A rematch of the 2022 World Juniors semifinals is on deck to kick Canada's 2023 tournament off, as the defending gold medalists face Czechia in their first game.
Canada won their 19th gold medal at the U20 tournament this past summer, taking down Finland in overtime thanks to a goal by Kent Johnson. They defeated Czechia twice on their way to a championship win — once in group play and again in the semis.
Connor Bedard, Olen Zellweger and Logan Stankoven are the key returners from the 2022 squad. Zellweger, a Ducks prospect, and Stankoven, a Stars pick, finished third and fourth respectively in points among all skaters at the tournament. Bedard, regarded as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft, was tied for ninth.
MORE: Watch the 2023 World Juniors live with fuboTV (free trial, U.S. only)
Among the newcomers, Shane Wright, Dylan Guenther and Adam Fantilli are the ones to watch. Both Wright and Guenther passed on the 2022 restarted tournament in favor of focusing on making their respective NHL clubs. Fantilli is projected to be a top-three pick at the 2023 draft.
Czechia lost to Sweden in the bronze-medal game in the last World Juniors, missing out on what would have been their first World Juniors medal since 2005. Jiri Kulich, a Sabres 2022 first-rounder, returns to the 2023 team after averaging a point per game.
The Sporting News has a complete guide on how to watch Canada vs. Czechia in the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, including the start time and TV channels for viewers in both the United States and Canada.
MORE: Every NHL draft pick at the 2023 World Juniors
Canada vs. Czechia start time
- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET | 3:30 p.m. PT (7:30 p.m. AST)
The puck drops at 6:30 p.m. ET, 3:30 p.m. PT and 7:30 p.m. local time from the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, N.S., the home of the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads.
This is the first game for both clubs at the 2023 World Juniors.
MORE: Team Canada 2023 World Juniors roster, results
What channel is Canada vs. Czechia on today?
- Canada: TSN 1/4/5
- United States: NHL Network
TSN has all the World Juniors action in Canada. In the United States, viewers can find the games on NHL Network.
Gord Miller and Mike Johnson will be on the call live from the Maritimes. James Duthie, Bob McKenzie and Cheryl Pounder will provide analysis during intermissions.
How to live stream World Juniors hockey games
- Canada: TSN.ca, TSN app
- United States: fuboTV (7-day free trial)
Fans in Canada can stream all World Juniors games at TSN.ca or the TSN app.
U.S. fans can stream the tournament on fuboTV (free trial), NHL.tv or the NHL app.
Canada vs. Czechia odds
- Canada: -2.5 (-159)
- Czechia: +2.5 (+115)
- O/U: 6.5
Canada is a 2.5-goal favorite on the puckline for the contest against Czechia at the World Juniors, according to Sports Interaction.
Canada World Juniors schedule 2023
(All times Eastern)
| Date | Opponent | Result | Time (ET) | TV Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 26 | Czechia | — | 6:30 p.m. | TSN, NHLN |
| Dec. 28 | Germany | — | 6:30 p.m. | TSN, NHLN |
| Dec. 29 | Austria | — | 6:30 p.m. | TSN, NHLN |
| Dec. 31 | Sweden | — | 6:30 p.m. | TSN, NHLN |
| Jan. 2 | TBD (Quarterfinals) | — | TBD | TSN, NHLN |
| Jan. 4 | TBD (Semifinals) | — | TBD | TSN, NHLN |
| Jan. 5 | TBD (Gold-Medal Game) | — | TBD | TSN, NHLN |
