Editor’s Note
The puck dropped on the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship on April 22 in Trenčín and Bratislava, and the round-robin is already underway. This preview was prepared ahead of the tournament and is being published with light editorial framing to reflect where things stand early on. The scouting reports below remain focused on the rosters and storylines entering the event and are intended as a guide to players to watch as the tournament progresses into the playoff round.
For context as you read: Group A in Trenčín features Canada, Slovakia, Finland, Norway, and Latvia. Group B in Bratislava features Sweden, the United States, Czechia, Germany, and Denmark. Quarterfinals begin April 29, with the medal games on May 2.
This installment covers all ten teams: Finland, Sweden, Czechia, Slovakia, Norway, Denmark, Canada, Latvia, Germany, and the United States. Each team write-up is bylined to the staffer who filed it.
One thread to watch as you read: a small but meaningful group of these U18 players were already wearing senior international colors at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota a few months ago. Canada’s captain Keaton Verhoeff, Latvia’s Martins Klaucāns and Olivers Mūrnieks, Germany’s Darian Rolsing, and the United States’ Brady Knowling and Chase Reid all played at the WJC and are back in Slovakia for U18 duty. That kind of senior-tournament experience at this age is rare, and it tends to show up in the body language during medal-round games.
Finland
By Iván Ortiz • Group A (Trenčín)
Finland will be a team that draws a great deal of interest, but at the same time it will have to fight against recent history and shed that pressure when facing opponents who are arriving stronger each year.
The big picture
The Finnish team will look to break back into the top four, a position it has not reached since the bronze medal in 2022, and at the same time try to overcome the quarterfinal barrier that it has failed to surpass in the last three editions. We have to go back to 2018 to find Finland’s last gold medal in this event, the final one in a four-year stretch in which they collected two golds and two silvers.
Forwards
Offensively, they will need players to step up and claim their space, because they will be without Oscar Hemming, Finland’s top scorer at the last Hlinka tournament, who still does not have clearance to compete in IIHF events due to an ongoing contractual dispute. There was also uncertainty surrounding Oliver Suvanto, who was called up while waiting to see if Tappara would release him, but he will be available from the start with Finland. His physical presence will be necessary because Luka Arkko was also left off the roster due to physical issues.
To bring physicality to the attack, they have Anttoni Uronen, who is already in the Liiga rotation with HIFK and plays that gritty, intense style that extracts value from less glamorous situations, as well as the adult frame of Vilho Vanhatalo, who I believe will need to show a more effective offensive side to help the team, along with the energy and intensity that Noel Pakarinen brings.
The dynamism of the attack may come from two players born in 2009, Luca Santala (2027) and Paavo Fugleberg (2028), the latter being one of the most anticipated talents for the future and one of the names who will certainly draw a great deal of attention. I personally believe he will be one of the strongest candidates to take over the offensive leadership role that is now vacant. There is also interest in seeing the passing and playmaking ability of Atte Vuori.
Defense
The defense features two players who will be responsible for leading each of Finland’s defensive pairs: Juho Piiparinen and Samu Alalauri. The team’s play will depend heavily on their performance because Finland relies significantly on clean puck exits from the back end, and these two players provide exactly that.
I am particularly interested in seeing several names on defense, such as Roni Kuukasjarvi, who I believe can follow that same line of defensemen with strong puck-moving instincts. Max Laatikainen has a great deal of mobility, but it remains to be seen how he looks after his injury, although he was another player already involved in Liiga dynamics.
Goaltending
In goal, all signs point to Pyry Lammi taking the starting role, as he is completing a very strong season in the U20 SM-sarja with a .925 save percentage and a goals-against average of just 1.81. The curious detail is that, contrary to the current trend, only Aarni Riihimäki stands above six feet tall. But this area will also be important, as Finland has a history of showing excellent stability in the net at major events and introducing to the wider public a name to watch for the future.
Sweden
By Iván Ortiz • Group B (Bratislava)
A team with depth, stability, and talent—and players who can create from nothing and break structure when the moment requires it.
The big picture
The Swedish roster has been surrounded by uncertainty regarding the presence of Viggo Björck. Initially called up, the tournament overlapped with the U20 finals, and Björck wanted to help his team, but the Swedish federation, through Mike Helber, its strategic sports director, confirmed that he would be suspended if he did not report to camp on time. Later, the Swedish federation and Mike Helber parted ways, which reopened the door for Björck to participate in the tournament while helping his team in the finals.
