When Slovakia and Canada last clashed at the 2022 World Juniors, the Canadians won 11-1. What will the outcome of the rematch in the 2023 World Junior quarter-finals be?
photo: Chris Tanouye / IIHF
There’s no better way to kick off the New Year than with four do-or-die showdowns at the IIHF World Junior Championship. And our 2023 quarter-finals are intriguingly laden with possibilities for unusual outcomes or full-on upsets.
Could this be the year when the virtual monopoly that Canada, the U.S., Finland, and Sweden hold on the medals is broken?
Let’s take a quick look at each of Monday’s four matchups in Halifax and Moncton. All times are local.
Finland-Sweden (12:00, Moncton)
Getting over disheartening situations quickly is a big key to success at the World Juniors. These Nordic rivals both opened the preliminary round with decisive victories, as Sweden thrashed Austria 11-0 and Finland downed Slovakia 5-2. Yet they both faltered against top contenders to end the group stage, with coach Magnus Havelid’s boys losing 5-1 to Canada and coach Tomi Lamsa’s troops falling 6-2 to the Americans. So who will have their heads on straight for the quarter-finals?
The edge in net likely goes to the Juniorkronorna. Goalie Carl Lindbom has amassed a tournament-high two shutouts and a sparkling 94.1 save percentage and 1.74 GAA despite facing 120 shots – more than any other quarter-final netminder. On defence, Sweden’s Ludvig Jansson is tied for the tournament points lead among blueliners (3+3=6). He has had a better performance overall than Finland’s offensive go-to Aleksi Heimosalmi (0+2=2). And the blue-and-yellow team has conceded only seven goals, compared to Finland’s 11 goals against.
However, it is concerning that Sweden has only scored five goals on teams not named Austria. The forwards, outside of the likes of Filip Bystedt (2+3=5) and Isak Rosen (2+2=4), have underperformed. To see Fabian Lysell pointless and Liam Ohgren limited to one goal at this stage wasn’t in the plan. Finland’s forwards haven’t been on fire either, although Joakim Kemell (2+1=3) looks hungry, dialed-in, and ready to break out. Lamsa needs more production out of assistant captain Ville Koivunen (0+1=1) and third-time WJC participant Brad Lambert (1+0=1).
Sweden needs to elevate its skill game and intensity. The Finns will need to grit it out. This one is a coin flip.
They Said It
Brad Lambert (Finland) on the line between quarter-final success and failure: “It's gonna be small. I think it really comes down to who wants it more and who's willing to work for it more: the forecheck, the backcheck, the one-on-one battles. Who wants the puck more, who plays faster, who goes to the net and puts the dirty goals in. Every team is good, and you just need to do the dirty work.”
Czechia-Switzerland (14:30, Halifax)
IIHF.com’s tournament preview said of the Czechs: “How this team reacts and grows after a challenging opener against host Canada will be crucial.” Well, the good news for Czech fans is that coach Radim Rulik’s squad didn’t get complacent and lazy after stunning the tournament favourites 5-2. Even in their 3-2 overtime loss to Sweden, they worked hard, firing 35 shots on goal. Czechia must maintain a relentless approach to earn a quarter-final win over Switzerland.
What the underdog Swiss really have going for them is a willingness to fight to the end. Proof? Coach Marco Bayer’s team won three round-robin games in extra time, and they trailed in all three of those games. Defenceman Rodwin Dionicio has embodied the never give-up mindset, as he potted the equalizer with under two minutes left in the 3-2 shootout win over Latvia and scored the shootout winner when the Swiss rallied from a 3-1 deficit to top Slovakia 4-3.
It should be a good goaltending duel, but give Czechia’s Tomas Suchanek (93.2 save percentage, 1.49 GAA) the edge over Switzerland’s Kevin Pasche (89.3 save percentage, 2.21 GAA) – especially in light of Suchanek’s 4-2 quarter-final upset versus the U.S. in August. The top Czech blueliners are in full flight: David Jiricek, David Spacek, and captain Stanislav Svozil have combined for 16 points. Moreover, eight Czech forwards have scored at least one goal, paced by Gabriel Szturc (3+2=5) and Jiri Kulich (3+0=3).
