GDT: 2025 U18's Day 1

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Slovakia-Finland
Sweden-Switzerland
Norway-Latvia
Czechia-USA

Let the games begin and good luck to everyone!

 

[Czechboy]

Slovakia vs Finland could be a banger.
Sweden is the fav.
Latvia is the fav.
USA is a big fav but I do like our team.

 

[Namejs]

Slovakia 38-62 Finland
Sweden 92-8 Switzerland
Norway 40-60 Latvia
Czechia 30-70 USA

 

[kudla]

Its interesting that the bookmakers have Norway as favorites vs Latvia

 

[Namejs]

Its interesting that the bookmakers have Norway as favorites vs Latvia

Link me to them please

 

[Joka12]

Its interesting that the bookmakers have Norway as favorites vs Latvia

Probably because of the good results in the pre-tournament matches

 

[Pazucha]

3:5
7:1
2:4
5:1

Lets hope I am wrong.

 

[kudla]

Link me to them please

Idk if it shows what I see, but here.

 

[Namejs]

Idk if it shows what I see, but here.

Unfortunately, not a single bookie licenced in Latvia offers any odds on any of the games.

As for the odds you listed, they're saying it's nearly exactly 50/50. So by no means Norway are considered the favorites, a regulation win by Norway has <50% implied odds.

I think the odds are still off, but the margin here is not large enough to make a large bet here anyway.

As I said, it's more 60/40 in favor of Latvia.

 

[Old Man Jags]

3:5
7:1
2:4
5:1

Lets hope I am wrong.

I love the Cz - US prediction as a Czech fan but fear it might be the other way round

 

[Appleyard]

2025 IIHF U18 World Championship Preview - Smaht Scouting

Previewing the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship with team-by-team breakdowns, standout prospects, and key storylines to watch as the tournament kicks off.

smahtscouting.com

Preview with a focus on potential draft picks.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I love the Cz - US prediction as a Czech fan but fear it might be the other way round

I respect my friend @Pazucha and think there’s actually a pretty good chance for the Czechs, but yeah 5-1 seems a little much. I think if Czechia wins it’s probably by 2 goals, at most (maybe 3 if there’s some ENG’s involved).

 

[Antiillafire]

Both teams need to work on their shots that’s for sure

 

[Jukurit]

Finland-Slovakia boring first period.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

Boring and drowsy 1st period in Slovakia vs Finland game.
Neither team on the ice hasn't controlled the game and game basically is end to end.

Overtime win or overtime loss for Finland wouldn't be surprise to me.
This Finnish team clearly lacks elite NHL talent and that's
worrisome regarding to 2027 U20 WJC's where
2007 born is the main age group.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

Finland-Slovakia boring first period.

Absolutely.
It's pretty difficult to stay even awake and watch this game.

 

[JJTT]

Might be the worst team finland in 20 years. Just zero offensive talent.

 

[just a hockey fan]

This Finnish team clearly lacks elite NHL talent and that's
worrisome regarding to 2027 U20 WJC's where
2007 born is the main age group.

I mean it doesn't mean that no development happens in the next 1,5 seasons and I'm willing to say that there will (or at the very least should) be a lot of 08 and especially 09 born players if the Finnish coach/GM/federation want to have good players in that team.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

It truly isn't surprise why NHL teams haven't put any attention to scout 2007 born Finnish prospects.
This team do not have skill to score.

If even 1 guy on this team gets 1-3 NHL games it is a huge surprise.
I get that covid19 pandemic has done a lot of damage for these guys
when all hockey activities were under total shutdown but our hockey association
and it's suit department and members of kiss my ass sauna clubs should look into mirror too.

What are the merits and achievements why Mikael Kotkaniemi has named U18 head coach.
Is it only that's why his son ( Jesperi ) plays in NHL or does he have some real hockey merits why he has got hired.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

I mean it doesn't mean that no development happens in the next 1,5 seasons and I'm willing to say that there will (or at the very least should) be a lot of 08 and especially 09 born players if the Finnish coach/GM/federation want to have good players in that team.

Yeah yeah yeah.
Hopefully you're right.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

How freaking difficult it is to score even 1-2 goals to win this game.
WAKE UP FINLAND.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

Finland-Slovakia boring first period.

Unfortunately 2nd period wasn't better either.

 

[ES]

What are the merits and achievements why Mikael Kotkaniemi has named U18 head coach.
Is it only that's why his son ( Jesperi ) plays in NHL or does he have some real hockey merits why he has got hired.

Finnish Ice Hockey Federation puts coach in charge typically for three years, so no big names will be interested. This time though Matti Tiilikainen (who didn't have much accomplishments either) left after one year so they needed a new one. Kotkaniemi has a recent U20 Finnish title with Lukko so he has some junior coaching experience.

There are some coaches who were pretty much unknown guys when starting the project but have established themselves among top Finnish coaches: Jussi Tapola, Jussi Ahokas and Tommi Niemelä.

 

[Hockeyfrilla]

No Malte Vass for Sweden?

 

[WarriorofTime]

0-0 after overtime lol, what a way to start the tournament with a bang