Hockey is bringing us Holiday cheer once again with some International games! The 2024 World Junior Championship is back. With it, there will be many 2024 World Juniors Predictions! There are many names to watch, and teams to keep a close eye on! Today, we will be breaking down the late games, between Team USA and Switzerland, as well as Sweden versus Germany.
2024 World Juniors Predictions
Switzerland vs USA
Time: 11 a.m. ET
TV: TSN; NHLN
Switzerland
This Swiss are looking to shake off a 3-0 blanking at the hands of Slovakia. Switzerland just couldn’t cash in chances to beat Slovak goalie Adam Gajan. The Swiss will have to shake things off quickly if they want to challenge one of the tournament favourites. Switzerland wants no part of being dragged into a relegation battle. The program has done well to grow over the past few seasons but faces a stern test from the Americans.
Player to Watch
Miles Muller has veteran experience and has been a contributor for the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL. The young Swiss forward has been producing at a point-per-game clip and is one of the few forwards on the team that can pot home chances. Muller struggled early in his major junior career but has become a key piece in the lineup.
Team USA
The Americans got off to a slow start against Norway, but a huge second period carried them to a 4-1 win. Columbus Blue Jackets draftee Gavin Brindley scored twice for Team USA. Jimmy Snuggerud started off the scoring after Norway gave some stiff resistance in the opening frame. Team USA will always get every team’s best shot much like Canada and Sweden usually do. Switzerland will want to slow the American attack down and try to make this a plodding affair.
Player to Watch
University of Michigan product Seamus Casey was great at moving the puck around and making things happen for his team. He was a second-round selection but may be a steal for the New Jersey Devils.
Prediction
It may play out like the Norway game, but Team USA should eventually pull away.
Prediction: United States win 5-2.
German vs Sweden
Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
TV: NHLN; TSN
Germany
This game may carry more weight than many first thought. Germany is coming off a landmark 4-3 win over Finland. It’s the first victory for the Germans over the Finns in WJC competition. Germany’s hockey program has come a long way and has produced players like Moritz Seider and others. This team is slowly building into a threat on the European hockey scene.
Player to Watch
Veit Oswald scored twice to help Germany get its first win over Finland in 26 attempts. Oswald is undrafted, but he may get some looks from clubs with his performance.
Sweden
Sweden routed Latvia, 6-0, in the opening game and could challenge Canada for the Group A lead. However, Germany may have inserted into the conversation in that pool of teams. Elias Salomonsson will be out for the game due to a boarding major in the opener. The Swedes were mean hosts and they hope to continue that trend.
Player to Watch
Vancouver Canucks draft pick Jonathan Lekkerimaki scored twice in the opening game. Sweden didn’t have any home jitters like some hosts sometimes have. Lekkerimaki has been playing well from Orebro with 10 goals and six assists so far. He’s one of the many talented players on that team that will hopefully lead the country to at least a medal.
Prediction
Germany is flying high and will provide a stiff challenge. However, Sweden is on a mission and will win a close one.
Prediction: Sweden wins 3-2.
Main photo by: McKeen’s Hockey
