The United States and Finland are set to face each other in the final of the World Junior Hockey Championship after achieving hard-fought semifinal victories on Saturday in Ottawa, Canada. The United States secured a 3-1 victory over Czechia, while Finland triumphed over Sweden with a 4-3 overtime win. The Americans are aiming for back-to-back championships, which would mark their third title in five years.

In the semifinal match against Czechia, Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perrault each contributed a goal and an assist, while defenseman Aram Minnetian provided two assists. Their collaboration led to the United States' opening goal, with Perrault finding the net just 3:14 into the first period. Leonard showcased his skill by chipping the puck off the boards to evade a defender and delivering a precise pass to Perrault while falling to the ice. Czechia responded later in the period when Jakub Stancl scored after capitalizing on a forecheck turnover.

The United States regained the lead 13:41 into the second period, courtesy of Cole Eiserman's power play goal, which followed a precise pass from Trevor Connelly. A tense third period unfolded, with both teams having opportunities on the power play but failing to convert. The United States ultimately scored with 4:27 remaining in regulation, as Minnetian assisted Perrault, who then set up Leonard for a one-timer. An empty-net goal from Oliver Moore with 1:07 left sealed the win for the United States. Earlier in the day, Finland overcame Sweden in overtime, with Benjamin Rautiainen netting the game-winning goal on a power play just 38 seconds before the conclusion of the overtime period. Finland's Konsta Helenius played a pivotal role by assisting on all four Finnish goals, while Emil Hemming contributed a goal and an assist. Goalie Petteri Rimpinen was instrumental, making 43 saves throughout the matchup. Finland capitalized on power play opportunities, scoring two goals, including one from Hemming that occurred just after a power play expired. After a scoreless first period, the second period featured five goals, concluding with Finland taking the lead 3-2, despite being outshot 20-10 in that frame.

Sweden's Otto Stenberg opened the scoring in the second period, but Hemming quickly equalized for Finland. The Finnish team then took the lead on a power play goal from Jesse Kiiskinen before Stenberg tied the game again with his second goal. With 21 seconds remaining in the second period, Arttu Alasiurua extended Finland's lead to 3-2. In a resilient display, Sweden equalized once more through Wilhelm Hallquisth's shot. Despite this, Rimpinen had an outstanding performance, saving 19 of 20 shots in the third period, maintaining strong defensive play. As time wound down in overtime, Rautiainen’s timely goal ensured Finland's advancement to the final, where they will be searching for their sixth junior championship and first since 2019. Sweden, meanwhile, faces another disappointing exit, having only secured two junior titles in its history, with just one coming in the last 44 years. The championship final between the United States and Finland is scheduled to take place at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, with Sweden and Czechia competing for the bronze medal earlier in the day at 3:30 p.m.