This is an important event for a Sweden that wants to erase the bitter taste from last year, not so much because of the result—since finishing as runner-up is far from disappointing—but because of the heavy loss to Canada.
Forwards
This is a Sweden that is certainly not lacking offensive options, but Björck’s talent sits a level above, especially at this age group. He is a player who can completely change what happens on the ice. It is also a good opportunity for Alexander Command to confirm the strong progression he has shown throughout the season, as he is increasingly being viewed as one of the hidden gems of the Draft thanks to his complete game and his ability to produce in multiple areas while on the ice.
It is a team with multiple offensive variants, such as Nils Bartholdsson, a very offensive-minded player who was the top U18 goal scorer this season in U20 Nationell, and the ability of Marcus Nordmark to bring dynamism, two-way impact, intensity, and production to the attack, along with the finishing touch that Elton Hermansson can add after a very solid year with MoDo in Allsvenskan.
But a team does not live on offense alone, and the energy comes from Ludvig Andersson. It is a balanced attack, but I am very interested in seeing how the roles fit together, since many of these players are used to being leaders and that must be assembled properly. It will also be interesting to see whether one of Sweden’s strongest prospects for next year, Bosse Meijer, manages to carve out a place in the attack. He has already had a brief cameo in the SHL and will look to add the dynamic, skill-driven game that he can bring to Sweden’s offense.
Defense
The defense will feature two main pillars: the stability provided by Malte Gustafsson, who along with Björck is one of the players with solid SHL experience, and the offensive options added by Axel Elofsson, one of the most dynamic and entertaining defensemen you can watch on the ice. But Sweden is a constant factory of strong defensemen, and in this roster we will need to keep an eye on many more names. Zigge Bratt can be added to the list of steady, reliable defensemen in all zones, and I am particularly interested in seeing Måns Gudmundsson, a player with a strong defensive stick and the ability to contribute offensively when needed.
Goaltending
The crease will most likely be commanded by Viggo Tamm, the 6’5″ Leksands goaltender who has put together a strong season in U20 Nationell and fits the modern goaltending archetype: big, long, mobile, and still looking to gain consistency in his performances, making this a valuable event for him to establish himself.
Bottom line
The Swedish team brings together players who can create from nothing and break structure—such as Björck or Elofsson—while the entire roster is built on solidity, professional-level play, and the ability to assume leadership when required. In their warm-up games, they have also shown a good distribution of roles, and all of their main lines include players capable of changing the direction of a game. A team with depth, stability, and talent.
Czechia
By Alex Appleyard • Group B (Bratislava)
The Czechs have left some talent on the table, but have a group that is gritty, determined, and plays at a high pace. They may be able to rope-a-dope their way to a medal with some luck.
Roster controversy
No roster selection across the entire tournament drew quite as many raised eyebrows as the Czechs. The 2008 group is not the most talented they have had in recent years, yet despite that the staff decided to cut several of their more offensively inclined players.
The biggest controversy was over 2026 draft prospect Filip Novák’s omission. Having led the U18 national team in scoring going into the WJC, being the most productive eligible player in the Czech U20 league this season, and already having 30 pro games under his belt, he looked like a lock but was left on the cutting room floor. Alongside him, Guelph Storm’s Simon Belohorsky was omitted, as was the smooth puck-moving defenseman Pavel Kurka and Niagara IceDogs blue-liner Ben Reisnecker. Additionally, the talented 2009 forward group was not drawn upon. Liberec winger Adam Němec especially could have added more pop to the group.
The netminding position also caused uproar. Last year Frantisek Poletin had played as a 16-year-old and then went away and excelled in the Finnish U20 league, yet could not make the roster. However, whichever goalies were taken there would have been aspersions of unfairness—while the Czech 2008 skaters are uninspiring, the goalie class is incredible, with potentially seven or eight Czech netminders likely to be taken in the June NHL Draft.
But let us focus on who did make the cut for the Czechs.
Forwards
Their most talented player and captain is Petr Tomek. A late 2008 birthday, he is 2027 NHL Draft eligible, yet already a full-time pro player and difference maker for Karlovy Vary in the Czech Extraliga. He plays with pace, is dynamic in every sense, and thinks the game at breakneck speed. Tomek might be small at 5’10”, but he also competes hard and is defensively aware. The mercurial pivot could be a top-10 pick next summer.
