Buium Grows with Canucks, Values World Junior Championship Experience
The upcoming 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship will celebrate its 50th anniversary at the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul and 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis. Scheduled from December 26 to January 5, this prestigious tournament will host ten nations, showcasing top under-20 hockey talent globally.
Buium Grows with Canucks
Zeev Buium, a 20-year-old defenseman for the Vancouver Canucks, cherishes his experience at the World Junior Championship. He played a crucial role in securing back-to-back gold medals for the United States in the last two tournaments. Despite his commitments with the NHL, Buium remains passionate about supporting his national team.
World Junior Championship Experience
Buium’s World Junior experience has left a lasting impact on him. He reflected on the camaraderie and competitiveness that defined his time with the U.S. team. “It’s one of those things where you want to take advantage of the opportunity,” he stated, highlighting the significance of the tournament.
- 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship: Buium contributed five points (three goals, two assists) in seven games.
- 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship: He registered six points (two goals, four assists) while averaging over 25 minutes of ice time across seven games.
His performance helped the U.S. achieve an impressive record, finishing the 2024 tournament unbeaten with seven victories and a dominant goal differential of 45-15. This marked only the third time the U.S. finished the tournament without a loss.
Buium’s Transition to the NHL
Selected in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft by the Minnesota Wild, Buium was later traded to the Vancouver Canucks. His rookie season has been marked by strong performance, placing him second among NHL rookie defensemen with 16 points. He also leads with ten power-play points.
As the World Junior Championship approaches, Buium wished the current U.S. team success. “They know what to do,” he remarked, encouraging them to embrace the journey and create new memories. His insight reflects his deep connection to the sport and the invaluable lessons learned from his past experiences.
With the championship on the horizon, the excitement continues to build. The legacy of the World Junior Championship and the talents it showcases, like Buium, remain vital to the sport’s future. Hockey fans around the world are sure to tune in for thrilling games and the potential for new champions.
