Sweden, Krantz Win Gold at World Junior Championship

Monday, January 5 | Sweden Ends Gold Drought, Holds Off Czechia, Fibigr

Since 2012, three nations have won gold at the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship: Canada, USA and Finland. The last country to win beyond that trio? Sweden, back in 2012 and again the golden victors Monday night in St. Paul, beating Czechia, 4-2.

Despite the Swedes taking a 3-0 lead early in the third period, Czechia clawed its way back to a 3-2 lead with two goals in exactly two minutes, from 2:36 left to just 36 seconds remaining in regulation. Kraken seventh-rounder Jakub Fibiger was squarely in the middle of the late-game madness, notching the primary assist on both scores. The pair of goals was registered with an extra attacker, and Czechia goalie Michal Orsulak was on the bench.

But the equalizer didn’t materialize as Swedish star Ivar Stenberg secured the win with eight seconds left. Kraken defenseman was excited for his young countrymen’s chances. Czechia takes silver and has nothing to hang their heads about, especially going toe-to-toe in a dramatic 6-4 win over Canada in Sunday’s semifinal. Czechia alternate captain Fibigr, a defensive stalwart all tournament, saved his best offensive efforts for the semifinal and final, totaling a goal and three assists in those two matchups.

Fellow Kraken draft choice, 18-year-old 2025 seventh-rounder Loke Krantz, played Monday sparingly but was dressed to celebrate the WJC title properly. Krantz delivered some hard-nosed minutes in Sunday’s tight win over rival Finland and sets up to be part of his national team’s championship defense next winter in Edmonton.

Monday, January 5 | Finland, Miettinen Fall Short in Bronze Matchup

While Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen tied the score at 2-2 mid-first period of the bronze medal game at the IIHF World Junior Championship, that was closest Finland would get to Canada. The Canadians scored a late first-period goal, then two more in the middle frame, to take a commanding lead and secure a 6-3 victory. It marks Canada’s first medal since winning gold in 2023.

Finland and Miettinen lost a seven-round shootout to Sweden, falling short of the gold-medal matchup after earning silver last winter. Miettinen’s goal came on a booming one-timer, flashing a shot that the Kraken and AHL Coachella Valley Firebirds will certainly appreciate in games to come. Miettinen finished the tourney with two goals and two assists for four points in six games.

Sunday, January 4 | Czechia, Fibigr Oust Canada Third Straight Year

When the second semifinal of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship ended Sunday night in St. Paul, MN, Kraken 2024 seventh rounder and Team Czechia alternate captain Jakub Fibigr was right smack in the middle of a group that grew larger as teammates joined from the bench when it was an official 6-4 win for his squad.

History repeated itself as Czechia defeated Canada in the knockout round of the tourney for the third straight year, yet again in dramatic fashion. Czechia will now face Sweden in the gold medal game Monday (5:30 p.m.) while Canada skates against Finland and 2024 second-rounder Julius Miettinen to decide who earns bronze. Monday’s gold medal marks the first time since 2016 that neither Canada nor Team USA is in the finale.

Fibigr played another strong game for his nation, top four among teammates in time on ice. He was part of the vital penalty kill directly after Canada tied the game at 2-2 in the second. That prevented Canada from taking the lead in the matchup, which was not decided until Czechia iced the game with 26 seconds remaining.

Canadian fans who crossed the border for Sunday’s finale were put through a wringer of emotions as their national team equalized the score on Team Czechia’s first four go-ahead goals. Canada captain Porter Malone scored to make it 4-4 with less than three minutes left in regulation. Bedlam in the stands as Czechia has just used up two valuable late-game minutes with a power play awarded while CAN center Michael Misa played a puck with his hand directly from a faceoff.

It seemed maybe, just maybe, this time Canada would be the ones to knock out Czechia. Instead, Czechia scored a fifth go-ahead goal with 74 seconds left on the game clock. This is after Czechia scored last winter with 40 seconds left to send Canada packing in a quarterfinal matchup and, believe it or not, with just 13 seconds remaining in regulation to eliminate Canada in the quarterfinals of the 2024 World Juniors tournament. It’s little consolation to the hockey-centric nation that Team Canada beat Czechia in overtime to win the 2023 World Juniors.

