The 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship is set to begin, offering a premier stage to evaluate top draft-eligible prospects from around the globe. This post takes a closer look at each participating nation, highlighting key players, positional strengths, and overall team outlooks. From perennial powerhouses like Canada and Sweden to rising programs like Slovakia and Germany, each team brings a unique mix of talent and storylines into the tournament.
It’s important to note that rosters are still subject to change, especially as players become newly available for international duty following the conclusion of their CHL seasons. With last-minute additions and late roster moves potentially impacting lineups, flexibility will be key for coaching staffs across the board.
Let’s dive into what to expect—starting with one of the most well-rounded rosters in the field: Sweden.
Sweden
Sweden is entering the tournament as arguably the favorites to come out on top of Group B this year. Although their defense corps contains a couple of interesting draft eligible players and their Goaltending situation is solid enough with Love Harenstam likely taking the reigns as the starter, it’s their forward corps that looks like it has the potential to really put them over the top in this tournament.
On defense, the group is led by draft eligible players Karl Annborn, Malte Vass, Oliwer Sjostrom, and most notably Sascha Boumedienne. Annborn and Vass project to play more steadying roles for this group, likely to eat more difficult defensive minutes throughout the tournament and bring some physicality that’s highly coveted in tournament players. Sjostrom and Boumedienne will likely project to play more of a two-way role in their significant minutes, with the later likely assuming the role of Sweden’s 1D and top PowerPlay QB.
Sweden’s offense is going to be what makes or breaks their success in this tournament. Although there are some questions as to his availability due to their ongoing participation in the HockeyAllsvenskan playoffs, Anton Frondell has arguably had the strongest 2nd half of any draft eligible player in this year’s draft class and will bring a high-end 200 foot game to Sweden’s lineup. Players like Gastrin, Ihs-Wozniak, Novotny and Nilson have all been productive forwards at the J20 level and should all factor in as offensive contributors throughout the lineup, while players like Genborg and Drott should bring a quality energy and physical element to the lineup. Sweden also has some serious 2026 draft eligible talent joining the roster in this tournament in Viggo Bjork and Ivar Stenberg, both of which have put together historic seasons in the J20 Nationell this past season.
Sweden opens up their tournament on April 23rd against Switzerland, followed by games against Germany, the United States and Czechia to finish out regulation play. (Dan Haurin)
Finland
Finland has the opportunity in this tournament to change and improve the general perception that currently exists about this generation of players. They will face almost the same countries in the group stage as last year, except that this year they’ll find Canada as the top seed instead of the United States. However, they’ll once again go up against Slovakia, Latvia, and Norway. The goal will be to improve on the fifth-place finish from last year and at the very least make it past the quarterfinals, which proved challenging last year since Sweden ended up third in Group B.
On defense, as is typical for them, they have good puck-movers and solid players in all three zones, such as Lasse Boelius and Jesper Kotajärvi, two of the top prospects coming out of Finland for the upcoming Draft. Personally, I’m interested to see how Samu Alalauri handles this challenge and what we can expect from him in this tournament, as he’s one of Finland’s most promising prospects for the 2026 Draft. There’s also Juho Piiparinen, and we should keep an eye on the offensive contributions of defenseman Vertti Svensk, who has the ability to make some very interesting rush plays. Handling the physical situations will be the main challenge for this group of defenders. Goaltender Patrik Kerkola, who was for a time the youngest goalie to start in Liiga, will also be looking to get back on track in this tournament after a season where the numbers haven’t been in his favor, but it is a goalie who showed composure handling a high volume of work.
Offensively, Max Westergård can be a key player for Finland, as he is currently in good form at Frölunda. His direct playing style will surely be a big asset. In a team that doesn’t particularly stand out physically and may struggle in that area, Atte Joki’s size and energy will surely be key, as he brings more physical strength and intensity up front. Eetu Orpana can be another important player in that area, and he is very reliable in all zones. I’m also curious to see what role Aapo Katavisto will take on; he’s always intense and disruptive when forechecking. Speaking about offensive production, Finland can also rely on players who can easily produce up front, such as Jere Somervuori, who was once considered one of the top Finnish names for the upcoming Draft, or Matias Vanhanen, who has performed well in recent games and is currently one of the top scorers in U20 SM-Sarja.
