- The United States and Canada square off at 2025 World Junior Championship in Ottawa on New Year’s Eve
- The winner between these two bitter rivals will clinch first in the Group A standings
- Read below for the game preview, betting odds and pick for this preliminary-round matchup
The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship preliminary round highly-anticipated matchup between the United States and Canada will have huge stakes. The winner of the marquee matchup on Tuesday, December 31st at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa will take ‘Group A’. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 PM EST on the NHL Network in the United States and TSN and CTV in Canada.
The host Canadians entered the tournament as +130 favorites to capture gold after a disappointing quarterfinal exit last year. After winning two of three, they’re now the second choice to win it all (+300), just behind Sweden (+275).
USA sits at +650 odds to capture back-to-back gold medals. Canada is a slight -125 favorite on the moneyline in this pretty even matchup, with the total set at 6.5 goals.
United States vs Canada Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | -112 | +1.5 (-250) | O 6.5 (-154) |
| Canada | -125 | -1.5 (+175) | U 6.5 (+115) |
Canada is -125 moneyline favorites, giving the red and white an implied win probability of 55.6%.
The Canadians are also -1.5 on the puck line at a much better +175 price. This would mean, however, that Canada has to win by at least two goals for this bet to cash. Team USA is +1.5, with short -250 odds to win outright or keep the game within a goal.
Odds as of Dec 30th at bet365. Register with the Bet365 bonus code to bet on United States vs Canada.
United States Versus Canada Breakdown
This will be the 13th time these two rivals duke it out on New Year’s Eve, but just the first since 2016. Canada has won eight of the previous battles. All-time, the team north of the border has come away victorious in 34 of 49 duels. Canada routed the United States 6-2 in the semifinals of the 2023 World Juniors, the last team they played each other.
Both teams have won twice in this tournament, with each dropping one in OT (USA to Finland), and in Canada’s case, a stunning loss in a shootout to Latvia, 3-2.
So, if Latvia wins in regulation against Finland tomorrow. And Canada loses in regulation against USA tomorrow..
Latvia finishes 2nd in the pool and Canada finishes 3rd
I’m just sayin’
— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) December 30, 2024
In this tournament, Team USA has been no stranger to scoring, ranking third with 18 markers in three contests. Sure, ten came against Germany, but they’ve still put up five against Latvia and three versus Finland.
Surprisingly, Canada has struggled to tickle the twine, with only nine goals, ranking fifth. After potting four vs Finland, they’ve picked up just two against Latvia and three to Germany, hardly teams that are considered powerhouses.
To counteract their less than ideal goal scoring, Canada has received great goaltending. Netminder Carter George is the first Canadian with shutouts in his first two WJC games since Jake Allen in 2010. Their .964 save percentage is the best thus far, while USA has been shaky, with goalie Trey Augustine surrendering four in each of his two starts. The States’ pedestrian save percentage of .902 is fifth in the event.
United States vs Canada Prediction
Thus far in the tournament, it’s been extremely baffling that Canada hasn’t been able to light up scoreboards, especially against inferior competition. They have 2026 presumptive #1 NHL draft pick Gavin McKenna on the squad, and he’s only found the scoresheet once. That seems like that has to change in a hurry. Plus, 2023 Maple Leafs first-round pick Easton Cowan has an unofficial 56-game point streak in the OHL (because it’s been parts of two seasons), and found the scoresheet in all three games of this tourney.
The States’ haven’t struggled to find the back of the net in this tourney, so this could be a case of both teams combining for a ton of goals in a classic barnburner.
Canada has scored 9 goals in the tournament. USA 18, Czechia 23, Sweden 20.
Canada needs to start putting a lot more pucks in the next if they want to beat these teams.
On the plus side, they’ve allowed the least goals against. #WorldJuniors2025
— Melissa B | Sports Nutritionist (@mbouf) December 30, 2024
Team USA has a pair of players one point off matching the tournament high (Center James Hagens and blueliner Cole Huston each have six points). In seven of their last nine meetings at the World Juniors, these two heavyweights have combined for at least seven markers.
Rather than select a winner on the moneyline, given that both prices are very similar, take this game to be a higher-scoring, back-and-forth affair. This is banking on Canada rounding into form with their offense, and the States’ being able to light the lamp in Carter George’s toughest task between the pipes for Canada. The over 6.5 goals at -154 odds is the play in this opening matchup.
New Year’s Eve WJC Pick:
- Over 6.5 (-154)
-
BET365 SPORTSBOOKBET $5 & GET $150 IN BONUS BETS!
-
DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOKBET $5 & GET $150 IF YOUR BET WINS + $50 DEPOSIT BONUS
-
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOKBET $5 & GET $250 IF YOUR BET WINS
-
BETMGM SPORTSBOOKGET UP TO $1,500 BACK IN BONUS BETS + 2ND CHANCE TD CASH BACK!
-
CAESARS SPORTSBOOKBET $1 & DOUBLE YOUR WINNINGS ON YOUR NEXT 10 BETS
-
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, KS, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY); (800) 327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA); (877) 8-HOPENY (NY); 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ); (888) 789-7777 (CT); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN); mdgamblinghelp.org (MD); morethanagame.nc.gov (NC); 1800gambler.net (WV)
The 2025 World Juniors tournament is set to be an exciting event for hockey fans around the world, with one of the most highly anticipated matchups being USA vs Canada. As two of the top teams in international junior hockey, this game is sure to be a thrilling and intense battle on the ice.
In terms of predictions, both teams have a strong roster of talented players who have proven themselves on the international stage. The USA team will likely be led by top prospects such as Jack Hughes and Cole Caufield, while Canada will have a formidable lineup featuring players like Alexis Lafreniere and Quinton Byfield. With so much talent on both sides, it’s difficult to predict which team will come out on top in this matchup.
In terms of odds, sportsbooks will likely have Canada as the slight favorite due to their recent success in international competitions. However, anything can happen in a single game of hockey, and the USA team has the skill and determination to pull off an upset.
For fans looking to watch the game, there are several options available. The game will likely be broadcast on major sports networks such as ESPN or TSN, as well as streaming services like ESPN+ or NHL.tv. Additionally, fans can follow along with live updates and commentary on social media platforms like Twitter or Reddit.
Overall, the 2025 World Juniors tournament promises to be an exciting event for hockey fans, with the USA vs Canada matchup being a highlight of the competition. With talented players on both sides and high stakes on the line, this game is sure to be a must-watch for any hockey enthusiast.
