If anyone is interested in taking a break from the NHL to watch some of the world's best young prospects, this is certainly the place to do it! Luckily for us, the tournament will be broadcast across both the US and Canada, which will give us plenty of chances to see Sami Aittokallio, one of the Avs' top goalie prospects, serve as Finland's starting goaltender (quick breakdown of their team here). In the USA, you can watch him play on Dec. 26, Dec. 28, and Dec. 30 as well as in the medal rounds if they make it that far. In Canada, you'll also see him on Dec. 31. However, there's also a ton of undrafted and up-and-coming young talent that will be showcased over the next few weeks. Who knows, maybe the Avs' top 2012 or 2013 pick is playing this year!
USA and Canada broadcast schedules and team links after the jump....
USA Broadcast Schedule
NHL Network will cover the tournament for the States, and Matt Rosen, Dave Starman and Rob Simpson will be the commentators. More information on them and the broadcast can be found here. Also, according to the blog "Puck Worlds" the US has the top-ranked Junior Hockey Program, and The Hockey Writer's David O'Connor calls them "the team to beat" in his preview. The boys in the Stars and Stripes should make a good showing this year. Other fun info: USA Roster, USA World Juniors Blog (it has pictures!).
Date | Matchup | Network | Time (MST) |
Dec. 26 | Canada vs. Finland | NHL Network | 1:30 p.m. |
USA vs. Denmark | NHL Network | 6 p.m. | |
Dec. 27 | Denmark vs. Czech Republic | NHL Network | 6 p.m. |
Dec. 28 | Finland vs. USA | NHL Network | 1:30 p.m. |
Czech Republic vs. Canada | NHL Network | 6 p.m. | |
Dec. 29 | Canada vs. Denmark | NHL Network | 6 p.m. |
Dec. 30 | Czech Republic vs. USA | NHL Network | 1:30 p.m. |
Finland vs. Denmark | NHL Network | 8 p.m. | |
Dec. 31 | USA vs. Canada | NHL Network | 6 p.m. |
Jan. 2 | Quarterfinal #1 | NHL Network | 3 p.m. |
Quarterfinal #2 | NHL Network | 7 p.m. | |
Jan. 3 | Semifinal #1 | NHL Network | 3 p.m. |
Semifinal #2 | NHL Network | 7 p.m. | |
Jan. 5 | Bronze-Medal Game | NHL Network | 1:30 p.m. |
Gold-Medal Game | NHL Network | 6:00 p.m. |
Canada Broadcast Schedule
The birth nation of hockey will be hosting the tournament this year, and the games will take place in buildings we've very familiar with - Rexall Place in Edmonton (home of the Oilers) and the Saddledome in Calgary (home of the Flames). TSN will broadcast the games and even have streaming available to Canadian residents. Even though it sounds like the Canadian team may not be as strong as it has been in the past, they're still the home team and are expected to put up a fight. It should be interesting to watch. Also of interest: Team Canada Roster, online news coverage from tsn.ca, and The Hockey Writer's take on their roster.
Date | Matchup | Network | Time ET/PT |
Dec. 19 | Canada vs. Finland (Exhibition) | TSN2 | 9pm/6pm |
Dec. 22 | Canada vs. Switzerland (Exhibition) | TSN2 | 9pm/6pm |
Dec. 23 | Canada vs. Sweden (Exhibition) | TSN | 9:30pm/6:30pm |
Dec. 26 | Canada vs. Finland | TSN and TSN.ca | 3pm/Noon |
Sweden vs. Latvia | TSN2 | 5:30pm/2:30pm | |
USA vs. Denmark | TSN2 | 8pm/5pm | |
Switzerland vs. Russia | TSN2 | 10:30pm/7:30pm | |
Dec. 27 | Czech Republic vs. Denmark | TSN | 8pm/5pm |
Dec. 28 | USA vs. Finland | TSN | 3:30pm/12:30pm |
Sweden vs. Switzerland | TSN2 | 5:30pm/2:30pm | |
Canada vs. Czech Republic | TSN and TSN.ca | 7:30pm/4:30pm | |
Russia vs. Slovakia | TSN2 | 10pm/7pm | |
Dec. 29 | Denmark vs. Canada | TSN and TSN.ca | 7:30pm/4:30pm |
Latvia vs. Russia | TSN2 | 10pm/7pm | |
Dec. 30 | USA vs. Czech Republic | TSN | 3:30pm/12:30pm |
Sweden vs. Slovakia | TSN2 | 5:30pm/2:30pm | |
Finland vs. Denmark | TSN2 | 8pm/5pm | |
Dec. 31 | Czech Republic vs. Finland | TSN | 4pm/1pm |
Canada vs. USA | TSN and TSN.ca | 7:30pm/4:30pm | |
Russia vs. Sweden | TSN2 | 10pm/7pm | |
Jan. 2 | Quarter-final 1 | TSN and TSN.ca | 5pm/2pm |
Quarter-final 2 | TSN and TSN.ca | 8:30pm/5:30pm | |
Jan. 3 | Semifinal 1 | TSN and TSN.ca | 5pm/2pm |
Semifinal 2 | TSN and TSN.ca | 8:30pm/5:30pm | |
Jan. 5 | Bronze Medal Game | TSN and TSN.ca | 3:30pm/12:30pm |
Gold Medal Game | TSN and TSN.ca | 7:30pm/4:30pm |