2025 World Junior Championship: Canadian hockey holiday tradition returns to the capital on Boxing Day

Excitement Builds as Ottawa Hosts 2025 World Junior Championship

The city of Ottawa is abuzz with excitement as the 2025 World Junior Championship kicks off this Boxing Day, continuing a beloved Canadian hockey holiday tradition.

Hockey fans from all over are flocking to the capital to witness some of the top young talent from around the globe compete on the ice.

The Canadian team will face off against Finland at the Canadian Tire Centre at 7:30 p.m., marking the beginning of their quest for a 21st championship title on Thursday night.

Finland, aiming for their sixth title and first since 2019, will provide a tough challenge for the Canadian squad.

Among the players to watch is 17-year-old Gavin McKenna from the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers, representing Canada on the international stage.

Leading the Canadian team is Brayden Yager, a prospect for the Winnipeg Jets, who serves as captain for this edition of the World Juniors Championship. Yager was part of the Canadian team that finished fifth in the 2024 tournament in Sweden after winning back-to-back titles.

The United States, the reigning champions from 2024, will kick off their campaign against Germany. Other opening-day matchups include Sweden versus Slovakia and Switzerland taking on Czechia.

In a pre-tournament game on Monday, Canada faced Czechia and emerged victorious with a 3-2 win.

While millions are expected to tune in to watch the games on TV, the tournament is also set to provide a boost to Ottawa’s local economy.

Fans holding tickets are advised to arrive early for the game, as traffic around the Tanger Outlets mall is expected to be heavy, according to The Canadian Tire Centre.

The arena doors will open at 6:30 p.m., one hour before the puck drops for the much-anticipated matchup.

With contributions from The Canadian Press