The best U20 hockey players are in Edmonton, Alberta for the start of the World Junior Hockey championships. Young men are representing their respective countries in one of the most viewed international hockey tournaments.
There is incredible hype surrounding the 2021 edition of the tournament. With the delay to the NHL season, the World Juniors is stacked with talented rosters.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: December 23rd, 11:30 A.M. (EST)
Online bookmaker 18bet has Canada at +115 to win Gold.
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One of the most talked-about teams in every tournament is Canada. The defending gold medalists have exceptional talent. However, this tourney is different as they come equipped with 20 first-round draft picks. Analysts are already hyping up this year’s Canadian team as one of the greatest teams on paper.
Last tournament, Russia blew a lead late in the gold medal game. Now, the Russians are back and stronger than ever. Owning the second-best odds, Russia is hoping to win their first World Juniors gold since 2011.
Like Canada, USA is benefitting from the NHL delaying their season. With a number of top picks on this years’ USA roster, the Americans are looking to make their mark against teams like Canada and Russia. USA last won gold in 2017.
One team that has disappointed in the medal round is Sweden. The Swedes dominate the preliminary rounds but fall before the podium. Having not won gold since 2012, Sweden is hoping to get the monkey off their backs in this tournament.
Other interesting, albeit longshot teams include the likes of Austria and Germany. Neither team have won Gold or Silver at the World Juniors. Crazier things have happened in 2020, could we see a tremendous underdog stand tall in Edmonton?
