The United States has yet to win consecutive championships at the world junior hockey tournament or reached the final in the following year after winning.

The reigning champions, the USA (with a record of 3-0-1), aim to turn that narrative around on Thursday in Ottawa as they compete against Switzerland in the quarterfinals. After securing victory over Canada on New Year’s Eve, the USA topped Group A. They will go head-to-head with a Swiss team that recorded a 1-3 record in the preliminary matches, conceding more goals than they scored (15-10).

This match is critical as the loss means elimination. The four winning teams from the quarterfinals will be reseeded for the semifinals on Saturday, while the medal matches will occur on Sunday.

Here’s the essential information about the USA-Switzerland quarterfinal game, including the full schedule for the world juniors hockey championship:

When is the USA vs. Switzerland World Juniors Quarterfinal?

The match is scheduled for Thursday at 2:30 p.m. ET at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa.

Where to watch the USA vs. Switzerland World Juniors Quarterfinal?

Viewers in the United States can watch the game on NHL Network, while Canadian viewers can catch it on TSN.

Key Players for USA and Switzerland

United States: The top line comprises Boston College players Ryan Leonard (drafted by the Washington Capitals), Gabe Perreault (New York Rangers), and James Hagens, who is a leading candidate for the number one pick in the upcoming 2025 NHL draft. Cole Hutson, a defenseman from Boston University and also a Capitals draft pick, is the USA’s leading scorer with eight points. He has a brother, Lane Hutson, who plays defense for the Montreal Canadiens. Winger Brodie Ziemer from the University of Minnesota (Buffalo Sabres) leads the team with three goals. Goaltender Trey Augustine from Michigan State (Detroit Red Wings) made an impressive 38 saves in the victory against Canada.

Switzerland: Leo Braillard, a forward, has netted three goals, while goalie Christian Kirsch is a 2024 draft pick of the San Jose Sharks. Defenseman Leon Muggli, who has three assists, was selected in the second round by the Capitals.

Team Statistics: USA vs. Switzerland

Goals Scored: United States 22, Switzerland 10

Goals Allowed: United States 10, Switzerland 15

Power Play Efficiency: United States 27.8%, Switzerland 31.6%

Penalty Kill Efficiency: United States 81.3%, Switzerland 68.7%

World Juniors Hockey Schedule for Today

All times shown are in p.m. ET

• Germany vs. Kazakhstan (relegation match), 11 a.m.
• No. 1 Sweden vs. No. 4 Latvia quarterfinal, noon, NHLN, TSN
• No. 1 United States vs. No. 4 Switzerland quarterfinal, 2:30, NHLN, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5
• No. 2 Finland vs. No. 3 Slovakia quarterfinal, 5, NHLN, TSN
• No. 2 Czechia vs. No. 3 Canada quarterfinal, 7:30, NHLN, TSN

Recent World Juniors Hockey Results

Dec. 26

• Sweden 5, Slovakia 2
• United States 10, Germany 4
• Czechia 5, Switzerland 1
• Canada 4, Finland 0

Dec. 27

• Slovakia 2, Switzerland 1
• Finland 3, Germany 1
• Sweden 8, Kazakhstan 1
• Latvia 3, Canada 2 (SO)

Dec. 28

• Czechia 14, Kazakhstan 2
• United States 5, Latvia 1

Dec. 29

• Sweden 7, Switzerland 5
• Finland 4, United States 3 (OT)
• Czechia 4, Slovakia 2
• Canada 3, Germany 0

Dec. 30

• Slovakia 5, Kazakhstan 4 (OT)
• Latvia 4, Germany 3 (OT)

Dec. 31

• Switzerland 3, Kazakhstan 1
• Finland 3, Latvia 0
• Sweden 4, Czechia 2
• United States 4, Canada 1

World Juniors Hockey Playoff Schedule

All times are Eastern

Jan. 2 (quarterfinals)

• Sweden vs. Latvia, noon, NHLN, TSN
• United States vs. Switzerland, 2:30, NHLN, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5
• Finland vs. Slovakia, 5, NHLN, TSN
• Czechia vs. Canada, 7:30, NHLN, TSN

Jan. 4

• Semifinal 1 at 3:30 p.m. ET; NHLN, TSN
• Semifinal 2 at 7:30 p.m. ET; NHLN, TSN

Jan. 5

• Third-place match at 3:30, NHLN, TSN
• Championship game at 7:30, NHLN, TSN