The Athletic Hockey Show World Juniors medal round preview
Jan 1, 2026
The hosts dive into the World Juniors, analyzing the unpredictable tournament as no team stands out. They debate Canada’s Olympic roster, particularly Conor Bedard's exclusion, and speculate on Team USA's likely omissions. Injuries and inconsistent performances impact medal prospects, especially for Team USA. Sweden emerges as a strong contender, boasting standout players and solid depth. The hosts also highlight underdog nations and draft candidates, making bold predictions for the medal winners as the quarterfinals approach.
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Episode notes
Why USA Left Off Fox And Robertson
- Team USA likely left off Adam Fox and Jason Robertson largely due to skating concerns and roster balance.
- Scott Wheeler argued Robertson deserved consideration as a power-play depth option given his elite scoring form.
World Juniors Wide Open After Round Robin
- The World Juniors feel wide open after unconvincing wins from favorites; no clear dominant team or player emerged.
- Corey Pronman compared the tournament vibe to Vancouver when a surprise MVP (Ryan Poehling) emerged.
USA Struggles From Injuries And Goaltending
- Team USA's injuries and poor goaltending made them the tournament's worst big-nation performer.
- Scott Wheeler said their blue line and coaching decisions left them in major trouble heading into the quarterfinals.