Team Canada returns to action on Saturday, facing Slovenia in Group A play at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship. Puck drop is set for 12:20 PM local time, as the defending champions aim to build early momentum with a deep, experienced, and offensively stacked roster.
Slovenia, meanwhile, enters the contest as a clear underdog—but they bring discipline, pride, and a few key pieces capable of complicating the game for even elite opponents. This will be a clash of firepower versus structure, tempo versus tenacity.
Preview
Canada enters Saturday’s Group A matchup against Slovenia as a clear favorite, bringing one of the most balanced and experienced rosters in the tournament. With elite talent up front, depth across all four lines, and a mobile, offensive-minded blue line, Canada is built to control pace, dominate puck possession, and overwhelm opponents with sustained pressure. Veterans like Sidney Crosby and Marc-André Fleury add poise and leadership, while stars like Nathan MacKinnon and rising talents like Adam Fantilli bring speed, firepower, and the ability to tilt the ice.
Slovenia, meanwhile, knows its path to staying competitive runs through structure, discipline, and goaltending. Without the depth to match Canada player-for-player, they’ll look to clog shooting lanes, collapse defensively, and counter when possible. The scoring burden falls to experienced forwards like Robert Sabolič and Jan Drozg, while goaltender Matija Pintarič will likely face north of 40 shots and must be sharp early to prevent a quick Canadian surge.
On paper, this is a mismatch—but Slovenia has nothing to lose and everything to prove. If they can frustrate Canada through the first period and steal momentum off a power play or turnover, they may force a closer game than expected. For Canada, it’s a chance to sharpen execution, test line chemistry, and build rhythm before Sunday’s tougher matchup against Latvia.
Prediction & Players to Watch
Canada is expected to come away with a decisive 6–1 win in Saturday’s matchup, using their depth and pace to wear down Slovenia across all three periods. For Canada, all eyes will be on Nathan MacKinnon, whose elite speed and puck control make him a game-breaking presence every time he touches the ice. Alongside him, Sidney Crosby brings invaluable leadership and experience to a younger Canadian core. A three-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Crosby’s calm decision-making, faceoff dominance, and playmaking vision will anchor Canada’s top six. Adam Fantilli offers power and creativity down the middle, while in net, Marc-André Fleury provides a steady veteran presence capable of shutting the door when needed.
For Slovenia, the offensive spark will likely come from Robert Sabolič, a seasoned scorer and long-time contributor on the international stage. Jan Drozg adds speed and playmaking touch, particularly dangerous on the rush. In goal, Matija Pintarič will need to be the difference-maker—expected to face a barrage of shots, his performance could determine whether Slovenia can hang around or get buried early.
Full Team Canada Roster – 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship
Goaltenders:
- Marc-André Fleury – Minnesota Wild
- Dylan Garand – Hartford Wolf Pack
Defensemen:
- Travis Sanheim – Philadelphia Flyers
- Mike Matheson – Montreal Canadiens
- Noah Dobson – New York Islanders
- Ryker Evans – Seattle Kraken
- Jared Spurgeon – Minnesota Wild
- Mackenzie Weegar – Calgary Flames
- Brandon Montour – Seattle Kraken
Forwards:
- Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche
- Travis Konecny – Philadelphia Flyers
- Bo Horvat – New York Islanders
- Will Cuylle – New York Rangers
- Adam Fantilli – Columbus Blue Jackets
- Phillip Danault – Los Angeles Kings
- Barrett Hayton – Utah Mammoth
- Brayden Schenn – St. Louis Blues
- Tyson Foerster – Philadelphia Flyers
- Sidney Crosby – Pittsburgh Penguins
- Ryan O’Reilly – Nashville Predators
- Kent Johnson – Columbus Blue Jackets
- Macklin Celebrini – San Jose Sharks
Full Team Slovenia Roster – 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship
Goaltenders:
- Matija Pintarič – Grenoble Brûleurs de Loups
- Luka Horak – HK Olimpija
- Zan Us – HDD Jesenice
Defensemen:
- Aleksandar Magovac – Amiens Gothiques
- Miha Stebih – HC Slavia Trebic
- Matic Podlipnik – EC Kitzbuhel
- Blaž Gregorc – HK Olimpija
- Jan Goličič – Gatineau Olympiques
- Jan Čosić – HK Olimpija
- Urban Podrekar – Flint Firebirds
- Anže Zezelj – Fehérvár AV 19
- Bine Masic – HK Olimpija
Forwards:
- Marcel Mahkovec – HK Olimpija
- Miha Beričič – HK Olimpija
- Nik Simšič – HK Olimpija
- Nace Langus – Augustana University
- Ken Ograjenšek – Black Wings Linz
- Jan Drozg – HC Kunlun Red Star
- Jaka Sodja – HK Olimpija
- Matic Török – KooKoo Kouvola
- Rok Macuh – HC Olomouc
- Filip Sitar – University of Connecticut
- Robert Sabolič – HK Olimpija
- Rok Kapel – HK Olimpija
- Žan Jezovšek – EV Lindau
Coaching
Canada is led by Head Coach André Tourigny, who brings experience from international competition and the NHL, alongside a skilled support team focused on maximizing pace and player development.
Slovenia is guided by Head Coach Edo Terglav, with assistants Gorazd Drinovec and Andrej Tavželj, and goaltending coach Klemen Mohorič. The staff emphasizes structure, tight team play, and resiliency.
What’s Next?
After Saturday’s tilt with Slovenia, Team Canada faces a quick turnaround, returning to action on Sunday, May 11, against Latvia at Avicii Arena in Stockholm, Sweden. This back-to-back stretch will challenge Canada’s lineup flexibility, recovery routines, and ability to maintain pace through a demanding Group A slate.
For Slovenia, the schedule doesn’t ease up. Upcoming matchups against Slovakia and Latvia will be pivotal as the tournament progresses.
Schedule
Canada (Group A)
- May 10 – vs Slovenia
- May 11 – vs Latvia
- May 13 – vs France
- May 15 – vs Austria
- May 17 – vs Slovakia
- May 19 – vs Finland
- May 20 – vs Sweden
Slovenia (Group A)
- May 10 – vs Canada
- May 11 – vs Slovakia
- May 13 – vs Latvia
- May 15 – vs Finland
- May 16 – vs Sweden
- May 18 – vs Austria
- May 19 – vs France
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