U-18 Worlds: Quarter-Final Preview, Top Performers To Date

The elimination round at the 2025 IIHF U-18 World Championships has arrived with Canada and USA heading into the quarterfinals as the only undefeated teams, while their opponents, Japan and Slovakia will look to avoid relegation.

Some of the usual suspects have emerged as top performers at the event, while others have made a name for themselves in the small sample size thus far. Here's a look at the four quarter-final match ups, and top performers for each team.

Canada vs. Japan

Canada hasn't dominated as fully as expected, but they continue to get the job done. Forwards Maxine Cimeroni, Stryker Zablocki, and Sara Manness have been predictably good. Defensively Canada hasn't had a lot of challenges, but they'll need to play tighter as a unit as the competition gets stronger. Chloe Primerano remains the top blueliner in the tournament and conceivably has only scratched the surface of her dominance at the tournament. Physically, Canada will hold possession in this game and will need to push to work on good habits instead of slipping into the semis as they did last year. Umeka Odaira has been Japan's top player, but there isn't a player on Team Japan that could come close to cracking Canada's lineup. This will all be about preparation for Canada.

Sweden vs. Switzerland

Sweden has looked fast and physical in this tournament. They haven't put all the pieces together yet, but they are a realistic threat as a possible upset team, as long as they get by Switzerland. Edit Danielsson has been Sweden's best player in this tournament, but their second wave off offense including Ebba Hesselvall can sustain pressure. On the blueline Ebba Westerlind is emerging as Sweden's next in a now consistent line of talented blueliners who will get recruiting by North American teams. In goal Maja Helge will need to be nearly perfect in the next two games, but she's a gamer. On the Swiss side, Norina Muller and Naemi Herzig are the top Swiss forwards. One Swiss player who has made an obvious step forward is defender Laure Mériguet who is averaging more than 25 minutes per game. She continues to play in Switzerland's top U-17 boys league and despite the fact this is her third U-18 World Championship, she still has another year of eligibility. She's been Switzerland's best blueliner.

USA vs. Slovakia

It's no surprise Nela Lopusanova is leading the tournament in scoring, but the Slovakian superstar can't carry this team alone. Ema Tothova has done her part as well, but their depth has been unable to handle other nations. The loss to Switzerland was an upset Slovakia couldn't afford. Unless they can beat USA, they're in for a relegation match up against Japan. USA will need to find a way to neutralize Lopusanova and remain persistent on the puck. Sometimes in mismatches like this teams can be tempted to make an extra pass or an extra move, then taking the shot and relentlessly following rebounds is a more sound way to earn the win. Christina Scalese has emerged as one of USA's top players in this tournament alongside veteran Bella Fanale and Mary Derrenbacher. Their blueline has been quiet offensively but the play of Sloane Hartmetz and Megan Healy has helped carry the momentum forward. Morgan Stickney in net has yet to allow a goal. Repeating with Lopusanova and Tothova looking for their moments will be a challenge.

Finland vs. Czechia

If there's one game that looks like a toss up on paper, it's this quarterfinal. Finland's offense has been nearly non-existent in this tournament and they really haven't threatened often either. Without the strong play of Kerttu Kuja-Halkola in net this team would be sunk. Julia Kuhta and Eva Lamberg have been two of the more consistent offensive players for the Finns. On the Czech side, Linda Vocetkova, far and away has been their best player. The rest of their roster has been providing quality depth and plenty of opportunities offensively. Czechia has been rolling three lines almost without break this tournament, but they'll need their best players to play more to get through the next two games. Barbora Proskova has stepped forward up front, but they need more from others.