Risers and Fallers from the 2025 U18 World Championships

FRISCO, Texas – BBQ and blowouts. This was the rallying cry for those of us who spent the past fortnight in Texas attending the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship. 

While the competitive games were few and far between, Canada ultimately secured its second consecutive gold medal, while Sweden claimed silver, and the United States narrowly earned a bronze by overcoming Slovakia in overtime. After nearly 30 matches held in Frisco and Allen, along with the compilation of over 100 scouting reports, it is now time to analyze the performances. 

It is important to note that although this was the final chance for players to make an impression on scouts and executives, the assessments have been collected for two years and a two-week stretch rarely changes much at this point in time.

However, some may dis