The medal round for the U18 WJC Hockey Championship is set for April 30, 2025, with all of the quarter-final matchups taking place (as well as the relegation game between Norway & Switzerland). Team Canada & Team USA both come in with undefeated records in the preliminary round, and will meet in the semi-finals should they both prevail in the quarters.
Team USA finished first in its bracket by virtue of a 6-3 win over Team Sweden, which I felt was the most entertaining game of this tournament so far. Team USA ultimately prevailed, but not before Team Sweden built an early 2-0 lead on goals by Filip Ekberg and Ivar Stenberg. OHL Ottawa’s Ekberg (ranked #178 by central scouting among NA skaters) has had a fantastic tournament, and is the tournament’s scoring leader with 13 points (7G 6A) through four games. Stenberg (brother of St. Louis prospect Otto Stenberg), who likely will be the top-ranked European prospect for the 2026 draft, also had Team Sweden’s third goal on a breakaway.
The most impressive performance of the tournament thus far was turned in by Team Canada goaltender Jack Ivankovic (4th-ranked NA goalie) against Team Finland. Ivankovic stopped 39 of the 40 shots he faced in a 5-1 Team Canada victory, including 21 in the third period as Team Finland made a furious comeback attempt. He appeared calm and collected at all times, very impressive for a teenager.
Best of luck to all of these young men from here going forward.