Team USA named its leadership group last night after a festive holiday dinner. Captain Mattias Samuelsson (Voorhees, N.J./Western Michigan University) will wear the ‘C’ for Team USA a second time in his career, after serving as captain at the 2018 Under-18 Men’s World Championship. The Buffalo Sabres prospect currently serves as an alternate captain at Western Michigan University (NCHC).

The media tour continued for the U.S. National Junior Team early this morning, as each player took their IIHF headshot in addition to the team photo. Quickly following the squad’s photo, the United States held an intense practice in preparation for its game against Canada tomorrow (Dec. 26), with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. local time/1 p.m. ET.

NHL Network will air a special 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship preview multiple times on Dec. 25, including at 5 p.m., 8 p.m. and midnight ET. Follow USA Hockey and NHL Network social media channels for exclusive sit downs and player spotlights throughout the 2020 World Junior Championship.