Alongside Tomek, the team’s second greatest offensive weapon is also 2027 Draft eligible. Michael Hartl is a goal-scorer—a shoot-first, ask-questions-later type who works his tail off, drives to the net, and has the confidence to try to be a difference maker every shift. He already has pro experience under his belt and, if he continues to develop, should be an early pick next year.
In terms of 2026 NHL Draft eligible forwards at the tournament, the Czechs are pretty uninspiring. Šimon Katolický has been talked about as a potential top prospect for years but has disappointed this year playing for Tappara in Finland and dropped out of first-round contention. He has a great frame, skill, and is a fantastic athlete, but there are questions about whether he can find a toolbox to house the plethora of tools he possesses. Two-way pivot David Sedláček and the rapid-paced Adam Klaus are both potential late-round picks as well, even if both might be left on the board.
Two more 2027 eligibles are worth mentioning. Smooth-skating center David Huk has the tools and temperament to be a fantastic NHL 3C one day, and the diminutive Matěj Tománek is shifty, skilled, and plays hard—but if he does not grow, will likely end up “just” a top Euro-leaguer.
Defense
On the back end, the Czechs’ most interesting players are also not eligible for the NHL Draft until 2027, or even 2028 in one case. Philadelphia-born Dominick Byrtus has everything to be a top-four NHLer one day—aside from perhaps size. A fantastic passer with skill, plus skating, and relentless competitiveness, he plays with an edge and always finds a way to be impactful. The talent is there to be a high pick next year, but his 5’10” frame may hurt his stock. 2028-eligible Matyáš Michálek is the most intriguing player on the blue line, though. At 6’4″, he is an amazing athlete with highlight-reel skill, high IQ, and an aggressive streak in all zones. In two years’ time, he has the potential to be a top-10 NHL pick.
Of the 2026 Draft eligibles, Tri-City Americans defenseman Jakub Vaněček is a well-rounded, two-way player who is always trying to make things happen and usually does. Expect him to be taken in the second or third round in June. Vojtech Hora, Jiří Kamas, Ondřej Ruml, and Václav Nedorost Jr. are also late-round draft candidates—all four are flawed but may entice some NHL teams.
Goaltending
As alluded to, the Czechs are stacked in net. The hulking Martin Psohlavec has been the starter so far this year, but Marek Sklenička and Jan Láryš are both potential top-100 NHL picks, and any of the three could win the net and be among the best netminders in the tournament. They are all big, all agile, and all potential NHLers. If the Czechs are to medal, the goalies will have to come up big.
Bottom line
Overall, the Czechs have left some talent on the table, but have a group that is gritty, determined, and plays at a high pace. They may be able to rope-a-dope their way to a medal with some luck, and regardless of the outcome will be a pain in the side of other teams at times.
Slovakia
By Alex Appleyard • Group A (Trenčín, host nation)
They have home advantage and are certainly not here just to make up the numbers. It is hard to see them medalling, but never say never.
The big picture
The Slovaks relish their role as the plucky underdog, and this time they will have a raucous home crowd behind them. While Slovakia struggled to produce higher-end hockey players for a long time, their development pipeline has had a resurgence recently, and in turn they have churned out a number of NHL first-round picks in recent years.
Now, this roster has no potential 2026 NHL Draft first-rounders on it, but it is a well-balanced team with several potential top prospects in the 2027 Draft, and also includes a player who some consider a prospective first-overall pick in 2029. Yes, you read that right.
Forwards
Up front, the team does have a couple of interesting players for the 2026 Draft. Lucien Bernat has size, skill, and a lethal wrister. There are concerns about his hockey IQ that mean he will probably be available in the third round, but he could make a mark at a tournament like this. Michal Jakubec is an easy player to root for. He might not be the most skilled, but he is fast, never runs out of energy, is strong defensively, and would do anything for his team. A good tournament for Jakubec could ensure he is drafted late, especially as he will likely be deployed in a shut-down role at center. Samuel Karšay is also a contender to be picked late—a well-rounded off-puck player who can score. Then there is Ivan Matta: super skilled but extremely flawed, a team might take a flyer on him in the waning rounds, but at a U18 tournament he will have moments where he shines.
