Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.
USA U-20
The US national team head coach David Carle focuses on fast attacks and solid moving of the puck. He has taken nimble creative defenders who skate perfectly. They lack size, though. The top defenders are chosen from Boston College. Will Smith, Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault have scored 66 points in this NCAA season.
Norway U-20
Remaining in the elite division is the main aim of Norway. Switzerland will be their main rival. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard is considered the main star of this team as he’s a potential pick of the first round of the upcoming NHL draft. However, he hasn’t performed brightly in main teams, having scored 6 points in his 22 games in the Swedish second division.
USA U-20 – Norway U-20 prediction
The US national team is amongst the top 3 contenders to win the title. They have many forwards, good defenders and the best goaltenders of the tournament. Norway participate in this tournament for the third time in their history and for the first time since 2014. They dominated the lower league, but it’s unlikely to remain the same in the elite division.
The United States have an ambitious team with good players. I believe they will do their best to score a lot in the first game.