Sunday, January 4 | Finland, Miettinen Fall to Sweden, Krantz in First Semifinal

This time around, Finland and Kraken 2024 second-rounder Julius Miettinen were on the heartbreaking end of the World Juniors rivalry with neighbor nation Sweden. But as in the last eight times these countries had faced each other at the annual IIHF championship tournament, this matchup ended in a one-goal final, with Sweden prevailing, 4-3.

Finland didn’t make it easy for the Swedes. Each time Sweden took the lead at 1-0, 2-1, and 3-2, Finland equalized. The tying goal at three apiece was tallied with six minutes left in regulation, and no doubt provoked worrisome memories for Swedish fans.

But those same roared and exhaled mightily as Sweden won in a seven-round shootout when forward Anton Frondell notched the shootout winner to advance to Monday’s gold medal game in St. Paul, MN, to face Team Czechia. Frondell’s goal was sweet revenge for the Swedes, who had lost four of their last five WJC semifinals, including a 4-3 overtime loss to the Finns last winter when Finland scored late in OT.

Kraken 2025 seventh-rounder Loke Krantz played the most minutes of this tourney in the victory. He was over the boards for 15 shifts and 9:45 of time on ice. He provided the physical and defensive responsible game for which he made the roster cut as an 18-year-old.

For the Finns, Miettinen played the most minutes, 18:45 time on ice, among all countrymen forwards. He was trusted by his coaches with most of the vital faceoffs, including four consecutive overtime wins when Team Finland was vying to score on a power play that began with 2:03 remaining in the 10-minute overtime period. In fact, Miettinen drew the slashing penalty as he sliced and dangled through three Sweden defenders. One of those late-OT faceoff wins led to a near-win, but Finnish captain Aron Kiviharju’s shot from the right point clanged loudly off a goal post.

Miettinen was in the middle of many twists and turns of the game. With the score 3-2 Sweden, he was whistled for a later third period cross-checking call that some may consider not a penalty. But Finland didn’t break, and soon after Miettinen was out of the penalty box, Finland’s Joona Saarelainen tied matters at 3-3.

The shootout was tied at 1-1 after Sweden’s Jack Berglund finally connected in the top of the mandatory fifth round. Alternate captain Miettinen was the fifth shooter for Finland, but couldn’t muster the game-winner as Swedish Love Harenstam made the save.

Miettinen and the Finns will play for bronze on Monday against Canada.

Friday, January 2 | Moving on to Medal Round for Miettinen, Fibigr

A pair of Kraken prospects from the 2024 draft class were a big part of sparking their nations’ quarterfinal wins Thursday at the International Ice Hockey Federation 2026 World Junior Championship. In most dramatic fashion, Seattle 2024 second rounder and WHL Everett Silvertips Julius Miettinen started Team Finland’s scoring play in overtime to break the hearts of Team USA players, parents and fans in a 4-3 knockout round victory for the Finns.

Kraken seventh rounder Jakub Fibigr, a minutes-eating, shutdown top-pair defenseman for Czechia, again topped all teammates in time on ice with 22:41. He also turned in his best offensive performance of the tourney, assisting on a third-period goal and scoring his team’s final in a 6-2 win over a Switzerland team that nabbed an early lead. For his part, Fibigr finished +2 on the night.

As for the Finns, they sent Team USA packing in front of a home-country crowd that just moments earlier were cheering wildly in St. Paul when the Americans scored with two minutes left in regulation to tie the close matchup at 3-3. Team USA has won the last two World Juniors titles, last winter edging Finland and Miettinen 4-3 in, wait for it, overtime. Friday was a turnaround that had Miettinen and squad members arm in arm on their blue line singing their country’s national anthem.

First-liner Miettinen earned the secondary assist by getting the puck to playmaking standout forward Matias Vanhanen, who moved the puck to third-liner Arttu Valila two minutes, 11 seconds into a 3-on-3 10-minute overtime period. Mietinen has a goal and two assists in four games. Finland will face Canada in one semifinal on Sunday.

Fibigr and Team Czechia draw Sweden in Sunday’s other semifinal. It will be a staunch test for the alternate captain and his defensive partner, Adam Jiricek, captain and first-round draft pick. Sweden’s fourth line includes a Kraken 2025 seventh rounder, Loke Krantz.