The 2027 forward crop is far more interesting. The incredibly named Tom Selič has a swagger that would be befitting of a Magnum P.I. reboot. Big, strong, fast, a great passer with a good hockey IQ who is lethal on the cycle and can drive hard to the net—if he kicks on, he could be in first-round contention. Timothy Kazda has some of the same attributes, albeit a frame size down. He is already a top-six forward in the USHL, a great skater with silky hands and the ability to bullrush opponents. He has the profile of an NHL middle-six winger if he continues to develop. Oliver Ozogany is another USHLer who could be a top-100 pick next year. While he has not quite delivered as expected as a 16-year-old for Tri-City Storm, he has fantastic tools—he is big, he can skate, has well-balanced offensive tools, and confidence with the puck. However, he needs to understand better when to use his linemates, as he sometimes tries too much or shoots from bad spots. Maxim Šimko is a well-rounded center who can pass, shoot, skate, and play strong defense. He almost always finds a way to impact a game. Matúš Válek is a wild card. He is a fantastic playmaker who thinks the game at a high level and battles hard every shift; however, his skating is clunky and needs to improve to fulfil his potential and make NHL teams pay more attention.
Then there is Max Melicherik. He is only 15 and does not turn 16 until November. He is already a dominant force in the Finnish U18 league in virtually every way—poised, with great hands and a good frame, a natural playmaker who can also go hard to the net and pick a corner at will. His IQ also stands out. If he can become a plus skater instead of just being solid, and stay engaged all the time, he could find himself right at the top of the 2029 Draft.
Defense
Four of the Slovak blue line are likely to be in NHL teams’ systems in the next few years. The best-known name on their back end is Adam Goljer, the team’s captain, number-one defenseman, and potential late-first-round pick this summer. Already a regular for the U20 national team, Goljer played his entire season at the pro level this year and found himself on Dukla Trencin’s top pairing at times. He is a plus skater who can move a puck up ice, is calm under pressure, and can shoot. Goljer also has solid gap control and is strong on the boards. He needs to learn to be more physical and aggressive defensively to thrive on smaller ice, but if he can, there is second-pair NHL upside. Jakub Floris is also likely to be picked at the NHL Draft in a few months, probably in the middle rounds. He is 6’3″, a good skater, and is certainly not close to being physically mature. His shot is impressive for a defenseman, and he is confident on the puck. However, he needs to iron out his defensive kinks and understand how to use his size and strength better.
Then the Slovaks have two intriguing 2027 NHL Draft eligible defenders. Filip Kovalčík plays in the QMJHL for Drummondville and has all the tools to explode next year. He moves well, is incredibly calm under pressure, reads the game at a high level, and has very soft hands. When he is on his game, he is the type of defender who seems to have all the time in the world. Tools-wise, he can be a top-50 pick if he kicks on. Oliver Botka should also be drafted next summer. Despite being physically underdeveloped, the 2009-born defenseman has often been the U18 national team’s best blue-liner this year. He is mobile, sees the ice well, and is instinctive in all three zones. There is also real skill there: deceptive with the puck and a talented passer, he picks his spots well to activate and can jump into plays as a fourth forward when appropriate. While offensive-minded, his gap control is also a strength. Botka will need to add weight and strength and leverage his frame more going forward, but if he can, he has a chance to be an NHL number-four one day.
Goaltending
The Slovaks seem to always have good netminding, and this year is no different. Samuel Hrenák is the biggest name they have in net; he finished the season with Fargo Force in the USHL and will be picked by an NHL team this summer, potentially in the top 100. He is explosive, a fantastic skater, and very combative in his crease. Hrenák sometimes overplays the puck and gets off his angle, but has high-end potential. Denis Čelko might not be drafted, but that is only due to him being 6’0″ at best. This year he has arguably been the best goalie at the Czech U20 level, ahead of a glut of likely NHL picks. Composed with fantastic reflexes and a competitive nature, he never gives up on a play and can make saves look easy even when he seemed down and out seconds before. With a good tournament, he could ensure he is picked. Third goalie Jakub Husar is a 2027 Draft eligible who has impressive tools and should be a pick next summer.
Bottom line
This Slovak team may not be loaded with talent, but has several players who can make something happen, good netminding, and a strong top four on defense. They have home advantage and are certainly not here just to make up the numbers. It is hard to see them medalling, but never say never.
