The schedule for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship has been released, with the defending champion Swedes looking to repeat as champions for the first time in history, while hosts Canada will look to regain Gold on home ice for the first time since 2023.

Group A, playing out of Edmonton, features the defending Silver medalists Czechia against the host Canadians, set to tilt on New Year’s Eve with top of the group almost certainly on the line. The group will be rounded out by Switzerland, Latvia and recently-promoted Norway, likely to return to the relegation game on 02 January pending a small miracle, while the Swiss and always fan-favourite Latvians will look to make a splash and clinch an elimination round spot.

Group B, playing in Red Deer, features the Swedes opening their title defence against border rivals Finland, while the always-threatening United States will be looking to best both Scandinavian nations for top of the group. The group will be rounded out with Slovakia and Germany, likely fighting to avoid relegation in their meeting on 30 December, before the final games of the 2026 calendar year determine the playoff seedings.

The tournament schedule is as follows:

The IHLC will likely be brought to Alberta by the winner of next month’s Five Nations Tournament in Nyköping, Sweden, with the Swedes looking to run the table on their current historic ILHC run, just four wins away from dethroning Canada on the All-Time IHLC Rankings table. Whether the defending champs can do it, or if a different contender will enter Wild Rose Country on Boxing Day, remains to be seen!

Photo Credit: 2026 World Junior Championship – IIHF – HHOF – IOC