Sunday’s winners will play for gold on Monday, while the other two will square off in search of bronze. It’s not a stretch of any sort to imagine Fibigr and Miettinen on a championship collision course. Both are key contributors and leaders for their nations and likely future teammates at AHL Coachella and, here’s projecting, Seattle, in seasons ahead.

Thursday, January 1 | Quarterfinals Set with Sweden, Canada Topping Groups

In Wednesday's action, Czechia overcame an early deficit to defeat Latvia 4–2 in a New Year’s Eve matchup, continuing Czechia’s ascent through Group B. Kraken prospect Jakub Fibiger led all Czech skaters in ice time, logging over two more minutes than his defense partner Adam Jiricek. Goals from Tomas Poletin, Jiricek, and Max Psenicka showcased Czechia’s offensive capabilities. However, it was Fibigr’s strong defensive presence that allowed Czechia to dominate, outshooting Latvia 29–10 and limiting high-danger five-on-five chances. While Latvia’s power play kept the game competitive, Czechia’s structure and patience ultimately led to their victory, advancing them to the quarterfinals unbeaten since their opener, surely carried by the confidence of their nation's historic medal streak.

In the main event, Canada and Finland turned New Year’s Eve into a high-scoring affair, with Canada winning 7–4 to secure the top spot in Group B. Kraken prospect and Everett Silvertips superstar Julius Miettinen found the scoresheet for the first time in the tournament, making an immediate impact by scoring on Finland's first shot of the game. He drove hard to the net and converted a saucer pass from Matias Vanhanen for a top-shelf goal, equalizing after Canada took an early lead.

Early first period was a flurry for both teams, with each finding the back of the net on their first two shots of the game. That tone defined Finland’s night even as Canada’s depth and power play began to tilt the ice. Cole Beaudoin’s relentless energy proved decisive with two goals, while Canada leaned on its firepower and pace to pull away late, outshooting Finland 32–18.

Look ahead to Friday's quarterfinal schedule:

Germany vs. Denmark - 9:30 PT (Relegation game)
Sweden vs. Latvia - 11:00 PT
Czechia vs. Switzerland - 1:30 PT
USA vs. Finland - 3:00 PT
Canada vs. Slovakia - 5:30 PT

Tuesday, December 30 | Fibigr, Czechia Outlast Finland, Miettinen in Key Group B Matchup

Team Czechia jumped to an early lead Sunday in a game that could ultimately decide seeding for the quarterfinal round on Friday. Kraken 2024 seventh-rounder Jakub Fibigr continued his solid work on the top defensive pairings for Czechia, logging 24:38 in time on ice, second only to teammate and NHL first-rounder Adam Jiricek, to quiet a Finnish team with plenty of scoring power, including Seattle 2024 second-rounder Julius Miettinen.

But Finland did break through for an extra-attached goal just 20 seconds before the end of regulation to push into overtime. Czechia took the extra standings point with a winning goal three-and-a-half minutes into the extra period.

The result keeps Finland within striking distance for Team Czechia in Group B. Canada, following a 9-1 drilling of Denmark, is first in the group with eight points in three games (two regulation wins and an overtime win). Finland has seven points (two regulation wins, one overtime loss), and Czechia is third with five points (one regulation win, one overtime win, and one OT loss). Czechia and Fibigr face Latvia on Wednesday, with Latvia playing on the second day of a back-to-back. Tuesday’s Latvia-Denmark showdown is likely to determine which advances to the quarterfinals. Finland and Miettinen face a tough task on Wednesday against Canada (17:30 p.m., NHL Network).

In Group A, Sweden continued its perfect record of nine points in three games with a decisive 8-1 defeat of Germany. Kraken 2025 seventh round Loke Krantz did not dress after playing in his country’s first two wins. Team USA joined the Swedes atop the Group A standings but only after a close call against Slovakia, which scored with two minutes left in regulation to make it 6-5, but couldn’t score the equalizer. The top seed in the group now comes down to a USA-Sweden game to finish the preliminary round with a 5:30 p.m. puck drop on Wednesday (NHL Network).

Sunday, December 28 | Finland Leads Group B with Second Regulation Win

Team Finland jumped out to a three-goal lead in the first 20 minutes against Latvia Sunday, with Kraken prospect and WHL Everett Silvertips star Julius Miettinen assisting on the third goal in the Finns’ dominant first period. Alternate captain Miettinen, who centered the first line, and his teammates built upon their lead for an 8-0 final and the top spot in Group B.

