World Junior Championship Predictions: USA vs Germany

Welcome to Last Word On Hockey’s editions of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships predictions. Throughout the tournament our team will break down key matchups, storylines and stats, then make a prediction on how the game will play out. You can also check out our NHL editions. For this edition, we’ll take a look at the tournament opener for the hosts and defending champions, as the United States battles Germany

World Junior Championship Predictions USA vs Germany

Overall Head-to-Head: Germany 1-14 United States

How to Watch:

US TV: NHL Network

Canada: TSN

Time: 6:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

We open up this round of World Junior Championship predictions as the Americans try to go for three-in-a-row. The United States are in uncharted waters as the hunted and not the hunters. USA Hockey has taken many massive steps in the last decade. However, the pressure is on the team to perform as the hosts. The expectation is to win the whole thing much like other powers, like Canada.

Germany has also made great strides in the last decade. However, they are coming off a disappointing 2025 tournament by its standards. The Germans had to rally past a plucky Kazakhstan squad to avoid relegation. Despite this, Germany has done a better job producing talent like Moritz Seider, JJ Peterka, and others. The Germans could really make some noise by shocking the hosts in the Twin Cities.

Let’s take a look at the stats and storylines in this round of World Junior Championship predictions.

The Germany Story

Germany has become an emerging hockey nation with plenty of young talent. The country placed second in the 2018 Winter Olympics. Some may diminish the accomplishment due to the lack of NHL players. However, this serves as a massive beacon for the country.

Germany seems to once again have the goal of just trying to stay in the top division. The defence seems to be the biggest question mark on the roster. Montreal Canadiens prospect Carlos Handel is the main cog on defence. However, there are questions about depth and speed on this roster.

Spokane Chiefs goalie Linus Vieillard is back for his second tournament and scouts have been tracking him. Lukas Stuhrmann backtopped the team at the U-18 tournament and did well despite his small stature.

The next big German prospect could be 16-year-old Max Penkin, who is playing well in the DEL against older skaters. Edmonton Oilers prospect David Lewandowski and Washington Capitals draftee Maxim Schäfer will be relied on to shoulder the load.

The USA Story

This is a new era of American hockey, where the country is one of the favourites to win the whole thing. Team USA has gone into enemy territory in Sweden and Canada and won gold twice in a row. However, the Americans face the dual pressure of expectations and being the hosts.

Cole Hutson, who is a Capitals prospect and the brother of Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson, will be one of the top defensive players in the tournament. New York Rangers prospect EJ Emery will also get a boatload of minutes on the backend.

Washington draft pick Nick Kempf will get the majority of the starts after impressing in the runup to the World Juniors. Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Caleb Heil could get some starts after some good games at the Summer Showcase.

Boston Bruins pick James Hagens will be the top centre with Ryan Leonard and Gabriel Perreault playing in the show. Golden goal scorer and Nashville Predators prospect Teddy Stiga will also be back. Buffalo Sabres prospect Brodie Ziemer could also feature prominently in the offence.

Prediction

The pressure will be on for the Americans, and there could be some nerves in front of the Grand Casino Arena crowd. Germany will also come out with nothing to lose and might be amped up for a massive chance to turn the hockey world upside down.

However, the Americans talent should carry them through for a tournament-opening victory. It may be a slow start, but the United States should pull away eventually.

Prediction: United States win 5-2.

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