I believe this is a slightly underrated team, mostly because they don’t have high-profile names on the draft boards. Still, they have players who know how to adapt and perform within a team system, are solid in every position, and should be motivated to improve how people currently view them. The first game against Slovakia will be a great test to see where Finland stands in this tournament. (Iván Ortiz)
United States
Team USA enters the 2025 U18 World Championship with a deep, versatile roster built around pace, skill, and structure. While the NTDP U18 squad has had its share of ups and downs this season, key contributors like Cole McKinney, William Moore, Jack Murtagh, and LJ Mooney—each a 2025 NHL Draft prospect—headline the American attack. McKinney brings speed and control in transition, while Mooney’s blend of puck protection, east-west mobility, and smart reads gives him value at both ends of the ice. Moore provides the Americans with a solid power forward who defends the interior well and offers clean outlet options for his defensemen below the goal line.
Murtagh adds a steady, two-way presence down the middle. He defends well through the center lane, shows physicality below the dots, and moves the puck efficiently when under pressure. While he’s not a primary driver in transition, his details and competitiveness make him a valuable piece in a depth role.
The roster also features strong reinforcements from outside the NTDP. Cullen Potter (Arizona State) adds a reliable two-way presence with speed and vision on the rush. Benjamin Kevan (Des Moines) thrives in open-ice play, Blake Fiddler (Edmonton) brings a stabilizing presence on the back end, Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds) offers pace and excellent distribution from the point, and William Horcoff (Michigan) provides solid defensive center depth further down the lineup.
In net, the Americans are likely to rotate their goaltenders early in the tournament, but Patrick Quinlan may emerge as the number-one option. He’s seen more usage than Harrison Boettinger and Joseph Slavick over the past few months and could be leaned on in key matchups.
Notably, the Americans have included several high-upside 2008-born players—Sammy Nelson and Casey Mutryn (younger brother of Teddy, who is also on the team)—adding an extra layer of skill and long-term intrigue to the group.
Blending veterans, emerging talent, and depth across all positions, this U.S. squad has the makeup to be one of the more well-rounded teams in the tournament—and a serious threat for a podium finish. (Josh Tessler)
Canada
Note: The CHL playoff are currently underway and could have a significant impact on the players available to Canada during this tournament after this article is published.
After winning the Gold medal in last year’s U18 tournament, Canada is coming into this year’s tournament with a significantly weaker roster. With lots of the high end talent they had on last year’s squad either graduating out of eligibility or currently being held out due to the CHL playoffs, they’re going to need a lot of players to step up big time if they want to repeat their Gold medal performance.
On offense, they currently have Braeden Cootes and Brady Martin projected to take on their top-six Center roles. Both players showed high compete levels and solid 200-foot play at the CHL level this year, which should prove to be an annoying matchup for other teams to deal with. On the wing, Cameron Schmidt and Ryan Roobroeck are expected to be the main drivers, with each coming off of 40 goal campaigns in their respective CHL seasons. Outside of their top players, two forwards to keep an eye on throughout this tournament are Ethan Czata and Lev Katzin. Czata has performed admirably down the middle for the Niagra IceDogs this season and has seen his draft stock significantly rise throughout the season. Katzin scored at over a point-per-game pace for the Guelph Storm this past season, but has seemingly been overlooked on many draft boards due to his small stature at 5’8.
Looking at their defense: all eyes are on Jackson Smith heading into this tournament. A potential top-10 pick in this year’s draft, Smith is a fantastic skater who ate big minutes in the WHL this season, put up very good micro-results all across the board, and put up a respectable 54 points. He projects to be Canada’s 1D at this tournament and has the potential to separate himself as the 2nd best defense prospect in this class behind Schaefer. Outside of Smith, Alex Huang and Quinn Beauschene are two names to watch closely throughout the tournament. Huang is a well above average skater who should provide some secondary offense on the backend behind Smith, while Beauschene has put up quality defensive results on Guelph throughout his draft year and should provide some much needed stability on the backend for Canada.
