USA-Canada roster breakdown: Which team is better?
The Americans and Canadians were separated by the slimmest of margins last year, with a shootout ultimately deciding the tournament as the Americans captured gold.
Heading into this year's edition we could be in for much of the same, with the two North American clubs tightly matched once again.
The two will square off during the first-ever tournament outdoor game on Dec. 29, after each have played their first two preliminary games.
The Group A victor is likely to be one of these two, so in order to gauge who that could be one must first take a look at each's roster makeup.
Forwards
There will be no shortage of talent upfront between these teams with a combined 12 first-round draft picks in the fold.
However, it is worth noting that nine of those first-rounders come from the U.S. side, and that doesn't even include Brady Tkachuk, who is expected to be a top-5 selection.
Another American name to keep an eye on is Casey Mittelstadt. Drafted eighth overall by the Buffalo Sabres this past June, Mittelstadt has shown incredible skill with the puck in his first season at the University of Minnesota.
Related: Defending champion United States announce 23-man world junior roster
Factor in players such as Kailer Yamamoto and Logan Brown who have had brief stints with their respective NHL clubs this season (Edmonton and Ottawa) and it's clear the US talent pool is deep.
As for Canada, they are no slouch, but it's hard to ignore the fact that the team left first-round picks Cody Glass (sixth overall), Nick Suzuki (13th overall), and Owen Tippett (10th overall) off the team.
Edge: United States.
Canada should still have enough offense at their disposal to compete, but if it's one against the other, the United States gets the slight edge here.
Defense
Defense should be the Canadians' biggest strength.
The club has three returning members in Kale Clague, Jake Bean, and Dante Fabbro, while adding Victor Mete, who was loaned by the Montreal Canadiens, and has spent a good chunk of time paired with Shea Weber after making the roster out of training camp.
Related: Suzuki among Canada's last cuts as WJHC roster finalized
Meanwhile, the Americans enter with Ryan Lindgren and Adam Fox as their lone returning defenders from last year's team. The American's other notable defender is Quinn Hughes, a likely top-10 selection in the 2018 draft.
The University of Michigan freshman has great offensive instincts and scored a goal in the team's first pre-tournament win over Belarus.
Edge: Canada.
All things considered, Canada has a stronger all-around defense core. They have looked stellar in their two tune-up games - including limiting Switzerland to just seven shots - and seem to have a knack for creating offense.
Goalies
Heading into this year's tournament it's quite clear that Canada will be backed by returnee Carter Hart.
The Philadelphia Flyers' 2016 second-rounder fared admirably in his first taste of the tournament last year, claiming the starting role from Connor Ingram, and posting a 2.38 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage.
This year he looks to have kicked his play into overdrive, rocking an incredible 1.32 goals-against average and a .961 save percentage with the Everett Silvertips. He was also perfect, turning away all 23 shots in the team's first tune-up against the Czech Republic.
As for the Americans, they also have the potential to have a returnee take the reigns in goal. Toronto Maple Leafs' prospect Joseph Woll returns after playing two games last year, serving up a 1.50 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage.
The other two netminders who will battle for playing time are Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman. All three are currently playing college with Swayman putting up the best numbers at the University of Maine.
Edge: Canada.
Early on Hart looks to be the strongest netminder of the bunch and should give Canada the advantage in goal, a distinction they haven't laid claim to in some time.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)
Copyright (C) 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.