ST. PAUL – Canada is one game away from playing for the gold medal at the World Junior Championship, but standing in their way is a Czechia squad that has their eyes on ending Canada’s golden hopes for a third straight tournament. The semifinal is set for 7:30 p.m. CT at Grand Casino Arena and we’re expecting a great matchup.

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• Canada Vs. Czechia Semifinal Preview

Canada beat Czechia 7-5 in a tense opening game on Boxing Day. Both teams have had some lineup changes since then and both have plenty of momentum after convincing quarterfinal wins. 

Here’s a look at how Canada is expected to line up against Czechia, going with largely the same lineup as they used against Slovakia in their 7-1 quarterfinal victory.

Team Canada Projected Lineup Vs. Czechia 

Forwards

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

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

Caleb Desnoyers (UTA) – Cole Beaudoin (UTA) -  Sam O’Reilly (TBL)

Cole Reschny (CGY) – Braeden Cootes (VAN) – Jett Luchanko (PHI)

Defense

Cameron Reid (NSH) – Zayne Parekh (CGY)

Ethan MacKenzie – Harrison Brunicke (PIT)

Kashawn Aitcheson (NYI) – Ben Danford (TOR)

Carson Carels (2026) – Keaton Verhoeff (2026)

Goalies

Jack Ivankovic (NSH)

Carter George  (LAK)

Scratches: Carter Bear (DET), Liam Greentree (LAK), Joshua Ravensbergen (SJS)

2026 World Juniors Medal Round Schedule, Semifinals and Final

Sunday, January 4

• 4:30 p.m. ET - Finland Vs. Sweden
• 8:30 p.m. ET - Canada Vs. Czechia

Monday, January 5

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

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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.

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