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The holiday hockey tradition returns as Canada and Czechia open the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship tonight, December 26, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. ET in Minneapolis. This clash is a high-stakes “revenge match” for the Canadians, who have suffered heartbreaking quarterfinal exits to the Czechs in each of the last two years.
Led by superstar prospect Gavin McKenna, Canada aims to restore its golden standards after two years without a medal. Meanwhile, a resilient Czechia squad—fresh off three consecutive podium finishes—looks to prove their recent success is the new norm. With national pride and early group positioning on the line, this matchup serves as the ultimate litmus test for two global hockey powerhouses.
Czechia vs Canada Viewing Information
- Date: Friday, Dec 26, 2025.
- Venue: 3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis, MN
- Start time: 8:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. local CT)
- Watch Live Stream: Start Watching Live Online (Available Worldwide)
Czechia vs Canada Event Details
The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship officially kicked off today, December 26, 2025, with a high-stakes rematch between Canada and Czechia. This opening-day clash serves as a major “revenge match” for the Canadians, who were eliminated in the quarterfinals by the Czechs in both 2024 and 2025.
Led by superstar prospect Gavin McKenna, Canada aims to end a two-year medal drought. Meanwhile, Czechia—seeking its fourth consecutive podium finish—remains a formidable threat despite missing star forward Adam Jecho due to injury. This battle is the ultimate test for early Group B supremacy.
Czechia vs Canada Event Schedule
The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship kicked off on December 26, 2025, in Minnesota. Below is the essential information for the opening matchup between Canada and Czechia.
| Feature | Details |
| Date | Friday, December 26, 2025 |
| Time | 8:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. local CT) |
| Venue | 3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis, MN |
| Broadcast | TSN (Canada), NHL Network (USA) |
| Significance | Opening game of Group B preliminary round |
| The Rivalry | Czechia eliminated Canada in the 2024 and 2025 quarterfinals |
Czechia vs Canada Match Preview
Tonight’s matchup between Canada and Czechia serves as the premier opening-day event for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. Taking place at the 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, this Group B showdown is a high-stakes “revenge match” for Canada, which suffered devastating quarterfinal exits to the Czechs in both 2024 and 2025.
Canada, hungry to end a two-year medal drought, features a star-studded roster led by projected pick Gavin McKenna and San Jose Sharks forward Michael Misa. Czechia enters with momentum from three consecutive podium finishes, relying on standout forward Adam Novotny. With national pride and early group dominance on the line, this clash is the ultimate opening test for both powerhouses.
How To Watch Czechia vs Canada Live From Anywhere
To watch Canada vs. Czechia live from anywhere, you can use a combination of official broadcasters and a VPN. In Canada, the game is available on TSN (TSN2, 3, 4, 5) and can be streamed via the TSN+ app. In the United States, NHL Network provides exclusive TV coverage, with streaming available through services like Fubo or Sling TV (Sports Extra package).
For international viewers in regions without a local broadcaster, IIHF.tv often provides live streams (subject to territorial restrictions). If you are traveling abroad, using a reputable VPN (like NordVPN or ExpressVPN) allows you to connect to a server in your home country to access your existing TSN or NHL Network subscriptions securely.
Czechia Team Lineups & Star Players
Czechia enters the 2026 World Juniors with a roster built on chemistry and North American experience. The team is anchored by defenseman Adam Jiříček (St. Louis Blues), a mobile puck-mover attending his third tournament. Offensively, they rely on Adam Benák (Minnesota Wild), an elite playmaker currently dominating the OHL, and Adam Novotný, a highly touted winger projected as a top-15 pick for the 2026 NHL Draft.
While they are missing key forward Adam Jecho due to a pre-tournament injury, the squad features high-end skill like Václav Nestrašil (Chicago Blackhawks) and defenseman Jakub Fibigr (Seattle Kraken). Between the pipes, Michal Oršulák is expected to lead a competitive goaltending group.
Canada Team Lineups & Star Players
Team Canada enters the 2026 World Juniors with a star-studded roster featuring 13 former first-round NHL picks. The offense is anchored by captain Porter Martone (Philadelphia Flyers) and phenom Gavin McKenna, the projected #1 pick for the 2026 NHL Draft. Pro experience comes from Michael Misa, on loan from the San Jose Sharks, while Tij Iginla and Michael Hage provide elite scoring depth.
On defense, Zayne Parekh (Calgary Flames) and Harrison Brunicke (Pittsburgh Penguins) lead a mobile unit. The “heartbeat” of the team remains goaltender Carter George (LA Kings), who returns after leading the 2025 tournament in save percentage.
Conclusion and Prediction
As the 2026 World Junior Championship gets underway, the opening-day clash between Canada and Czechia stands as the ultimate psychological test for both nations. For Canada, this game is a crucial step toward reclaiming its dominant identity; having been eliminated by the Czechs in the quarterfinals for two consecutive years, a decisive victory tonight is essential to silence critics and build momentum.
Final Prediction
While Czechia remains a disciplined, dangerous opponent with elite goaltending, Canada’s roster is simply too deep. Led by Gavin McKenna and a returning Carter George in net, the Canadians are expected to use their speed and “revenge factor” to overwhelm the Czech defense.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When and where is the Canada vs. Czechia game?
The game takes place on December 26, 2025 at the 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. local time).
Where can I watch the game live?
Every Team Canada game is broadcast live on TSN (TSN1, 3, 4, 5) and can be streamed via TSN+
Why is this game considered a “revenge match” for Canada?
Despite Canada’s historical dominance, Czechia has eliminated Canada in the quarterfinal round for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025). This is Canada’s first chance to reset the narrative and move toward a medal finish
Who is the player to watch for Team Canada?
Gavin McKenna is the standout. He is the projected overall pick for the 2026 NHL Draft and recently recorded 5 points in Canada’s final pre-tournament exhibition game.
Is Adam Jecho playing for Czechia?
No. Unfortunately, Adam Jecho, who scored the game-winning goal against Canada in the 2025 quarterfinals, was ruled out for the 2026 tournament due to an injury sustained shortly before the event.
Who are the starting goaltenders?
Canada is expected to start Carter George (LA Kings prospect), while Czechia is likely to lean on Michal Oršulák to handle the heavy workload in net.