Canada opens up their tournament on April 24th vs Slovakia, followed by tilts against Latvia, Finland and Norway to end the regulation round. (Dan Haurin)
Switzerland
Switzerland enters the 2025 U18 World Championship with a competitive group built on structure, work ethic, and timely execution. While this roster may not measure up to the pure skill level of some of the tournament’s top contenders, they have the tools to put up a decent fight and make life difficult for opponents.
Leading the way is Jonah Neuenschwander, a 2027 NHL Draft prospect with National League experience. Expected to return to center—a position he’s played throughout junior—Neuenschwander brings a complete 200-foot game and has shown he can create under pressure.
Jeremiah Mundy, a Canadian-Swiss dual national, adds power-forward presence with strength along the wall, interior drive, and a dangerous shot from range. Florian Schenk gives the Swiss solid center depth, returning from a stint in the QMJHL to post 18 points in 15 U20 games. He brings structure, a strong forecheck, and the ability to deliver quick feeds to the inside.
On the blue line, Gus Van der Kaaij offers a steady defensive presence. Fresh off a stint in the National League and ranked 98th among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting, he’ll be key to limiting high-danger chances.
In goal, Switzerland is expected to lean on a Matia Nico Birchler–Jovin Trachsel tandem, both capable of giving them a chance to stay in close, low-scoring games. (Josh Tessler)
Germany
We have somewhat grown accustomed to Germany coming to the WJC-18 with a few legitimate, draftable, NHL prospects in tow, and this year is no different. In fact, the 2007 German age group is one of the more impressive years the Central European nation has developed in recent times. Now, there is no Stützle, no Draisaitl, nor a Peterka or Reichel. What is impressive is more the depth of their team.
Goalie is probably their weakest position. Lukas Stuhrmann should be the starter, but as things stand he is nothing more than a solid junior goalie over in Europe.
On defense the group is led by righty puck-mover Carlos Händel, who was Halifax Mooseheads #2 blue-liner this season. Expect the man from Erlangen to be taken somewhere in the 3rd or 4th round on draft day. Behind Carlos Händel, Fabio Kose is the stand-out, a big, rangy puck-mover who can score goals and plays with an edge. Kose has a chance to be drafted into the NHL in the later rounds. Behind them the group gets thin quickly. Max Bleicher is a bottom pair OHL defenseman, and Moritz Warnecke – 2026 draft eligible – has some talent.
Up front the teams depth becomes apparent. David Lewandowski is the most notable name, a player who a year ago many considered could be a top 50 pick. His transition to the WHL, however, has not been easy, and Germany’s likely 1C at the tournament. His skating is his biggest weakness, and it means he will likely be a mid-round pick this summer. LW Dustin Willhöft, however, is probably more talented than Lewandowski, but his 5’7 frame means if he is drafted it will be very late. Additionally, the Griva twins – Gustavs and Rihards – are talented players who have a chance to go in the 5th-7th round of the draft. Fabio Kose’s twin Timo is also big and physical, with a pro-type game who could go very late. 6’4 Maxim Schäfer has a similar profile and NHL teams have been looking into him. There is also Elias Schneider, who is a wonderful goal-scorer and potential late round pick. Mateu Späth and Sebastian Zwickl also have pro experience, albeit are unlikely to be drafted. Maybe the most exciting player on the roster though? 2009 born, 2027 draft eligible Max Penkin. Penkin is a potential first round pick in 2027 and the best German prospect since the Stützle, Reichel, Peterka trio in 2020. Now, he is closer to Peterka and Reichel, but still a good prospect.
Germany open their tournament on the 24th vs Czechia. They will have a chance to get to the quarter-finals, as on paper they have a deeper team than their Swiss neighbours. But their success will depend on how their depth defenders and goalies hold up. They have had multiple games this season where they have put up 4 or 5 goals and still lost. (Alex Appleyard)
Czechia
The Czechs are virtually always competitive, even with the big boys, and this year should be no different. The team is littered with potential NHL players, not just for the 2025 draft, but also 2026 and 2027.