Norway
By Nathan Hutchinson • Group A (Trenčín)
Norway is relying on Aaram-Olsen to be at his best if they want to have any success during the competition.
The big picture
Norway enters the 2026 tournament looking to build off their previous success in avoiding relegation in the past three tournaments. Six returning players from last year’s team that upset Switzerland to avoid relegation give this group a meaningful foundation of experience. Norway is looking at the April 26 matchup versus Latvia as their key game in order to advance to the quarterfinals.
Forwards
Norway is led by Niklas Aaram-Olsen, who will be playing in his third U18 Championship. After leading Norway to promotion in the U20 division, Aaram-Olsen is expected to be the driving force for a team looking to make some noise. Another name to watch is 16-year-old Benjamin Ask Haglund; while playing in Sweden’s U18 leagues this season, he put up over a point-per-game. Simon Caspersen-Snilsberg and Casper Kjolmoen will also be relied upon as 2008-born players to be factors in creating offense.
Defense
On defense, Norway is led by a pair of 2010-born players. William Backlund and Philip Tollefsen, who both played in Sweden this past season, will be heavy factors in Norway’s performance at this year’s tournament. Jesper Alexandersen Juntti had a strong year offensively in Norway’s U20 league, so look to him as a potential factor in their important games.
Goaltending
All three goalies return from last year’s tournament. While Felix Timraz-Westin got the win in their relegation game, it is unclear which of the three will get the nod as the starter, and it is likely all three will be given a chance to earn the net for the quarterfinal or relegation matchup. The 16-year-old Maximilian Vatn Aas is eligible to return for next year’s tournament as well.
Bottom line
Norway is relying on Aaram-Olsen to be at his best if they want to have any success during the competition. Norway will need to stay competitive against Finland and Canada in their first two games before playing Slovakia and Latvia in their final two group-stage matches, where an upset is more likely. A relegation matchup is likely to be against Denmark, where Norway would be the on-paper favorites—but anything can happen.
Denmark
By Nathan Hutchinson • Group B (Bratislava)
Denmark has their work cut out for them—but back in the top division for the first time since 2016, every shift is a chance to flip the script.
The big picture
Denmark returns to the top division at the U18 level for the first time since 2016; however, they have not won a game in the top division since 2004. Denmark has a tall task ahead of them if they want to avoid relegation. The 2007 group of players has aged out of U18 play, which does not bode well for their chances. Denmark is returning four players from the team that gained promotion.
Defense
Denmark is led by defenseman Emil Saaby Jakobsen, who will need to be at his best and is expected to play a ton of minutes for this thinner Danish blue line. Luca Baerentsen is another returnee expected to be a key factor; he spent the year in the Swedish U18 and U20 leagues. Another name to watch is 6’6″ James Bigum Johansen, a 2009-born player who played 25 pro games in the Metal Ligaen (top division in Denmark).
Forwards
Martinus Uggerhoj Schioldan is the most experienced Danish forward, having played in Sweden’s U20 league and for Denmark at the World Under-20 Championship. He will be looked at as the top forward for this team, as he is the only returning forward from the promotion-winning squad. Another forward to watch is Alexander Lepola; while not a massive producer in Finland’s U18 league, Lepola is 6’4″ and will look to be an offensive contributor if Denmark wants to find any success. Andreas Jorgensen and Theodore True are two other names to watch, both with solid production in Sweden’s U18 league and Denmark’s U18 league, respectively. The 2009-born forwards Noah Samuelsen, Thoke Heinsen, and Kian Schade Foder could all be important factors in this year’s tournament, but I would expect them to be the key forces in next year’s tournament, whether in Division 1A or the top division if relegation is avoided.
Goaltending
In goal, Anton Emil Wilde Larsen is the key player for a Danish team looking to cause upsets. Wilde Larsen was the starter for last year’s promotion-winning team and for Denmark at the World U20 Championship. Despite poor results this season, he should be able to build off his experience and lead this team in net. Victor Damgaard can return next year, so look out for him getting a start to keep Wilde Larsen fresh for the expected relegation match.
Bottom line
Denmark has their work cut out for them. Their presumed easiest game comes first against Germany, which could bode well for an upset; however, they then face the USA, Czechia, and finally Sweden to close out their group stage. Denmark will most likely end up in the relegation match, where they will face one of Norway or Latvia and will need their top players—defenseman Saaby Jakobsen and goaltender Wilde Larsen—to be at their best.
