This afternoon controversy has already struck the World Junior Championships as the referees have already had to make several calls which have caused debate.

This afternoon the World Junior Championships have kicked off in Ottawa, Ontario.

For the United States their first challenge comes in the form of Team Germany today with USA being a heavy favorite.

Early in the game, the United States seemed to take an early lead just a few minutes into the game thanks to 2025 NHL Draft top prospect James Hagens.

Just moments after Hagens scored the game was brought to a hault as Germany challenged the goal for potential goaltender interference.

As you can see American defenseman Cole Hutson makes contact with the German goaltender before Hagens slides the puck into the net.

The play was reviewed, and many assumed the goal would be overturned. Instead, the play was upheld, and the United States took a 1-0 lead.

A short while later after going down 3-1 Germany would make a push trying to get back into the game.

German forward David Lewandowski seemed to score a goal off the rush for Germany to cut the game to 3-2.

This goal would once again be challenged and reviewed by the referees this time for offsides.

A German player was heading to the bench and looked to be clearly offside to many who watched the review.

However, according to the referees and the rule book because the German player had one skate on the bench he was considered off of the ice and therefore the play was onside.

Despite closing the gap Germany would not be able to keep things close for long as Team USA would find their confidence and take over the game currently leading 8-3.

As the tournament goes on it will be interesting to see how much the referees will have to be involved in the outcome of these games due to reviews.