Finland has announced its preliminary roster for the 2026 World Juniors. Eleven players return from last year’s team in the group selected for the tournament in Minnesota. Buffalo Sabres [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres] prospect Konsta Helenius is notably missing from Finland’s 25-player preliminary roster. Selected in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft, Helenius has impressed with Rochester in the AHL, recording nine goals and 23 points in 25 games. The question remains whether Buffalo will allow Helenius to join the tournament once the final roster is submitted. In Helenius’ absence, other players will have the chance to step up. One key figure will be goaltender Petteri Rimpinen, who was voted the tournament’s best goaltender in 2025, when Finland finished as runners-up. Another key player for Finland at this year’s tournament will be winger Emil Hemming, who was selected by the Dallas Stars [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars] in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft, 29th overall. Hemming played five games for Dallas’ AHL affiliate, the Texas Stars, earlier this fall before returning to the Barrie Colts of the OHL. Since then, the points have come quickly, as he has recorded seven goals and 27 points in 16 games. Finland’s final roster will be announced on Christmas Eve ahead of its opening game against Denmark on Boxing Day. Hockey Canada Announces 27-Man World Junior Camp Roster [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/3c11508e-f7ca-469e-a12f-dbb806f874c9.webp] Hockey Canada Announces 27-Man World Junior Camp Roster Canada unveils its 27-player World Junior camp roster. Six returnees join fresh talent aiming for gold in Minnesota. [https://thehockeynews.com/international/latest-news/hockey-canada-announces-27-man-world-junior-camp-roster] FINLAND’S PRELIMINARY WORLD JUNIORS ROSTER Goaltenders Patrik Kerkola, KalPa Petteri Rimpinen, Kiekko-Esbo Kim Saarinen, HPK Defensemen Lasse Boelius, Ässät Mitja Jokinen, TPS Aron Kiviharju, Helsingfors Daniel Nieminen, Pelicans Niklas Nykyri, Helsingfors Juho Piiparinen, Tappara Veeti Väisänen, Medicine Hat Tigers Arttu Välilä, Lukko Forwards Emil Hemming, Barrie Colts Joki Atte, Lukko Onni Kalto, Oshawa Generals Aatos Koivu, TPS Jasper Kuhta, Ottawa 67’s Julius Miettinen, Everett Silvertips Kasper Pikkarainen, TPS Heikki Ruohonen, Harvard University Joona Saarelainen, KalPa Oliver Suvanto, Tappara Leo Tuuva, Lukko Matias Vanhanen, Everett Silvertips Roope Vesterinen, HPK Max Westergård, Frölunda Sweden Reveals World Juniors Squad [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/124101fc-0f80-45fd-8639-e6b47d11beea.jpeg] Sweden Reveals World Juniors Squad Sweden's World Junior Championship roster boasts 16 drafted players, including multiple first-round picks, ready to challenge for gold. [https://thehockeynews.com/international/latest-news/sweden-reveals-world-juniors-squad] 8 Bronze Returnees, 14 Draftees On Czech Preliminary World Junior Roster [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/1d494d70-9604-43b2-afd9-0d236ede91f8.webp] 8 Bronze Returnees, 14 Draftees On Czech Preliminary World Junior Roster Eight returning bronze medalists and 14 NHL-drafted players anchor a strong Czech roster in preparation for the IIHF World Junior Championship. [https://thehockeynews.com/international/latest-news/8-bronze-returnees-14-draftees-on-czech-preliminary-world-junior-roster]
