The world junior hockey championship has hit 50 years of showcasing the best young hockey players around the world.
The International Ice Hockey Federation’s tournament for under-20 players features NHL draft picks and players who are expected to be taken early in the 2026 NHL Draft.
The USA is hosting this year’s tournament in Saint Paul, Minnesota and Minneapolis from Dec. 26 through Jan. 5. The Americans are two-time defending champions.
Here are five players to watch:
Gavin McKenna, Canada
McKenna for years had been considered the top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, but he has dropped a little because he hasn’t been as dominant at Penn State as he was in the Western Hockey League. He played in the world juniors last year at 17, scoring a goal. He’ll boost his draft standing if he has a strong tournament.
Cole Hutson, USA
The Boston University defenseman led all players last year with 11 points and will be a key to the Americans’ chances for a three-peat. He’s averaging more than a point a game in college. His older brother Lane, was the 2024-25 NHL rookie of the year with the Montreal Canadiens.
Ivar Stenberg, Sweden
The forward is projected to go No. 1 overall in 2026. He has 24 points in 25 games with Frolunda in the Swedish league. Stenberg scored a goal in an exhibition win against Canada.
Petteri Rimpinen, Finland
He was the top goaltender of the 2025 tournament as Finland won a silver medal. He played every minute and had a .933 save percentage. He beat the USA in the preliminary round and although the Americans rallied to win the gold medal game in overtime, Rimpinen finished with 36 saves. He’ll be wearing some impressive goalie pads at this tournament.
Adam Novotny, Czechia
Czechia enters the tournament with three consecutive medals (a 2023 silver and two bronzes). Novotny, who’s eligible for the 2026 draft, has 35 points in 29 games as a rookie in the Ontario Hockey League.