It’s only the third day of the 2026 World Junior Championship in Minnesota and the tournament is already delivering in the excitement department.

Traditional superpowers like Canada and the United States have already faced stiff tests through the first couple games of round robin play while a team like Czechia has firmly pushed themselves into contender status.

“The tournament has been competitive, and the teams know there is very little leniency for a letdown as opponents are ready to exploit any opportunity,” said TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button.

In their opening game on Boxing Day, Canada drew Czechia, the team that sent them home in the quarter-finals the past two years.

It was a back-and-forth affair and tied 3-3 after two periods, Canada used a four-goal third period to skate away with the 7-5 win as forward Michael Hage and defenceman Ethan MacKenzie both had three-point outings.

Canada was back at it on Saturday and after nursing a 1-0 lead since the second period, Latvia scored the tying goal late in the third to send it to overtime. It was in the extra frame on the power play where Hage was the hero, scoring the game winner.

Button says Hage, a Montreal Canadiens prospect, has led the way for Canada through their first two games.

“Michael has shown his ability to be a difference maker,” said Button.

Canada is back in action Monday night against Denmark before wrapping up group play on New Year’s Eve against Finland.

Czechia bounced back from the opening-day loss to Canada on Saturday night with a 7-2 trouncing of Denmark. They have 13 NHL draft picks on the roster, including forward Vaclav Nestrasil (Chicago Blackhawks) and defenceman Adam Jiricek (St. Louis Blues).

The Czechs have medaled in three straight World Juniors after they went 17 years without a medal at the tournament. That streak was broken in 2023 in Halifax with silver.

“Czechia has a very well-balanced team and are showing they are a gold medal contender,” said Button.

Over in Group A, the reigning champion United States have jumped out to a 2-0 start as they aim to win a third straight World Junior gold medal.

They beat the Germans 6-3 on opening day and edged Switzerland 2-1 on Saturday.

The win over the Swiss was marred by USA defenceman Cole Hutson leaving the game on a stretcher after being hit with a puck in the back of the head. He has since been released from hospital and has rejoined the team but his playing status is currently listed as day-to-day.

Button highlights forward Teddy Stiga, who scored last year’s Golden Goal for the Americans, captain Brodie Ziemer and defenceman Adam Kleber, a Sabres prospect, as the catalysts for the United States through the first two games.

Two players from Group A that have made noise so far are Sweden’s Anton Frondell and Slovakia’s Tomas Chrenko.

Frondell, the third-overall pick in June’s draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, had a goal and an assist in Sweden’s 3-2 win over Slovakia on Friday.

“Anton Frondell in his sole game was superior to every player on the ice,” said Button. “His command of the game and ability to control play in all areas was on full display.”

Chrenko, who is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, had a hat trick in Slovakia’s 4-1 win over Germany on Saturday.

“He has shown a real penchant to be dangerous,” said Button of Chrenko.

There are several other draft-eligible players participating in the tournament this year that, like Chrenko, have made a big impact for their teams.

Canada’s Gavin McKenna, the favourite to go first overall in June’s draft, has four assists through his first two games of the tournament. At last year’s World Juniors, McKenna had just one goal in five games.

USA defenceman Chase Reid, who was No. 5 on Button’s November draft ranking, has a goal while averaging over 19 minutes of ice time through his first two games.

“Chase Reid has been a standout on the USA blueline and could be the best defenceman in the 2026 NHL Draft,” said Button.

Latvian defenceman Alberts Smits landed at No. 12 on Button’s latest ranking and is looking to be the second Latvian to be drafted in the first round of the NHL draft since the Buffalo Sabres took forward Zemgus Girgensons in 2012.

He led Latvia with 24:37 of ice time in their loss to Canada.

“Albert Smits is now in the discussion for best defenceman in the draft and has shown a significant prowess in his play,” said Button.