In net they have three goalies who all have a chance to be drafted. All have pro size and international experience. Portland Winterhawks Ondřej Štěbeták is the likely starter, however, Portland are still playing in the WHL play-offs, and if he joins it is likely a day or two late. However, 2026 draft prospect Tobias Trejbal has finished the season strongly and just committed to UMass. Michal Oršulák is likely the third goalie and the least talented of the trio, however he still appears at #9 in CSS Euro goalie rankings.
The teams defense is headlined by potential top 10 pick Radim Mrtka. The behemoth blue-liner is the clear standout on the back-end. Štěpán Černý is probably the second most “talented” blue-liner from the 2025 draft eligibles on the team, and will help run the PP. However, at 5’9 and listed at under 140lbs? NHL teams might pass on him even in the seventh round. Vladimir Dravecký will also play a big role, despite not being eligible until 2026, and has the potential to be a top 30 pick next summer. Max Pšenička is another Portland Winterhawk who will likely be drafted in the mid-rounds as a smooth-skating, stay-home defenseman. Tomáš Malínek and Tomas Mikel are draft eligible too, but likely wont be taken. The diminutive 15 year old Lukáš Kachlíř is an exciting one for the future, and if he has a growth spurt will be a high pick in the 2027 draft.
Up front the team’s star forward also lacks size. Adam Benák of the Youngstown Phantoms might be a first round pick in June if he were a few inches taller, but despite his height expect him to impress in Texas – if he arrives that is, as right now he is still in the USHL play-offs. His “Left-hand man” is Tomáš Poletín, a player who has a knack for scoring and is likely to go in the top 100 on draft day. The left-wing heavy line-up also possesses Vojtěch Čihař and David Rozsíval, who both might be taken inside the third round too and have pro-type games. The hulking Šimon Katolický and exciting Adam Novotný are also players to watch up-front, albeit for the early rounds of the 2026 draft. Vít Záhejský might get drafted very late this summer, but always shows better at international level. David Krčál, Matouš Kucharčík, Vít Macek, Matěj Mikeš, Dominik Pavlík and Matej Pekar all have a chance to be drafted late on as well, albeit maybe only 50% of those six go before the end of the seventh.
They open their tournament on the 23rd against the USA, before facing Germany less than 24 hours later. As usual, the Czechs go into the tournament as the fifth best team. They have not medalled in the tournament in over 10 years, since 2014 when they got silver on a team inspiring by Jakub Vrána, David Pastrňák and Pavel Zacha, but as always, they are capable of an upset. (Alex Appleyard)
Latvia
Latvia enters the 2025 U18 World Championship with a structured and experienced group, returning five players from their World Junior squad: Daniels Serkins, Roberts Naudins, Olivers Murnieks, Martins Klaucans, and Krisjanis Sarts. The core of this team has seen meaningful international competition and will be leaned on heavily throughout the tournament.
Olivers Murnieks, a 2026 NHL Draft prospect, has been a standout in the USHL with Sioux City. He’s poised and creative with the puck, delivering well-timed playmaking both off the rush and the cycle. His puck handling, vision, and defensive reliability make him one of Latvia’s most important forwards.
Karlis Flugins, an undersized winger at 5’8″, has spent much of the season in a depth role with Flint but could be poised for more opportunity here. He brings solid speed, transitions the puck well, and has the tools to contribute when given space.
On the blue line, Alberts Smits provides a steady, physical presence. With Liiga experience under his belt, he’s reliable in his own end, uses the boards efficiently to exit the zone, and possesses a heavy shot from range that can generate offense from the point.