Canada
By Joshua Tessler • Group A (Trenčín)
Captain Keaton Verhoeff is one of the very few players in this tournament who has already worn his country’s colors at a World Juniors—and at this age group, that experience matters.
The big picture
Canada arrives in Slovakia chasing a third straight U18 gold and a seventh title overall. GM Alan Millar and head scout Byron Bonora settled on a 25-player roster—three goaltenders, eight defencemen, and 14 forwards—drawing from all three CHL leagues. Three players return from last year’s gold-medal team: defencemen Keaton Verhoeff (Victoria Royals, WHL) and Ryan Lin (Vancouver Giants, WHL), plus forward Alessandro Di Iorio. Verhoeff has been named captain. The leadership group includes Di Iorio and forward Dima Zhilkin alongside the captain.
What truly separates this Canadian team from the rest of the field is the senior-international experience at the back end. Verhoeff was already in Minnesota this past December, making his World Junior debut as a 17-year-old en route to a bronze medal—the kind of senior-tournament rep almost no one else in this U18 has on their résumé. Expect that to show up in his minutes, his deployment in close games, and the level of trust the staff places in him on the penalty kill and in the final two minutes of one-goal games.
Forwards
The forward group runs 14 deep and is more balanced than top-heavy. Di Iorio is the only returner up front, but the rest of the group represents a draft class scouts will get one of their best looks at right here. There is no obvious in-tournament Hart-level driver up front, which is in itself a tell about how Canada will play: rolling four lines, leaning on structure and pace, and trusting the offense to come through volume rather than a single dominant unit.
There is also a notable group of 2027 NHL Draft prospects within this forward unit, including Dima Zhilkin, Alexis Joseph, Jaxon Jacobson, and Kohyn Eshkawkogan. That group adds another layer of intrigue, giving Canada a mix of present depth and future upside that extends beyond this year’s class.
Tynan Lawrence has quietly found his footing after an interesting season that included a mid-year jump from the USHL to the NCAA. Prior to that move, he was producing at a point-per-game pace, and this tournament gives him a chance to reassert himself offensively.
It has also been encouraging to see Mathis Preston be as effective as he has been. Smaht has been higher on him than most, and this continues to reinforce why. His game is controlled and detail-driven, leaning toward smart puck management and reliable decision-making. He drives play through the neutral zone, supports well, and consistently makes the right read, making him a valuable piece who continues to outperform expectations.
Defense
Verhoeff and Lin sit at the top of the depth chart, anchoring a deep and well-balanced Canadian blue line. Both are expected to come off the board early in the first round, with Verhoeff firmly in the top-tier discussion. On a smaller European sheet, the experience advantage this group carries is meaningful.
One name to monitor for a possible late addition is Carson Carels. If he joins, Canada’s blue line becomes the deepest group in the tournament.
Goaltending
Canada is expected to rotate early, with Gavin Betts the likely candidate to take on the number-one role. As usual, performance will dictate usage as the tournament progresses.
Bottom line
Canada is the favorite to win Group A and a heavy favorite to play for gold on May 2. The blue line is the strongest in the tournament, the forward group is deep without being top-heavy, and the staff has a known formula. The questions, if there are any, are about scoring depth in tight games and goaltending in the playoff round—but those are the same questions every Canadian U18 team enters the spring with, and the answer is usually a gold medal.
Latvia
By Joshua Tessler • Group A (Trenčín)
Latvia is no relegation pushover anymore. Under Olegs Sorokins, this program has avoided the playout round at every U18 World Championship since 2018.
The big picture
Latvia under long-serving head coach Olegs Sorokins has built one of the steadiest small-program identities in international junior hockey. They are on their longest unbroken run at the U18 World Championship and have not faced a relegation playoff since Sorokins coached the promotion-winning campaign in 2018. That track record matters more than skill-pool comparisons. Latvia rarely loses a game it should win, and at this level that puts them squarely in the conversation for a quarterfinal spot—not as the upset darling, but as the program that wins the games it’s supposed to and steals one when the opportunity is there.
