IIHF World Junior Championship: Can Team USA defend its World Junior Ice Hockey title?

The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship is officially underway in St. Paul, bringing the world’s top young hockey talent to center ice. Jessi Pierce, co-host of the Bardown Beauties podcast, joins us to break down how the tournament has looked so far, which nations are emerging as early contenders, and the players fans should be watching closely. Plus, we look ahead to whether Team USA has what it takes to repeat as champions.