Welcome to our 2023 World Junior Championship predictions. We’ll take an in-depth look at each game taking place in the Canadian Maritimes. These looks will happen for each game until the gold-medal game. We’ll try to give you information on the upcoming matchup. We take a look at the Group A matchup between Team Austria and Team Canada. Be sure to check out the other games for today.
2023 World Junior Championship Predictions
Canada Vs Austria
Canada is coming off a hot bounce-back game vs Germany where they were able to win 11-2. This comes right after being upset by Team Czechia. Austria, however, has allowed 20 goals against in two games and has scored zero goals for. It truly is a David vs Goliath matchup of the World Juniors.
Team Canada
Canada has a number of offensive threats that should be taking every opportunity to run through the Austrian team. When the team includes Connor Bedard, Shane Wright, Adam Fantilli, Dylan Guenther, and many more, it’s tough to not generate lots of offence. While goaltending is still a concern for Canada, this should be a game to boost their confidence for any upcoming matchups. Canada’s skaters are, as per usual, an incredible group. They’ll need to support their goalies more than they have been throughout the rest of this World Junior Championship tournament.
Team Austria
Team Austria has a real uphill battle in front of them. While it’s hard to find positives for a team that hasn’t scored and allows an average of 10 goals against per game, there is always that outside chance we see something incredible. Austria needs to move into this game focused on generating more shots on goal than they have been. They have only been able to get 13 shots against Sweden and 8 shots against Czechia. They need to clean up their play and need to have their goalie to stand on their head to even have a shot at staying in this game.
Players to Watch
Canada has a number of players to watch, but Adam Fantilli really stands out among them. A top prospect for the 2023 NHL entry draft, he is contending for a top 3 pick. He really has the opportunity to take over this game and dominate. While it’s to be expected a player of his calibre would play well against Austria, it will still be a fun spectacle.
Prediction
Canada defeats Austria 8-0
While everyone would love to see the upset of the tournament, Canada is the heavy favourite going into the game. They have the stronger roster at the 2023 World Junior Championship. It should come as a surprise to nobody that Canada is predicted to win this game.