Team Canada has two wins but were pushed to overtime by the Latvians Saturday, resulting in five standings points to the perfect six for Finland. Team Latvia tied the game late against the Canadians, a sharp contrast to Finland’s dominant win over Latvia. Miettinen and Team Finland face Czechia Monday (12:30 p.m. puck drop) in a vital game for seeding in the knockout round, aka the quarterfinals to be played Jan. 2 or next Friday. Miettinen will likely be defended by fellow 2024 draft classmate Jakub Fibigr, part of Czechia’s top D-man pair.

In other action Sunday, Team Sweden outlasted a solid Switzerland group that was within a goal of pushing overtime before a late Swedes empty-net goal closed out matters. Sweden plays Germany on Monday. Team USA is back in action against Slovakia in Group A, while Canada looks to be in a better, more offensive flow against Denmark on Monday. If you’re wondering about the frequent showdown between the USA and Canada on New Year’s Eve (Wednesday), the two North American nations are separated this winter. Instead, Canada faces Finland on Dec 31.

Sunday, December 28 | Fibigr, Team Czechia Rebound for First Win

After dropping a high-scoring, high-drama game to Canada on the opening day of the 2026 World Juniors, Czechia put any doubt or suspense to rest with a 7-2 rout of Denmark on Saturday. Kraken seventh rounder and Czechia alternate captain Jakub Fibigr again logged heavy minutes on the first pairing. His 21:46 time on ice was second only to fellow D-man and St. Louis first-rounder Adam Jiricek. Czechia medaled last year at this tourney behind a dramatic shootout performance by Kraken 2023 first-round pick Eduard Sale. Fibigr and his team are projected to be in the medal mix as this year’s International Ice Hockey Federation world championship unfolds over the next week.

Czechia plays Finland on Monday in a matchup expected to be pivotal for seeding in the quarterfinals. The Finns, with prospects Julius Mittetinen, forward, and Kim Saarinen, goaltender, on the roster, face Latvia at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Seattle 2025 seventh-rounder Loke Krantz and Team Sweden will drop the puck against a highly-regarded Switzerland squad at 11 a.m. Sunday. Team USA barely escaped an upset against the Swiss Saturday, winning 2-1, while Canada needed overtime to grab a 2-1 victory over Latvia.

Friday, December 26 | Surprise Factors into First Day of World Juniors

There were no surprise final scores on the opening day of the 2026 International Ice Hockey Federation Junior Championship, but there were definitely some close matchups that were careening toward potential. In early games, Sweden outlasted Slovakia, 3-2, despite losing an early 2-0 lead. Slovakia rallied to knot matters, 2-2, by mid-third period. With four minutes remaining in regulation, the Swedes scored and then held on for the victory.

Kraken 2025 seventh-rounder Loke Krantz, who made the roster as an 18-year-old, notched 4:34 of time on ice over seven shifts. Krantz, who beat out several higher-drafted and older Swedish forward, is expected penalty kill time and be part of providing physicality to his nation’s lineup.

In recent games in Minnesota, Canada, and Czechia slugged it out in a matchup expected to compete for medals. While the Canadians jumped out to leads of 1-0 and 2-1, Czechia not only tied the game at 2-2 but also took the lead at 3-2. Canada rallied to make it 4-3 in our North American neighbor nation's favor, but the Czechs were playing no-quit hockey Friday. The Czechs tied the game at 4-4.

Canada replied a minute later to establish the lead for good at 5-4, adding a sixth goal for a two-goal cushion until Czechia roared back with a goal with just four-and-a-half minutes remaining to make it 6-5, likely prompting some stressed CAN fans, given the country did not make the medal stand last winter. But Czechia couldn’t muster an equalizer while Canada scored late on an empty net goal to seal the victory. Kraken 2024 seventh-rounder Jakub Fibigr, who was named an alternate captain for Czechia, logged nearly 23 minutes (officially 22:49) and somehow ended up in this wooly affair with a zero plus-minus rating.

