The World Juniors are back in the United States for the first time since 2018, with the host nation and its closest neighbor once again among the favorites to win gold. Team USA and Canada have split the last six IIHF World Juniors titles,

Zayne Parekh scored twice, Canada had four goals in the third period and the Canadians defeated Czechia 7-5 on Friday night at the World Junior Championships.

Michael Hage scored on a power play 44 seconds into overtime as Canada survived a blown late lead to pick up a 2-1 victory over Latvia at the world junior hockey championship Saturday.

Kelowna Rockets forwards Tij Iginla, Vojtech Cihar and Tomas Poletin all found the back of the net, with the latter scoring twice for Czechia and earning Player of the Game honours.