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 Switzerland and Norway, as well as Germany versus Latvia.
2024 World Juniors Predictions
Switzerland vs Norway
Time: 11 a.m. EST
TV: NHLN; TSN
Switzerland
Our opening game of today’s 2024 World Juniors Predictions is a big one in the battle to avoid the relegation round. Switzerland has been leaking goals at 14 in the first two games. However, this might be a game they can win. The Swiss scored three goals on the Americans, but the game was out of reach at that point. Switzerland does have the benefit of having a day off between games while Norway got doubled up 8-4 by Slovakia yesterday.
Player to watch
Gregory Weber has helped provide veteran leadership and did score against the USA in the 11-3 rout. He’s small in size at 5-foot, 9-inches tall, and listed at 154 lbs, but he does have some skill. The Swiss will need that skill if they want to avoid the relegation playoff. Anything can happen in that situation and the lure of the quarterfinals will hopefully be just as big of a pull.
Norway
The Norwegians started off the tournament with a respectable 4-1 loss to Team USA. However, Norway has been outscored 16-5 against Czechia and Slovakia, respectively. The country has shown some great improvement in their program, but there’s still work that needs to be done.
Player to watch
Norway’s team doesn’t have any players that have been drafted to an NHL roster at this time. However, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard has played very well and is among the scoring leaders. The 18-year-old has two goals and an assists for his home country so far in the tournament.
Prediction
Both of these programs have shown growth over the last few years. However, the Swiss have just enough to get the win.
Prediction: Switzerland wins 4-3.
Germany vs Latvia
Time: 1:30 p.m. EST
TV: NHLN; TSN
Germany
It’s the featured game of today’s 2024 World Juniors Predictions. The Germans have shown plenty of growth with players like Leon Draisaitl, Tim Stutzle, and Moritz Seider in the league. Its youth system also has plenty of promise and took a big leap forward when, on Wednesday, they beat Finland for the first time at the World Juniors. These two games seem to be a status check on how these programs are on the up after years of fighting relegation. However, a stiff challenge awaits the Germans against Canada in the final game of group play.
Player to watch
Eric Hördler has been playing well for his home country and has a pair of assists already in the tournament. The 19-year-old isn’t connected to an NHL team at this time, but his play could get some looks from scouts.
Latvia
The young Latvians have been struggling this entire tournament. Latvia is in experienced in a number of places and have been outscored 20-0 in three games. However, a win here could jumpstart some momentum if they have to go to the relegation round.
Player to watch
Sandis Vilmanis is in the Florida Panthers system and plays for the Sarnia Sting in the OHL. He’s yet to get a goal, but he would be a good candidate if the Latvians do finally get on the board. He is one of two players on the squad that have been drafted by an NHL team.
Prediction
This game could be a trap game for the Germans with Canada waiting in the wings. However, Germany knows a win here would pretty much book their place in the quarterfinal round.
Prediction: Germany wins 5-1.
Main photo by: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