Forwards
The offensive side of the roster runs through two players who were already in Minnesota for the World Juniors in December: Martins Klaucāns and Olivers Mūrnieks. Klaucāns is in his D-1 year with the Sherbrooke Phoenix in the QMJHL after a more modest first half. At the WJC he played a high-energy, checking role for Latvia; at this U18 the staff will lean on him to drive offense as well as energy, and the difference between a productive Klaucāns and a quiet one is likely the difference between a quarterfinal berth and a relegation match.
Mūrnieks, a first-round pick of the Saint John Sea Dogs in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, is the bigger question mark. He has been banged up for most of his QMJHL season and has been inactive since February 1, joining up with the Latvian group after coming through the team’s last warm-up game unscathed. He played in last year’s tournament and is one of the leading point producers among returners across the entire field. If he is healthy enough to log heavy minutes, Latvia’s offensive ceiling rises meaningfully.
A note on absences: 2009-born forward Roberts Naudiņš, who played at the World Juniors and projects as a potential 2027 first-rounder, is missing the U18s for school and graduation commitments. Rūdolfs Bērzkalns, also a WJC alum, may join the team mid-tournament if Muskegon’s USHL playoff run ends in time. Either addition would be a meaningful boost; both would change the math on Latvia’s ceiling.
Defense
The Latvian back end is solid but does not have the high-end NHL-projection player it has had in past cycles. The standard Sorokins playbook applies: keep play to the outside, manage gaps, and trust the goaltender to clean up the looks that get through. Where this group has to be careful is in the breakout—turnovers in the defensive zone against Canada or Finland are punished quickly, and Latvia has the discipline but not the puck-skill to fully avoid them.
Goaltending
Goaltending has historically been the position that lets Latvia outperform its skill-pool expectations, and Sorokins has rarely had a tournament where the position lets him down. We expect that pattern to hold here—and against the top of Group A, an above-average goaltending performance is a precondition for any kind of upset.
Bottom line
Heavy underdogs against Canada and Finland, but the matchups against Slovakia and Norway are exactly the kind where this program has stolen results year after year. If Mūrnieks is healthy, Klaucāns drives play, and the goaltending is at the level we have seen Latvia get out of this position before, a quarterfinal upset is on the table. If Bērzkalns arrives in time, that ceiling moves up another notch.
Germany
By Joshua Tessler • Group B (Bratislava)
If Tobias Krämer’s German eligibility had cleared the IIHF a few weeks earlier, he would have been at the World Juniors. This U18 is his international debut—and the draft eyes are on.
The big picture
Germany’s challenge in this tournament is the one their U18 program has faced for years: the talent pool runs thin enough that they need their few high-end prospects to play near their ceiling, and they need their goaltending to steal at least one or two extra points beyond what the skill comparison would suggest. Group B is a brutal draw—Sweden, the United States, Czechia, and Denmark—and the realistic path to avoiding the relegation match likely runs through a win over Denmark and one stolen result elsewhere.
Forwards
Up front, the most interesting story is Max Calce, a 2009-born center returning from last year’s U18 squad after spending his draft-minus-one season getting a 14-game cup of coffee in the DEL with Adler Mannheim. He is the building-block forward this program is hoping develops into a top-line piece by the 2027 Draft—and a productive tournament for him here would be one of the more important outcomes of the spring for Germany’s pipeline, beyond the immediate result.
Defense
The blue line is where Germany’s draft buzz lives. The headliner is Tobias Krämer, the 6’6″, 209-pound right-shot defenseman whose eligibility to represent Germany internationally was only cleared by the IIHF mid-season—which is the reason he was not at the World Juniors despite being arguably the most talented prospect in this German cycle. Czech-born and a dual citizen, Krämer came up through the Schwenninger ERC system before joining the Jungadler Mannheim program for his draft year, where he won a DNL championship this spring and posted six goals and 25 points across 46 regular-season-and-playoff games. The combination of size, mobility, and a heavy shot puts him squarely in the 2026 NHL Draft conversation, and Slovakia is his international showcase.
Alongside Krämer is Darian Rolsing, the other 6’6″ defenseman in the lineup, who was at the World Juniors as a 17-year-old this past December and is now back at his second U18 World Championship. Rolsing has spent the season with the WHL’s Wenatchee Wild and brings a heavier, more physical brand of game than the typical European junior defender. Between his U18 reps from a year ago and his WJC reps from a few months ago, he will be one of the most experienced defensemen on either side of any game Germany plays in this tournament.
