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How to watch tonight’s Canada vs. Sweden World Junior preliminary game, and the rest of Canucks’ prospects schedule
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Photo credit: © Steven Ellis/The Nation Network
Dave Hall
Dec 17, 2025, 14:00 ESTUpdated: Dec 17, 2025, 13:51 EST
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
And no, we’re not talking about the holidays. We’re talking about World Junior season.
Even though the tournament rolls around every year, few events in hockey carry the same weight and intrigue as the World Junior Championship. Whether it’s the short-burst intensity of international play, the national pride, or the simple fact that every player involved is under 20 and still chasing their dreams, the tournament always finds a way of pulling fans in.
This year, the Vancouver Canucks could have three prospects involved, all with strong chances of earning spots on their respective teams.

Canada: Cootes on the inside track

Braeden Cootes has been skating with Team Canada since the weekend as he pushes to secure his place on the final roster. Canada’s preliminary schedule begins on Wednesday, December 17, with a two-game set against Sweden, both of which will be televised on TSN. Their third and final tune-up game will be streamed on USAHockey.com, which requires a paid subscription.
  • Canada vs. Sweden — Wednesday, December 17 at 4:00 pm PT (TSN 1/4)
  • Canada vs. Sweden — Saturday, December 20 at 4:00 pm PT (TSN 5)
  • Canada vs. Denmark — Tuesday, December 23 at 5:00 pm PT (USAHockey.com)
With camp now several days in, Cootes has spent time skating alongside players such as Michael Hage (Montreal Canadiens), Tij Iginla (Utah Mammoth), Cole Reschny (Calgary Flames), and Carter Bear (Detroit Red Wings).
Based on several reports from TSN’s Mark Masters, Braeden Cootes will skate on the team’s second line alongside Cole Reschny and Carter Bear.
According to The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler, the forward bubble appears relatively clear from the first few skates. In his most recent article, Wheeler noted in the comment section that Jake O’Brien, Marek Vanacker, Cole Reschny, Liam Greentree, and Carter Bear are all vying for those final spots on the team, while Cootes is not viewed (by him) as part of that group.
Team Canada is expected to make three cuts — one forward, one defenceman, and one goaltender — with the roster remaining open until December 22 in the event NHL clubs elect to release players. Berkley Catton remains the most notable potential addition up front, though his availability following a recent injury remains uncertain.

Switzerland: Sansonnens settling in

Team Switzerland opened its exhibition schedule on Tuesday with a 2-1 victory over Minnesota State (NCAA), marking the start of its preliminary schedule. Canucks 2024 seventh-round pick Basile Sansonnens — widely viewed as a near lock to make the team — skated on Switzerland’s second defensive pairing, a role he’s expected to maintain throughout the tournament.
Switzerland will continue its preliminary slate with games against Denmark and Sweden. Both matchups will be streamed via USAHockey.com.
  • Switzerland vs. Denmark — Sunday, December 21 at 5:00 pm PT (USAHockey.com)
  • Sweden vs. Switzerland — Tuesday, December 23 at 5:00 pm PT (USAHockey.com)

Sweden: Björck joins the mix

Rounding out the trio is Wilson Björck, who will suit up for Team Sweden and is considered a near lock to earn a spot. Like Canada, Sweden will play two televised games against Canada on TSN before closing its exhibition schedule against Switzerland via online stream.
  • Canada vs. Sweden — Wednesday, December 17 at 4:00 pm PT (TSN 1/4)
  • Canada vs. Sweden — Saturday, December 20 at 4:00 pm PT (TSN 5)
  • Sweden vs. Switzerland — Tuesday, December 23 at 5:00 pm PT (USAHockey.com)
While nothing is ever guaranteed, all three Canucks prospects have a strong chance of earning final roster spots for their respective countries. The tournament kicks off on Boxing Day (December 26) in Minnesota, USA. Wilson Björck and Team Sweden will kick off the tournament against Czechia at 10:00 am PT.
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