The 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase is set to take place from July 25th to August 2nd at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on the campus of the University of Minnesota. This annual event is a crucial evaluation camp for athletes seeking to represent their respective countries at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, which will be held from December 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026, in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

This year's Summer Showcase will feature teams from the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden. Practices will commence on July 25th, with the first games scheduled for July 27th. The event promises a high level of competition, with many of the top junior players from around the world vying for a spot on their national teams.

Team USA

The United States roster is particularly strong, boasting nine first-round picks from the NHL Draft, including Cole Hutson and James Hagens. The U.S. team will initially be divided into two squads, USA Blue and USA White, who will compete against Finland and Sweden on July 27th and 28th. Following these games, the roster will be trimmed to form a single U.S. team that will play an additional game against each of the other three nations. The Summer Showcase presents an excellent opportunity for the coaching staff to assess the players' abilities and determine the final roster for the World Junior Championship. Bob Motzko, head coach of the 2026 U.S. National Junior Team, will be looking to leverage his previous international experience to guide the team.

Team Canada

Canada is expected to bring a strong contingent to the Summer Showcase, potentially including up to nine players returning from the 2025 World Juniors. Matthew Schaefer, the new No. 1 draft pick, Gavin McKenna, a likely top pick in 2026, and Philadelphia Flyers first-rounder Porter Martone are among the notable names expected to participate. The goaltending battle between Carter George, Jack Ivankovic, and Joshua Ravensbergen will also be one to watch.

Team Sweden

Sweden's Summer Showcase roster will feature two returnees from the 2024 IIHF World Juniors: center Linus Eriksson and defenseman Viggo Gustafsson. Sascha Boumedienne, a 2025 first-rounder, will also be participating. Ivar Stenberg and Viggo Bjorck, top forward prospects for the 2026 draft, along with Viggo's older brother, Wilson Bjorck, will be other players to keep an eye on.

Alumni Ambassadors

Brock Faber (Minnesota Wild) and Jackson LaCombe (Anaheim Ducks), both gold medalists from the 2021 U.S. National Junior Team, will serve as Alumni Ambassadors during the Showcase. They will be on the ice for select practices and behind the bench for select games.

The Road to the World Juniors

The World Junior Summer Showcase is more than just a series of games; it's a crucial step in the selection process for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. The performances at the Showcase will significantly influence the coaches' decisions as they evaluate players' skills, systems knowledge, and overall competitiveness. With the tournament being held on home ice in Minnesota, the stakes are even higher for the U.S. team and its North American rivals.

Fans can attend the games at Ridder Arena, with tickets available online. All games from the Showcase will also be streamed live on USAHockeyTV.com.