"Sikora, 19, was one of Czechia's top players last year, recording seven points (4g, 3a) in seven games for the third-place finishers. The 2024 sixth-round draft pick notably played a villain role at the tournament, attracting the ire of Canadian fans after he drew a five-minute kneeing major penalty against Team Canada in the quarterfinal. As the Czechs were awarded their medals, the Canadian crowd booed Sikora thoroughly. Sikora took the hate in stride, smiling, applauding, and waving to his adoring crowd as his name was announced at the Canadian Tire Centre. Sikora is currently playing his third season of pro hockey with HC Oceláři Třinec in the Czech Extraliga."
"Schäfer, 18, ranked third in scoring for Germany during last year's tournament with three points (2g, 1a) in five games. The 2025 third-round pick scored both of his goals in Germany's 4-3 victory over Kazakhstan, which saved them from relegation to the Division I A tournament this year. The Nuremberg native spent most of the 2024-25 season in the DEL, Germany's top pro league, with Eisbären Berlin."
Two Washington Capitals prospects, Petr Sikora and Maxim Schäfer, earned spots on their national rosters for the 2026 World Junior Championship. Sikora, 19, helped Czechia win bronze last year with seven points in seven games and is playing his third pro season with HC Oceláři Třinec in the Czech Extraliga. Schäfer, 18, ranked third in scoring for Germany at the previous tournament and scored two goals to help avoid relegation; he spent 2024-25 in the DEL before moving to the QMJHL this season. The 2026 World Juniors will take place in Minneapolis and St. Paul from December 26 to January 5.
Read at RMNB
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