Canada won all four group-stage games, earning a more favorable draw in the elimination round.
My Canada vs. Slovakia predictions see the red and white continuing to build on an impressive string of performances and winning convincingly in the quarterfinals.
Let’s dive into my World Junior betting picks for Friday, January 2.
Canada vs Slovakia odds
| Canada | Slovakia | |
|---|---|---|
| -2500 | Moneyline | +1000 |
| -3.5 (-145) | Spread | +3.5 (+115) |
| Over 7.5 (+110) | Total | Under 7.5 (-140) |
Odds courtesy of Bet99 as of 1-2.
Canada vs Slovakia picks and predictions
My best bet: Canada -3.5 (-145 at Bet99)
Canada had a bit of a hiccup in a matinee game vs. Latvia after opening their tournament with a multi-goal win over Czechia the night before.
Otherwise, it’s been pretty smooth sailing for the Canadians. They were the highest-scoring team in the group stage and posted the best goal differential (+14) of anyone.
That’s saying something considering Sweden won all four of its games in regulation, the only team to do so.
Canada’s firepower has proven to be unmatched and too much for even higher-end countries to handle.
Canada scored at least seven goals in three of four games, including against quality sides like Czechia and Finland.
That bodes well for their chances against Slovakia. The Slovaks won only one of four group-stage games, beating a Germany team that lost each contest while scoring just five goals.
Slovakia allowed more goals than Czechia and Finland, while their goal differential (even) did not come close to either team (+6 for Czechia, +8 for Finland).
If Canada scored seven against those teams, it’s easy to envision a similar output in this one – and Slovakia doesn’t have the horses to keep up.
Canada vs Slovakia same-game parlay (SGP)
Canada -3.5
Over 7.5
Canada is the highest-powered offensive team in the tournament. They’ve scored at least seven in three of four and have combined for 10 goals in 3rd periods. They won’t take their foot off the gas even if ahead, pushing for all the separation they can get. That should lead to a healthy output in this contest.
Slovakia can’t run it up on the scoreboard, but they scored two or more in each of their four games and combined for seven goals against Sweden and the USA, their two toughest opponents. They should be able to chip in a couple of goals to push this Over the number.
Canada vs Slovakia game info
| Location: | 3M Arena, Minneapolis, MN |
| Date: | Friday, January 2, 2026 |
| Puck drop: | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
Not intended for use in MA.
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