In other games, Finland secured a 6-2 win over Denmark. Kraken 2024 second-rounder and Finnish alternate captain Julius Miettinen was not in the lineup on Friday. In its opener, Team USA doubled up Germany, 6-3. Fibigr and Team Czechia are back in action Saturday against Denmark, while Finland faces Latvia Sunday, and Sweden takes on Germany.

Wednesday, December 24 | Kraken Prospects on ‘Worlds’ Stages

When Kraken draft choices Julius Miettinen and Jakub Fibigr skate onto the ice for the Dec. 26 start of the 2026 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship in Minnesota, they both arrive as leaders for their national teams. Miettinen, starring for Western Hockey League Everett this season, is a returnee from Finland’s silver medal finish at the 2025 World Juniors in Ottawa. Fibigr, enjoying a breakout season with the Ontario Hockey League's Brampton, notched five assists and served as a top penalty-killer for Team Czechia’s bronze-medal squad last winter.

“There's a natural tendency to look up to players like Julius and Jakub,” said Cory Murphy, Kraken director of player development. “Julius has been very involved in his pro game development, and our suggestions he’s done with no questioning.

“We had lunch recently in Everett. I asked him, "What's the leadership group going to look like at the World Juniors?" He said, ‘I'm a leader on the team.’ He recognizes that’s a role he has now because he’s played in the tournament and he's played well [especially as a physical center with 6-foot-3, 207-pound size]. The coaches will look to Julius to lead the way. The way he plays is in leadership. He plays hard, he's competitive, he competes on every puck, every faceoff. Teammates on the bench will be watching and realize they have to follow his lead.”

Fibigr turned heads last winter with near-perfect penalty killing as an 18-year-old. His improved offensive production with the OHL's Brampton this fall will be a factor as Czechia looks to medal in its fourth straight WJC and fifth straight advancement to the medal rounds, which would be the best since Czechia and Slovakia split nations.

“I had a call with ‘Fibs’ the night before he left [to join Team Czechia],” said Murphy. “We talked a lot about how they have a good team and that he will be counted on as a returning player. He said he remembered stepping on the ice for the first time last year and can appreciate what his teammates, new to the experience, are going through, including fellow highly touted defensemen eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft. He knows part of his job is to bring that team together, settle things down, and let them know to go out and play. It's still just hockey.”

Fibigr and his Czech teammates will face a steep challenge in the final game on opening day, facing Team Canada in a Group B round-robin game at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis (5:30 p.m., NHL Network is covering most games, including all involving the USA and Canada). Look for the Kraken prospect to build off his 2025 World Juniors play and his ongoing OHL season, in which he has notched eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points in 27 games. His goal total is already an OHL career-high in his third season, while he is on track to set career highs in assists and points.

Schedule Unfolds Dec. 26 to Medal Games Jan. 5

Miettinen and his Finnish brethren start against Denmark in another Group B game on Dec. 26 (12:30 p.m.) Miettine. That means Fibigr and Miettinen will meet in the round-robin on Dec. 29 (12:30), a game that will likely be pivotal to seeding for the quarterfinals on Jan. 2.

Four of five teams in each group have a chance to advance to the medal rounds: semifinals, bronze medal, and gold medal games. Group B includes Czechia, Finland, Canada, Latvia, and Denmark, while Group A consists of the USA, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Germany. Quarterfinals are Jan. 2, semifinals Jan. 4, and medal games Jan. 5.

Krantz Makes WJC Debut on Sweden Roster

Kraken seventh-rounder Loke Krantz was picked late in the seventh round last June, made possible by a late trade with Columbus that sent two later picks back to Seattle. Krantz had already surpassed several fellow U20 Swedish forwards drafted higher over the last two summers, just by getting this far in the process. On Wednesday, it was announced that Krantz is on the final Team Sweden roster. The 6-foot-2, 192-pound forward is an elite penalty killer and provides physicality that is not in high supply on the Swedes’ roster.

"Loke played well in both [pre-tourney] games against Canada," said Cory Murphy, Kraken director of player development. "He played to his identity, establishing a physical presence on the forecheck. He was skating hard, finishing hits and providing energy."

Krantz's season in Sweden started with Linköping HC U20, where he dominated with 11 goals and seven assists in 14 games before being called up to his Linköping club in Sweden’s top pro league, providing a welcome physical presence, a two-way game, and opportunistic scoring. He then headed to pre-WJC camp with Team Sweden.