The IIHF U-18 World Championship quarterfinals are set with Canada and USA finishing atop their groups heading into elimination games.
The IIHF U-18 World Championship quarterfinals are set with Canada and USA finishing atop their groups heading into elimination games.
The preliminary round of the IIHF U-18 World Championships in Zug, Switzerland is in the books. Canada and USA both finished undefeated to sit atop their groups. With every team advancing to the quarterfinals, more lopsided games are likely, but there is also the potential for historic upsets.
Here's a look at each quarterfinal match up:
USA vs. Germany
Germany has suffered mightily after being promoted to the top group of the IIHF's U-18 World Championships, being outscored 23-1 in three games. It won't get easier for the Germans as they now face USA in the quarterfinals. USA had a rough Summer Series against Canada, but have built confidence in their first three wins at the U-18s outscoring their opponents 19-2. Maggie Scannell stepped up as expected for USA scoring six points in three games to lead the team with a quartet of players behind her with five points each. Germany has a tough task ahead. Their top players like Anastasia Gruß and Riley Del Monte have been unable to break through against the competition, and Hannah Loist has been mercilessly peppered in net. USA will be smooth sailing through to the semi-finals.
Sweden vs. Czechia
Heading into the tournament, there was reason to believe both of these teams would be moving to the semi-finals. This could turn out to be the most heated quarterfinals game with Sweden looking to find their way back to a medal game, and Czechia looking to build off the success of their senior national program. Adela Sapovalivova has been a one woman show for Czechia driving their offense and single handedly carrying the load. To beat Sweden, Tereza Plosova needs to step forward as more than a playmaker and provide a viable second scoring option for the Czech's. If not Plosova, than Barbora Jurickova or Anezka Cabelova. For Sweden, they've presented a more balanced, albeit still top heavy attack from Hilda Svensson, Mira Hallin, Ebba Hebqvist and Isabelle Leijonhielm. On the back end, Nellie Svensson and Jenna Raunio have logged heavy minutes, and will likely play even more in this game. What neither team has had yet is a game stealing performance in net.
Canada vs Switzerland
Canada's roster is loaded with offensive weapons. Caitlin Kraemer, Chloe Primerano, and Abby Stonehouse have dominated this tournament. They aren't alone as Canada's attack comes in waves with Claire Murdoch, Styrker Zablocki, Sienna D'Alessandro, Sara Manness, Emma Venusio and others providing consistent chances. This game will not be fun for the Swiss, but it will be interesting to see how Switzerland's top three prospects - Naemi Herzig, Ivana Wey, and Alena Rossel - stack up.
Finland vs. Slovakia
The Finns edged Czechia for second in Group A, but they're a team that can be upset. Aside from Emma Ekoluoma and Abigail Byskata Finland has not been able to muster much of attack throughout their lineup. Tuuli Tallinen and Jennika Ojala will play big minutes as the medal round continues, and they'll need to shut down Nela Lopsanova and company with Slovakia. Lopusanova was crucial in Slovakia's final game of the round robin, a 2-1 win over Switzerland where she scored her nation's first goal and assisted on the overtime winner after a controlled zone entry and perfect pass. Slovakia is not a one trick pony however, as Ema Tothova also has game breaking potential. The real contest here will be between two of the tournament's most consistent netminders in Slovakia Livia Debnarova and Finland's Kerttu Kuja-Halkola.