The United States is perfect in its attempt for a three-peat at the world junior hockey championship as the level of competition ramps up with each game.
That continues on Wednesday, Dec. 31 when the USA (3-0) faces Sweden (3-0) in the final preliminary round game with the top seed in Group A on the line before the quarterfinals begin on Jan. 2.
The USA has already beaten Germany, Switzerland and Slovakia. They have been without top defenseman Cole Hutson since midway through the Switzerland game after he was hit by a puck and left the ice on a stretcher. He won’t play on Wednesday and remains day-to-day.
The Americans also faced adversity in the Slovakia game, overcoming a 2-0 deficit to pull off a wild win.
Here’s what to know about Wednesday’s USA vs. Sweden world junior championships game, including how to watch:
What channel is USA vs. Sweden world juniors hockey game today?
TV channel: NHL Network
Livestream: Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers, or Sling TV.
Watch world junior championships on Fubo
What time is USA vs. Sweden world juniors hockey game today?
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31
Time: 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local time)
The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local time) at the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the home of the Minnesota Wild.
World juniors USA vs Sweden: How to watch, stream
Time: 6 p.m. ET on Wedneday, Dec. 31
Location: Grand Casino Arena (Saint Paul, Minnesota)
TV: NHL Network
Streaming: Fubo and certain levels of Sling TV carry NHL Network.
Today’s world juniors hockey schedule
All times p.m. ET
Dec. 31
Switzerland 3, Slovakia 2: Loris Wey and Mike Aeschlimann scored power-play goals after Tobias Tomik received a double minor for high sticking in the first period. Kevin Haas’ second period goal ended up being the game-winner as Slovakia scored twice in the last 13 minutes. Switzerland finishes third and Slovakia fourth in Group A. The Swiss will face the Canada-Finland loser and Slovakia will face the winner.
Czechia vs. Latvia, 3:30
USA vs. Sweden, 6
Canada vs. Finland, 8:30
Cole Hutson injury update
Hutson, who has been out since the Switzerland game after he was hit in the head by a shot, has been ruled out of the Sweden game. He remains day-to-day.
USA players to watch
Will Zellers leads the USA with four goals and six points. He has the game-winning goal in the first three games. James Hagens (Bruins), AJ Spellacy (Blackhawks) and Brodie Ziemer (Sabres) have four points apiece.
Sweden players to watch
Blackhawks prospect Anton Frondell has three goals and five points. He was drafted No. 3 overall in 2025. Viggo Bjorck, eligible for the 2026 NHL draft, also has three goals. Ivar Stenberg, who’s challenging to be the top of the draft, has a goal and two assists.