The 2013 World Junior Hockey Championships start in Russia. Group A consists of the defending champions Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, Finland, and Latvia.
Sweden
Last year, Sweden defeated Russia in the final capture its second title in history. The Swedish side looks just as good this season with major NHL prospects leading the way.
Filip Forsberg was a highly touted prospect in the 2012 NHL Draft and has proven to be a force in the Swedish league. Rickard Raskell was also a part of last year's championship squad and will be back at the forward position for Sweden. The current squad has a total of 13 NHL Prospects.
Also among the players on this squad is Elias Lindolm, who is likely to be among the top touted prospects for the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
"Sweden does have a team that can win again," NHL Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb stated. "That team has a lot of talent and skill."
Look for Sweden to win Group A easily.
Schedule:
Dec. 26, Czech Republic, 7 a.m. ET
Dec. 28, Switzerland, 7 a.m. ET
Dec. 29, Latvia, 7 a.m. ET
Dec. 31, Finland, 7 a.m. ET.
Finland
The Finnish finished in fourth place last season and will look to be among the top teams in this year's tournament. This year's squad features eight NHL prospects including Michael Granland and Teuvo Teravainen. Many believe Granlund will be a major NHL superstar in years to come and this tournament will show whether he remains able to perform on the big stage.
Finland's match with Sweden on New Year's Eve will likely decide the winner of Group A.
Schedule:
Dec. 26, Latvia, 2:30 a.m. ET
Dec. 28, Czech Republic, 2:30 a.m. ET
Dec. 30, Switzerland, 2:30 a.m. ET
Dec. 31, Sweden, 7 a.m. ET.
Czech Republic
Last year, the Czechs defeated the USA in the group stage to advance to the medal round where they lost to Russia in the semi-finals. This team features WHL goalie Patrik Bartosak and NHL prospects David Musil and Radek Faska. Look for them to compete heavily in this group.
Schedule:
Dec. 26 vs. Sweden, 7 a.m. ET
Dec. 28, vs. Finland, 2:30 a.m. ET
Dec. 30, vs. Latvia, 7 a.m. ET
Dec. 31, vs. Switzerland, 2:30 a.m. ET.
Switzerland
The Swiss had a tough tournament last year with just one win in the group matches. The team then managed a regulation win, an overtime win, and a loss in the relegation stage to qualify for this tournament. This year the squad will not get star player Sven Baertschi back, which could make life a bit more difficult for them in this tournament.
Schedule:
Dec. 27, Latvia, 7 a.m. ET
Dec. 28, Sweden, 7 a.m. ET
Dec. 30, Finland, 2:30 a.m. ET
Dec. 31, Czech Republic, 2:30 a.m. ET.
Latvia
Last year, the Latvians suffered with no wins in the first four matches of the group stage. They salvaged an opportunity to play in this tournament by defeating Denmark in overtime in their final match of the tournament. The team will feature Buffalo Sabres prospect Zemgus Grigorens as well as rising talents Roberts Lipsbergs and Nikita Jevpalovs. With such a tough group, it is unlikely, Latvia gets out of the group stage after a dismal performance last year.
Schedule
Dec. 26, Finland, 2:30 a.m. ET
Dec. 27, Switzerland, 7 a.m. ET
Dec. 29, Sweden, 7 a.m. ET
Dec. 30, Czech Republic, 7 a.m. ET.
Group Predictions
1. Sweden
2. Finland
3. Czech Republic
4. Switzerland
5. Latvia