Switzerland can counter with the sniper and clutch abilities of captain Attilio Biasca (2+2=4) and Lorenzo Canonica and the playmaking smarts of Moncton Wildcats favourite Jonas Taibel (0+3=3). We’ve also seen hulking blueliner Lian Bichsel – the team’s average ice time leader at 23:27 – take over on certain shifts. But regardless, the Czechs should come out on top – unless they fail to play the proverbial full 60 minutes.
They Said It
Lorenzo Canonica (Switzerland) on his team’s chances: “I'm very excited. We showed that we can play against everyone. We beat Sweden in the pre-tournament game. We beat Finland. So we know that we can beat anyone.”
USA-Germany (17:00, Moncton)
On paper, the U.S. did itself a big favour by winning Group B. Germany – outscored 22-7 through four group games – has looked weaker than any other 2023 World Junior squad except Austria. But coach Rand Pecknold’s group can’t start looking ahead to the semi-finals – not after last year’s quarter-final debacle against the Czechs.
Captain Bennet Rossmy missed Germany’s first two games due to illness, and if the 19-year-old Eisbaren Berlin forward can approximate the team-leading form he showed at the 2022 World Juniors (4+1=5), that’s a big step forward for Deutschland. Arizona Coyotes prospect Julian Lutz (0+2=2) also has another level he can reach. But there is no Tim Stutzle equivalent this year to provide clutch scoring against the big teams.
Nor is there a Moritz Seider on this fairly pedestrian blue line. German goalie Nikita Quapp will be exceptionally busy as he strives to stave off the top U.S. line of Jimmy Snuggerud, Logan Cooley, and Cutter Gauthier. With captain Luke Hughes (3+1=4) and Sean Behrens (1+2=3) leading the way on an American D-corps full of two-way threats, the Germans, who have just 83 shots in four games, are unlikely to get much quality O-zone time.
Germany might well make it tough on the U.S. at stages. But if the Germans actually win, it’ll be one of the bigger World Junior quarter-final upsets of all time.
They Said It
Rutger McGroarty (U.S.) on facing Germany: “I know they're a hard-working team. I talked to Julian Lutz at the [NHL draft] combine. He's a really good guy. He's definitely a good player. [Veit] Oswald...I know they've got a couple good players, and they're going to come ready to compete. So I'm looking forward to it.”
Canada-Slovakia (19:30, Halifax)
Historically, Slovakia has enjoyed competing at World Juniors in Canadian rinks. The Central European nation’s two bronze medals came in Winnipeg (1999) and Toronto (2015). However, in neither case did the Slovaks confront the powerful host nation – the eventual gold medalist – in a quarter-final. And the reality is that Slovakia’s squandering of the 3-1 lead they built versus Switzerland in their last group game will likely cost them their dream of advancing to the final four.
The matchup against defending champion Canada is daunting, and not just because Slovakia lost 11-1 the last time these nations met at the 2022 World Juniors. Through four games at this year's tournament, Canada has outscored Slovakia 29-14. Goalie Adam Gajan will need to stand on his head – even more than in the 6-3 win over the U.S. -- if his mates are to have a chance. A big night for the Slovak power play is also key. It’s gone 4-for-9 (44.4 percent) in Moncton, second only to Canada (57.1 percent) in Halifax. If Slovakia can’t cash in when Canada takes penalties, it will be hard to keep pace.
The good news is that Slovakia brings three lines that can score, from assistant captain Filip Mesar (2+3=5) to Dalibor Dvorsky (1+2=3) to Peter Repcik (3+2=5). Captain Simon Nemec (1+4=5) has led the blue line and excelled in at both ends.
However, it’s not just about the obvious difficulty of keeping pace offensively with aces like Connor Bedard (6+12=18), Logan Stankoven (2+6=8), or Shane Wright (3+3=6). Every Canadian skater has registered at least one point – except for Owen Beck of the Mississauga Steelheads, who will debut against Slovakia, replacing the injured Colton Dach. Additionally, Canada has only allowed three goals since its surprising 5-2 opening loss to Czechia. Unless Slovakia plays a near-perfect game, expect the host nation to advance.
