The World Juniors is the IIHF World Junior Championship, an annual under-20 tournament played over Christmas and New Year and the biggest showcase for NHL draft prospects. Canada has won it 20 times, more than any other nation. Sweden won the 2026 tournament in Minnesota, and the 2027 edition runs from 26 December to 5 January in Edmonton and Red Deer.
| What it is | The IIHF under-20 world championship |
|---|---|
| Age limit | No older than 20 in the year the tournament ends |
| Format | 10 teams, two groups, knockout from the quarter-finals |
| Most golds | Canada, 20 |
| 2026 champion | Sweden, 4-2 over Czechia; Canada took bronze |
| 2027 dates | 26 December 2026 to 5 January 2027 |
| 2027 venues | Rogers Place, Edmonton and the Centrium, Red Deer |
