The U.S. National Junior Team begins its quest for World Junior glory today, facing Germany in the opening game of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The puck drops at 5 p.m. CT, and the action will be broadcast live on NHL Network. Team USA enters the tournament following an intensive nine-day training camp in Duluth,
Which included impressive pre-tournament victories over Germany and Finland, highlighting the team’s depth and skill. Led by head coach Bob Motzko, returning for his third stint, and captained by Brodie Ziemer, the squad blends experienced returning gold medalists with top NHL draft talent, all aiming to secure the country’s next World Juniors championship.
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Tournament Structure and Venues
The World Juniors feature 10 teams split into two groups. Team USA competes in Group A, alongside Germany, Slovakia, Sweden, and Switzerland. All of Team USA’s preliminary games will be held at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul.
Group B, which includes Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, and Latvia, will play its preliminary round games at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis. Both venues will host quarterfinal games, while Grand Casino Arena will stage the semifinals and medal games.
U.S. Team Preparation
Team USA arrived in Saint Paul on December 14 and conducted a nine-day training camp in Duluth, Minn., which included pre-tournament victories over Germany (8-0 on Dec. 21) and Finland (3-1 on Dec. 23).
Bob Motzko, returning as head coach for the third time, previously led Team USA to gold in 2017 and bronze in 2018. Motzko, also the head men’s hockey coach at the University of Minnesota, expressed optimism about the team’s form:
“We’re excited to get the tournament started, and it’s an honor to have the chance to coach this team again. We had a great training camp in Duluth and really like the way our team is coming together.”
Historical Matchup: USA vs. Germany
Today’s matchup marks the 16th meeting between the U.S. and Germany in World Junior history. Team USA holds a dominant record, winning 14 of the first 15 encounters. Last year, the U.S. opened the tournament against Germany with a 10-4 victory.
Team Leadership and Roster
Brodie Ziemer (Chaska, Minn./University of Minnesota) serves as captain, with James Hagens (Hauppauge, N.Y./Boston College), Cole Hutson (North Barrington, Ill./Boston University), Max Plante (Hermantown, Minn./University of Minnesota Duluth), and Teddy Stiga (Sudbury, Mass./Boston College) named alternate captains.
The roster includes eight returning players from last year’s gold medal-winning U.S. team and 22 NHL draft picks, including 13 first- and second-round selections.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the U.S. vs. Germany game?
The opening faceoff is today at 5 p.m. CT at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
How can I watch the game?
The game will be broadcast live on NHL Network. Tickets for in-person attendance are available here
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Which teams are in Team USA’s group?
Team USA is in Group A, alongside Germany, Slovakia, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Where are the other preliminary games being played?
Group B (Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, and Latvia) plays at the 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis. Both venues host quarterfinal games, but Grand Casino Arena will host the semifinals and medal games.
Who is coaching Team USA?
Bob Motzko returns as head coach for the third time. He previously led the team to gold in 2017 and bronze in 2018.
How has Team USA prepared for the tournament?
The team trained in Duluth, Minn., for nine days, playing pre-tournament games against Germany (8-0 win) and Finland (3-1 win).
Conclusion
As the U.S. National Junior Team begins its 2026 World Junior journey, fans can expect a fast-paced, high-stakes tournament filled with elite young talent. With a deep roster, experienced leadership, and a strong history against Germany, Team USA is poised to make a statement in the opening game.