They Said It
Brennan Othmann (Canada) on his team’s growth: We got away from our game on Boxing Day but now we're starting to play well. All four lines are contributing.
Could this be the year when the virtual monopoly that Canada, the U.S., Finland, and Sweden hold on the medals is broken?
Let’s take a quick look at each of Monday’s four matchups in Halifax and Moncton. All times are local.
Finland-Sweden (12:00, Moncton)
Getting over disheartening situations quickly is a big key to success at the World Juniors. These Nordic rivals both opened the preliminary round with decisive victories, as Sweden thrashed Austria 11-0 and Finland downed Slovakia 5-2. Yet they both faltered against top contenders to end the group stage, with coach Magnus Havelid’s boys losing 5-1 to Canada and coach Tomi Lamsa’s troops falling 6-2 to the Americans. So who will have their heads on straight for the quarter-finals?
The edge in net likely goes to the Juniorkronorna. Goalie Carl Lindbom has amassed a tournament-high two shutouts and a sparkling 94.1 save percentage and 1.74 GAA despite facing 120 shots – more than any other quarter-final netminder. On defence, Sweden’s Ludvig Jansson is tied for the tournament points lead among blueliners (3+3=6). He has had a better performance overall than Finland’s offensive go-to Aleksi Heimosalmi (0+2=2). And the blue-and-yellow team has conceded only seven goals, compared to Finland’s 11 goals against.
However, it is concerning that Sweden has only scored five goals on teams not named Austria. The forwards, outside of the likes of Filip Bystedt (2+3=5) and Isak Rosen (2+2=4), have underperformed. To see Fabian Lysell pointless and Liam Ohgren limited to one goal at this stage wasn’t in the plan. Finland’s forwards haven’t been on fire either, although Joakim Kemell (2+1=3) looks hungry, dialed-in, and ready to break out. Lamsa needs more production out of assistant captain Ville Koivunen (0+1=1) and third-time WJC participant Brad Lambert (1+0=1).
Sweden needs to elevate its skill game and intensity. The Finns will need to grit it out. This one is a coin flip.
They Said It
Brad Lambert (Finland) on the line between quarter-final success and failure: “It's gonna be small. I think it really comes down to who wants it more and who's willing to work for it more: the forecheck, the backcheck, the one-on-one battles. Who wants the puck more, who plays faster, who goes to the net and puts the dirty goals in. Every team is good, and you just need to do the dirty work.”
Czechia-Switzerland (14:30, Halifax)
IIHF.com’s tournament preview said of the Czechs: “How this team reacts and grows after a challenging opener against host Canada will be crucial.” Well, the good news for Czech fans is that coach Radim Rulik’s squad didn’t get complacent and lazy after stunning the tournament favourites 5-2. Even in their 3-2 overtime loss to Sweden, they worked hard, firing 35 shots on goal. Czechia must maintain a relentless approach to earn a quarter-final win over Switzerland.
What the underdog Swiss really have going for them is a willingness to fight to the end. Proof? Coach Marco Bayer’s team won three round-robin games in extra time, and they trailed in all three of those games. Defenceman Rodwin Dionicio has embodied the never give-up mindset, as he potted the equalizer with under two minutes left in the 3-2 shootout win over Latvia and scored the shootout winner when the Swiss rallied from a 3-1 deficit to top Slovakia 4-3.
It should be a good goaltending duel, but give Czechia’s Tomas Suchanek (93.2 save percentage, 1.49 GAA) the edge over Switzerland’s Kevin Pasche (89.3 save percentage, 2.21 GAA) – especially in light of Suchanek’s 4-2 quarter-final upset versus the U.S. in August. The top Czech blueliners are in full flight: David Jiricek, David Spacek, and captain Stanislav Svozil have combined for 16 points. Moreover, eight Czech forwards have scored at least one goal, paced by Gabriel Szturc (3+2=5) and Jiri Kulich (3+0=3).