Latvia won’t overwhelm opponents with flash, but their structure, returning experience, and a few key play-drivers give them a chance to compete every night. (Josh Tessler)
Norway
This tournament is an excellent opportunity for Norway to continue showcasing the talent it is increasingly producing, and also we’ll see a few players who already have experience with the last national U20 team. That said, we want to see a bit more from them, so this tournament could be a great opportunity to prove they truly deserve the recognition. It’s also a great opportunity to take another step forward, considering that last year they stayed thanks to Elias Straume Vatne’s final shootout goal during the Relegation Round.
Norway’s biggest names are up front, with the first offensive line—based on previous games—featuring Niklas Aaram-Olsen and Mikkel Eriksen. Eriksen brings a strong creative spark, offensive talent and IQ that Aaram-Olsen, one of the most anticipated players in the tournament, can definitely take advantage of with skill. Keep an eye as well on Tinus Luc Koblar, whose size and playing style make him a very solid option for this offensive top-six. The first line has also included Linus Loob Trygg, who comes from a hockey family and currently plays for Färjestad—where his uncle Håkan Loob ended his career after a stint in the NHL. Norway has some talent developing in Sweden, like Casper Kjølmoen and Romeo Sørensen, the latter being another offensive player to watch based on his recent performances. It’ll be interesting to see if more names emerge within this offensive group, although everything points to Norway’s bottom-six being more focused on work and grind.
On defense, it’ll be interesting to watch Marius Määttänen, who stands at just 5’7”, but is expected to play on the top pairing alongside Andreas Pettersen, a larger defenseman. The blue line might be where Norway is a bit thinner, so a strong showing from goaltender Felix Timraz-Westin will be key. He’s a big goalie with solid numbers in Sweden’s J18 league.
Norway might be underestimated by other teams, seen as more beatable—but that could work in their favor. This squad is out to prove that they’re not just getting attention because of the growing interest in other nations’ prospects, but because they truly have what it takes to pass the challenge. (Iván Ortiz)
Slovakia
For years Slovakia faced a dearth of young talent, but in the last few years reforms at the domestic and international level have helped lead to the talent pipeline opening for business again, with the 2022 and 2023 drafts yielding multiple first round Slovaks for the first time since 2005.
This year, Slovakia have solid netminding. Tri-City Storm’s Michal Pradel will be the starter. Look for him to be drafted in the mid-rounds in two months. Back-up Patrik Brezani is workmanlike, and while he likely won’t be drafted will probably carve out a good pro career. Third goalie Samuel Hrenak is 2026 draft eligible and has the talent to go top 100 if he kicks on.
Their blue-line has suffered in the last year with their top young player – Vladimir Dravecký – switching allegiance to Czechia, however, their group still has some talent. The headline act is Luka Radivojevič of the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Despite being 5’10 he has a real chance to go in the late second round this year. Matus Lisy is another one to watch for the 2025 draft, and is a good bet to go in the mid-late rounds. Patryk Zubek has talent, but is raw, and an NHL team might take a chance on him and his upside. Big righty Patrik Rusznyak also might play his way into a late round pick with a good tournament. Meanwhile, Adam Goljer is one to watch for 2026, and Filip Kovalcik is a 16 year old, 2027 eligible blue-liner who will get some ice-time.
Up-front they have a deep forward group, with a nice combination of talent and two-way ability. The forwards are headlined by potential second round pick Michal Svrcek and top 100 prospect Ján Chovan, both of whom lit it up at the Hlinka. Andreas Straka of the Québec Remparts and Alex Misiak of the Waterloo Blackhawks are also likely 2025 draft picks on the roster who will help insulate Svrcek and Chovan. Jakub Dubravik and Samuel Murin are also a potential late round sleeper picks, already showing well vs men in the Slovak 2nd tier, and impressing internationally this year. Slovakia will rely on a lot of 2026 draft forwards too, with Tobias Tomík and Adam Nemec especially standing out as potential high picks next summer. The talented 16 year old Boston College commit – Timothy Kazda – who plays for the Chicago Steel – is also one to watch for the future.
They should finish third in their group, behind Canada and Finland, and have a chance to therefore reach the semi-finals again with one good game. They kick off their tournament vs Finland on the 23rd. (Alex Appleyard)