In typical World Junior Championship fashion, the tournament’s opening day was not lacking for excitement and storylines. There were blowouts, physical clashes between top nations, star players shining, and even a big upset.
The United States and Sweden went on to predictable victories, the Czech Republic toppled Finland, and everything was capped off when Canada edged Russia in the marquee match of the day.
Here’s how it all unfolded:
Sweden 6, Denmark 1
It wasn’t the most exciting of games to kick off the tournament, but it did provide an opportunity to see one of the top teams flex their muscles, with Sweden skating off with a decisive victory.