Kristen Shilton, ESPN NHL reporterDec 26, 2023, 09:00 AM ET
CloseKristen Shilton is a national NHL reporter for ESPN.
We’ve reached Boxing Day, and that can only mean one thing (in hockey circles, anyway): It’s time for the IIHF World Junior Championship.
This annual tournament was reinstated to its rightful post-Christmas scheduling last December following a pair of pandemic-disrupted versions. The well-received return pleased players and fans alike who’ve reliably turned up each year for a showcase of the sport’s brightest young stars.
Before diving into details of the 2024 event, let’s take a look back at what happened in 2023.
Originally set to be hosted in Novosibirsk, Russia, the tournament was moved to the Canadian cities of Moncton, New Brunswick and Halifax, Nova Scotia after the International Olympic Committee called for Russia to be stripped of its international hosting rights amid its invasion of Ukraine.
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In the end, it was the new host country defending its title with a 3-2 over win over Czechia to claim a second straight gold medal (and 20th tournament gold overall). That silver medal earned by Czechia was its first since 2005. Future 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick Connor Bedard led the tournament in scoring with 23 points and was named MVP.
Who might be the Bedard of this year’s event? Glad you asked. Because we’re about to break down everything you need to know before the 2024 tournament officially opens.
This year’s version takes place in Gothenburg, Sweden, where all 10 countries competed in pre-tournament action last week. Group A is comprised of Canada, Sweden, Finland, Germany and Latvia; they will compete in round-robin play Dec. 26-31 in Scandinavium, Gothenburg. Group B — containing Czechia, the United States, Slovakia, Switzerland and Norway — will play in Frolundaborg, Gothenburg for their round-robin action through those same dates.
The top eight teams will move to quarterfinals beginning Jan. 2. Semifinals take place…
Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39169594/iihf-world-juniors-2024-players-teams-usa-canada-schedule
Author : Kristen Shilton
Publish date : 2023-12-26 14:06:43
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