Goaltending
Germany’s path past the round-robin will hinge on whoever earns the bulk of the starts in net. Steal a game in the round-robin against a team you were not supposed to beat and the playoff math changes quickly—that has historically been the lever for this program at this event, and it is the lever again this year.
Bottom line
Germany is the easiest team in Group B to underestimate and the team most likely to lose a tight one to a top program. The draft eyes will be on Krämer’s tournament more than the team’s outcome—but if Calce up front, Krämer and Rolsing on the blue line, and a hot goaltender all click in the same week, there is a quarterfinal scenario in play.
United States
By Joshua Tessler • Group B (Bratislava)
This roster leans heavily on structure, pace, and responsible two-way play rather than elite star power—but there are still first-round names worth watching closely, and a medal would be a genuine accomplishment.
The big picture
Team USA heads into the U18 World Championship with a group that may not be as flashy as some recent American teams, but still offers plenty for the 2026 NHL Draft. This roster leans heavily on structure, pace, and responsible two-way play rather than elite star power up front. There are still a few names NHL teams will be watching closely, especially among the forwards, but this feels more like a “depth and details” group than a high-end offensive powerhouse.
The biggest question for Team USA is whether this group has enough top-end talent to separate from the field. They left some notable talent at home—particularly at forward and in goal, with names like Klepov, Hurlbert, and Fetterolf absent from the roster—which makes this team feel a little thinner than expected. They should absolutely be in the medal hunt, but unlike some past U.S. teams, a medal here would be a real accomplishment rather than the expectation.
Forwards
Among the draft eligibles, the favorite to watch on this team has been Wyatt Cullen. He shows strong passing touch and offensive instincts, with the ability to create plays and quietly find open space to get his shot off. He leans offense-first and can be physical when engaged, but his pace and transition game need another step. Without becoming more dynamic and puck-dominant, Cullen looks more like a late first-rounder than a lottery selection—but a big tournament could move him into consensus lottery conversation.
Victor Plante stands out as one of the most interesting names to follow. He is a very fast, highly engaged 200-foot winger who impacts all areas of the ice and processes the game well. While his hands and offensive skill have not fully caught up to his feet yet, his pace and habits make him a likely late-first or early-second-round target. Brooks Rogowski is another player to know: a big-bodied forward with skill, strong puck habits, and a knack for getting open in dangerous areas. His pace and edge work need improvement, but he consistently finds scoring chances and has better passing touch than expected for his frame. He could go anywhere from the late lottery to early second round.
Mikey Berchild brings a strong transition game, good skating, and an active stick, especially through the neutral zone. He plays hard on pucks and makes smart decisions, though he can disappear a bit too much in the offensive zone and projects more as a second-round complementary piece than a driver. Logan Stuart flashes creative passing and puck skill with a solid two-way game and is a sneaky target for smart NHL teams in the second-to-third-round range. Casey Mutryn is a workmanlike player—physical, defensively engaged, and reliable in a forechecking role—and unlikely to be a major draft riser due to limited offensive upside, though a strong U18 performance as captain could move him from a safe second-round pick to a possible first-round selection.
Looking ahead to 2027, keep an eye on Jamie Glance, Brayden Willis, Nolan Fitzhenry, and Levi Harper—a group that may actually have more star power than this year’s draft class.
Defense
AJ Francisco is the most intriguing of the NTDP defensemen this year: a boom-or-bust second-round type with excellent awareness and flashes of high-end playmaking from the back end, even if he does not consistently create enough for his size and offensive style. Luke Schairer’s mobility and offensive aggressiveness give him a chance to be a reliable bottom-four defenseman at the next level.
Bottom line
My prediction: Team USA reaches the semifinals but finishes just outside gold-medal contention, with bronze feeling like the most realistic and successful outcome. Watch whether the forward group can manufacture goals in a 1-1 third period the way the very best USA U18 teams have—that is the question that will define this team’s tournament.
Looking ahead
That covers all ten teams. The round-robin runs through April 27, with relegation play and quarterfinals beginning April 29. The semifinals are April 30 in Trenčín, and the bronze and gold medal games close out the tournament on May 2 in Bratislava. We will be back with playoff-round notes once the bracket is set.
Thanks for reading Smaht Scouting. — JT