slovakia vs USA *Live Updates*
  • 8:30 p.m. ET - Canada vs Denmark *Live Updates*

Tuesday, December 30

  • 2:00 p.m. ET - Switzerland vs Germany
  • 4:30 p.m. ET - Latvia vs Denmark

Wednesday, December 31

  • 1:00 p.m. ET - Switzerland vs Slovakia
  • 3:30 p.m. ET - Czechia vs Latvia
  • 6:00 p.m. ET - USA vs Sweden *Live Updates*
  • 8:30 p.m. ET - Canada vs Finland *Live Updates*

Friday, January 2

  • 12:30 p.m. ET - Relegation Game
  • 2:00 p.m. ET - Quarterfinals Game 1
  • 4:30 p.m. ET - Quarterfinals Game 2
  • 6:00 p.m. ET - Quarterfinals Game 3
  • 8:30 p.m. ET - Quarterfinals Game 4

Sunday, January 4

  • 4:30 p.m. ET - Semifinals Game 1
  • 8:30 p.m. ET - Semifinals Game 2

Monday, January 5

  • 4:30 p.m. ET - Bronze Medal Game
  • 8:30 p.m. ET - Gold Medal Game

IIHF World Juniors Hockey: Past Champions

Here's who won the Gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship since 2000.

  • 2025: United States
  • 2024: United States
  • 2023: Canada
  • 2022: Canada
  • 2021: United States
  • 2020: Canada
  • 2019: Finland
  • 2018: Canada
  • 2017: United States 
  • 2016: Finland
  • 2015: Canada
  • 2014: Finland
  • 2013: United States 
  • 2012: Sweden
  • 2011: Russia
  • 2010: United States
  • 2009: Canada
  • 2008: Canada
  • 2007: Canada
  • 2006: Canada 
  • 2005: Canada
  • 2004: United States
  • 2003: Russia
  • 2002: Russia
  • 2001: Czech Republic
  • 2000: Czech Republic

2026 World Junior Championship Teams

View the list of teams, by group, for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Group A

  • USA
  • Germany
  • Switzerland
  • Sweden
  • Slovakia

Group B

  • Canada
  • Czechia
  • Latvia
  • Denmark
  • Finland

Follow FloHockey's Coverage Of The 2026 World Junior Championship

FloHockey will be on site for complete coverage of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can expect game-by-game coverage of both Team USA and Team Canada from FloHockey's experts, interviews with key players and coaches and much more. Follow FloHockey's WJC coverage here.

NHL Prospect Coverage On FloHockey

The best, and most complete, coverage of the NHL minor league hockey and NHL Draft is found on FloHockey. Don't miss the latest new prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.

Join The Hockey Conversation On FloHockey Social