The knockout stage of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship began on Friday, Jan. 2 with Sweden, Czechia, Finland, and Canada advancing to Sunday's semifinals.
 

The Germans staved off relegation with a dominant win against Denmark. Cedar Rapids RoghRiders alum Simon Siedl had one goal and two assists for Germany, while Madson Capitols’ forward Gustavs Griva played 11:52 and went 8-2 in the faceoff circle. Markus Jacobsen had a pair of assists for Denmark.
 

Former Youngstown Phantom Adam Benak had the primary assist on the Czech’s fourth goal of the game, helping Czechia to a four-goal win.
 

Youngstown Phantoms alum, Boston University defenseman, and Winnipeg Jets prospect Sascha Boumedienne’s goal at 14:05 of the second period put the Swedes ahead 3-1 in a game that would punch their ticket to the semifinal. SIoux City Musketers alum Olivers Murnieks put a cap on the game with the last goal of the tournament for the Latvians. Omaha Lancers goalie Nils Roberts Maurins made 32 saves on 38 shots.

Finland 4, U.S. 3 (OT)
After a scoreless opening period, a trio of USHL alumni scored in the second period to give the Americans a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes. Former NTDPers and current Boston University Terriers Cole Eiserman, a New York Islanders prospect, and Cole Hutson, a Washington Capitals draft pick, scored for the U.S., while Dubuque Fighting Saints alum, Harvard freshman forward, and Philadelphia Flyers prospect Heikki Ruohonen got on the board for Finland.

With less than ten minutes left in regulation, the Finns scored twice in 55 seconds, which prompted an incredible game-tying goal from former Madison Capitols forward, Michigan State Spartan, and Nashville Predators prospect Ryker Lee with 1:33 remaining to force overtime. The Finns scored in overtime to stop the Americans’ bid to win their third straight gold medal at the tournament. Notre Dame goalie, former NTDPer, and Capitals draft pick Nick Kempf made 21 saves in the U.S. loss.

Canada 7, Slovakia 1
Chicago Steel alum, Michigan forward, and Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael Hage had an assist in Canada's rout of the Slovakians. Tri-City Storm goalie and Detroit Red Wings prospect Michal Pradel made nine saves on 12 shots before being replaced by Des Moines Buccaneers goalie, Alan Lendak, who made 27 saves on 31 shots in relief. 
 

About the USHL

The United States Hockey League (USHL) and its 16 teams are committed to being the world's leading junior hockey league. This season, more than 50% of NCAA Division I men's hockey players and nearly 25% of NHL players have USHL experience. The USHL has developed more than 285 direct NHL Draft picks since 2020, and eight of the last 10 Hobey Baker Award winners, including Macklin Celebrini (Chicago Steel).

Elevated through the recently announced Declaration of Excellence with the NHL and USA Hockey, the league's player-first approach, including a 2:1 practice-to-game ratio and a schedule with 92% of games played on weekends, provides its players with the optimal environment for athletic and personal growth, creating pathways for the next generation of stars like Auston Matthews (NTDP), Kyle Connor (Youngstown Phantoms), Jeremy Swayman (Sioux Falls Stampede), and Johnny Gaudreau (Dubuque Fighting Saints).