Switzerland can counter with the sniper and clutch abilities of captain Attilio Biasca (2+2=4) and Lorenzo Canonica and the playmaking smarts of Moncton Wildcats favourite Jonas Taibel (0+3=3). We’ve also seen hulking blueliner Lian Bichsel – the team’s average ice time leader at 23:27 – take over on certain shifts. But regardless, the Czechs should come out on top – unless they fail to play the proverbial full 60 minutes.
They Said It
Lorenzo Canonica (Switzerland) on his team’s chances: “I'm very excited. We showed that we can play against everyone. We beat Sweden in the pre-tournament game. We beat Finland. So we know that we can beat anyone.”
USA-Germany (17:00, Moncton)
On paper, the U.S. did itself a big favour by winning Group B. Germany – outscored 22-7 through four group games – has looked weaker than any other 2023 World Junior squad except Austria. But coach Rand Pecknold’s group can’t start looking ahead to the semi-finals – not after last year’s quarter-final debacle against the Czechs.
Captain Bennet Rossmy missed Germany’s first two games due to illness, and if the 19-year-old Eisbaren Berlin forward can approximate the team-leading form he showed at the 2022 World Juniors (4+1=5), that’s a big step forward for Deutschland. Arizona Coyotes prospect Julian Lutz (0+2=2) also has another level he can reach. But there is no Tim Stutzle equivalent this year to provide clutch scoring against the big teams.
Nor is there a Moritz Seider on this fairly pedestrian blue line. German goalie Nikita Quapp will be exceptionally busy as he strives to stave off the top U.S. line of Jimmy Snuggerud, Logan Cooley, and Cutter Gauthier. With captain Luke Hughes (3+1=4) and Sean Behrens (1+2=3) leading the way on an American D-corps full of two-way threats, the Germans, who have just 83 shots in four games, are unlikely to get much quality O-zone time.
Germany might well make it tough on the U.S. at stages. But if the Germans actually win, it’ll be one of the bigger World Junior quarter-final upsets of all time.
They Said It
Rutger McGroarty (U.S.) on facing Germany: “I know they're a hard-working team. I talked to Julian Lutz at the [NHL draft] combine. He's a really good guy. He's definitely a good player. [Veit] Oswald...I know they've got a couple good players, and they're going to come ready to compete. So I'm looking forward to it.”
Canada-Slovakia (19:30, Halifax)
Historically, Slovakia has enjoyed competing at World Juniors in Canadian rinks. The Central European nation’s two bronze medals came in Winnipeg (1999) and Toronto (2015). However, in neither case did the Slovaks confront the powerful host nation – the eventual gold medalist – in a quarter-final. And the reality is that Slovakia’s squandering of the 3-1 lead they built versus Switzerland in their last group game will likely cost them their dream of advancing to the final four.
The matchup against defending champion Canada is daunting, and not just because Slovakia lost 11-1 the last time these nations met at the 2022 World Juniors. Through four games at this year's tournament, Canada has outscored Slovakia 29-14. Goalie Adam Gajan will need to stand on his head – even more than in the 6-3 win over the U.S. -- if his mates are to have a chance. A big night for the Slovak power play is also key. It’s gone 4-for-9 (44.4 percent) in Moncton, second only to Canada (57.1 percent) in Halifax. If Slovakia can’t cash in when Canada takes penalties, it will be hard to keep pace.
The good news is that Slovakia brings three lines that can score, from assistant captain Filip Mesar (2+3=5) to Dalibor Dvorsky (1+2=3) to Peter Repcik (3+2=5). Captain Simon Nemec (1+4=5) has led the blue line and excelled in at both ends.
However, it’s not just about the obvious difficulty of keeping pace offensively with aces like Connor Bedard (6+12=18), Logan Stankoven (2+6=8), or Shane Wright (3+3=6). Every Canadian skater has registered at least one point – except for Owen Beck of the Mississauga Steelheads, who will debut against Slovakia, replacing the injured Colton Dach. Additionally, Canada has only allowed three goals since its surprising 5-2 opening loss to Czechia. Unless Slovakia plays a near-perfect game, expect the host nation to advance.
They Said It
Brennan Othmann (Canada) on his team’s growth: We got away from our game on Boxing Day but now we're starting to play well. All four lines are contributing.