The United States, the reigning champions, are aiming to make it to consecutive finals for the first time ever in the World Junior Hockey Championship.

However, to achieve this, they must overcome Czechia, the team that stopped them from winning a medal in 2022.

Czechia was the quarterfinal foe three years ago that knocked the USA out. Since then, the American squad has secured a bronze (2023) and a gold medal (2024), while Czechia has captured a silver and a bronze in the past two years.

In their history at the tournament, these teams have met 27 times, with the USA winning 17 of those encounters. Czechia advanced to this year’s semifinals after defeating host Canada 4-3 in the quarterfinals, while the USA convincingly beat Switzerland 7-2, with Ryan Leonard and James Hagens from Boston College each netting two goals.

The other semifinal will feature the classic rivalry between Sweden and Finland. The bronze and gold medal matches are scheduled for Sunday. Here’s everything you need to know about the semifinals at the World Junior Hockey Championship:

What Time Are the World Juniors Hockey Semifinals?

Sweden will take on Finland at 3:30 PM at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, followed by the United States facing Czechia at 7:30 PM.

Where to Watch the World Juniors Hockey Semifinals

Viewers in the United States can catch both semifinal matches on NHL Network, while fans in Canada can watch on TSN.

Streaming Options for the World Juniors Hockey Semifinals

In the United States, you can stream NHL Network through Fubo and Sling.

Today’s Matches in the World Juniors Hockey Tournament

• Sweden vs. Finland, 3:30 PM; NHLN, TSN
• USA vs. Czechia, 7:30 PM; NHLN, TSN

Key Players in USA vs. Czechia

United States: As the gold medalists from last year, the Americans have brought back ten players, along with Coach David Carle. Ryan Leonard and Danny Nelson from Notre Dame are currently leading the team with four goals each. Hagens, a potential first overall pick in the upcoming 2025 draft, also has the same goal tally. Both Hagens and Cole Hutson from Boston University have each contributed eight points total. Gabe Perreault from Boston College, who plays alongside Leonard and Hagens, has compiled seven points. The U.S. boasts the second-most effective power play in the tournament.

Czechia: After winning bronze last year, Czechia’s forwards Eduard Sale and Jacob Stancl share the team lead with five goals each. Sale, drafted by the Seattle Kraken and currently playing in the AHL, has scored two game-winning goals. Meanwhile, Stancl and Vojtech Hradec lead the team with eight points. Czechia’s penalty kill is slightly superior to that of the USA.

Information on Sweden vs. Finland

Sweden: Sweden claimed a silver medal last year. Defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellika, a first-round draft choice of the Detroit Red Wings, stands as the tournament’s highest remaining scorer with nine points. He, alongside forward Anton Wahlberg, has netted four goals each. Victor Eklund, brother of the San Jose Sharks’ William Eklund, is eligible for the 2025 draft. Sweden currently possesses the tournament’s most effective power play.

Finland: Finland faced Czechia in last year’s bronze medal contest. Jesse Kiiskinen is the leading goal-scorer for Finland, contributing four goals and five total points. Goalie Petteri Rimpinen has been crucial, starting every game, including a win over the USA, with an impressive 2.00 goals-against average. Finland leads the tournament in penalty killing but has the second-worst power play.

World Juniors Schedule

December 26

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

December 27

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

December 28

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

December 29

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

December 30

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

December 31

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

World Juniors Hockey Playoff Round

All times Eastern

January 2 (Quarterfinals)

• Sweden 3, Latvia 2
• United States 7, Switzerland 2
• Finland 5, Slovakia 3
• Czechia 4, Canada 3

January 4

• Sweden vs. Finland, 3:30 PM; NHLN, TSN
• USA vs. Czechia, 7:30 PM; NHLN, TSN

January 5

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