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2025 World Juniors Insider | GOLDEN AGAIN!!

By USA Hockey, 01/05/25, 10:00PM EST

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Follow along with Team USA's journey at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship

The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship took place Dec. 26, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. Scroll for an inside look at Team USA's gold-medal journey from the start of camp in Plymouth, Mich., through the team's final moments at this year's world championship!

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2025 WJC Home

SUNDAY, JAN. 2025 | GOLDEN AGAIN!!

Teddy Stiga scored 8:04 into three-on-three overtime to lift the U.S. to a dramatic 4-3 win over Finland here tonight in the gold-medal game of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. It was Stiga’s first goal of the tournament. The victory gave the U.S. back-to-back gold medals for the first time in the nation’s history. Read the full recap here.

THE CELEBRATION

The on-ice celebration after Stiga’s goal included the medal ceremony; a center-ice team photo, followed by one in the corner in front of the U.S. family section; media interviews with NHL Network and TSN; the raising of the American flag with Team USA singing the Star Spangled Banner loudly and proudly; and of course the raising of the championship trophy by team captain and tournament MVP Ryan Leonard followed by individual players and staff. There were also various group photos taken before the celebration drifted to the lockerroom.

The players were waiting for head coach David Carle in the locker room, who joyously accepted the tub of water they dumped over his head. After a surprise visit from Brady Tkachuk, Shane Pinto, Jake Sanderson, Tyler Kleven, and Josh Norris, who zipped through the room and congratulated each player, coach Carle spoke to the team. Following that, the players gathered in a circle to sing “Oh Mamma” and then took a photo with Johnny Gaudreau's jersey, which hung in an empty stall throughout the tournament in Team USA’s locker room.

GOLD DIGGERS

Tom Koulentes, a lifelong educator and principal at Libertyville High School in Illinois and Stan Bowman, general manager of the Edmonton Oilers, helped the U.S. National Junior Team develop its team charter for the World Juniors for the second straight year. The process started during USA Hockey's National Junior Evaluation Camp this past summer, and finished with a 90-minute session at its camp in Plymouth, Mich., on Dec. 16. The team charter encompassed the guiding principles the players mutually agreed they would utilize throughout the tournament.

A FEW LAST TIDBITS

Cole Hutson led the World Juniors in points with 11, including three goals and eight assists … Hutson, Ryan Leonard, and Gabe Perreault were named to the Media All-Star Team … Ryan Leonard was named the tournament MVP and also earned the directorate award as the Best Forward in the World Juniors … Goaltender Trey Augustine finished his three World Junior tournament appearances with 12 wins, the most ever by an American netminder … The U.S. will host the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota.


SATURDAY, JAN. 4, 2025 | GAME DAY – USA 4, Czechia 1

Trey Augustine made 26 saves and became the all-time winningest American goaltender in World Juniors history to help the U.S. National Junior Team get past Czechia in what was a game much closer than the 4-1 final score indicated. The U.S. will play for gold Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. against Finland (live on NHL Network). To read the full recap, click here.

5 X TOP 2 …..FIVE CATEGORIES, TOP 2 IN EACH

We’ll do our part to help you get to know a little bit more about Team USA players during the tournament and each day will feature someone new. Today, we hear from Team USA forward Danny Nelson, who hails from Maple Grove, Minnesota, and plays for the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Top 2 Rinks I’ve Played In

                Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.

                Memorial Arena in Roseau, Minn.

Top 2 Cities I’ve Visited

                Chicago

                South Bend, Ind.

Top 2 Pregame Rituals

                Sewer Ball

                Stretching 

Top 2 Favorite Hockey Players

                Auston Matthews

                Zach Parise

Top 2 Snacks

                Chex Mix

                Fruit Strips

Bonus Category

Top 2 Numbers

                11 – Wore growing up; inspired by Zach Parise

                22 – My go to if 11 was taken


FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2025 | Getting Set For Semifinals

The U.S. was back at the rink early this afternoon for a short skate ahead of tomorrow night’s semifinal tilt against Czechia. U.S. performance coach Brian Galivan targeted 25 minutes as the optimal time frame for Team USA’s skate today and coach David Carle and his staff built a practice plan with that in mind.

Several players talked to the assembled news media following practice and shared that they have embraced being public enemy number one here in Ottawa. And while the U.S. faces Czechia in the semifinals -- the team that eliminated Canada from the tournament yesterday – the players said they aren’t expecting Canadian fans will be suddenly cheering for them tomorrow night.

BIRTHDAY BOY

U.S. forward Austin Burnevik celebrated his 20th birthday here today in Ottawa. Burnevik, who is from Blaine, Minnesota, and plays for St. Cloud State University, was the recipient of a robust singing of happy birthday tonight by players and staff at the team dinner. The group was also treated during dinner to a karaoke performance from forward Max Plante, who sang All of Me by John Legend.

RYAN LEONARD ON JOHNNY HOCKEY

U.S. captain Ryan Leonard, who played with Johnny Gaudreau on the U.S. Men’s National Team in the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship in Ostrava and Prague, Czechia, shared his thoughts on Johnny Hockey following practice today. Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed while riding bicycles in late August. Leonard plays at Boston College, where Gaudreau starred for three seasons (2011-14) and won the 2014 Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the top player in NCAA Division I men’s college hockey.

THINGS

Zeev Buium is tied for second in the U.S. record books with Luke Hughes (2022-23) and Erik Johnson (2006-07) for career goals by a defenseman in the World Juniors with five. The top spot is held by current Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell, who played in the first two World Juniors ever staged back in 1977 and 1978 … The U.S. has medaled in the last 10 World Juniors in which it has reached the semifinals of the tournament … The U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team plays at 3 a.m. ET on Saturday (Jan. 4) against Japan in its first game of the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship in Vantaa, Finland. All U.S. games are airing live on NHL Network … Gabe Perreault has 12 career assists in the World Juniors, which is tied for fifth in the U.S. record book with Jeremy Roenick, Phil Kessel and Kyle Palmieri. He needs two more assists to match Doug Weight’s total of 14 to tie for the fourth position … The U.S. has won three of its last four semifinal games in the World Juniors and is 8-10 all-time.

DID YOU KNOW

The impetus for starting the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship came from Murray Williamson, who played college hockey at the University of Minnesota and went on to coach numerous U.S. teams on the international stage, including both the 1968 and 1972 (silver) U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Teams. Click here to read the story written back in 2014 by The Hockey News.

5 X TOP 2 …..FIVE CATEGORIES, TOP 2 IN EACH

We’ll do our part to help you get to know a little bit more about Team USA players during the tournament and each day will feature someone new. Today, we hear from Team USA forward Oliver Moore, who hails from Mounds View, Minnesota, and plays for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers

Top 2 Rinks I’ve Played In

                3M Arena at Mariucci (Minneapolis)

                Scandinavium (Gothenburg, Sweden)

Top 2 Sports Other Than Hockey

                Soccer

                Basketball     

Top 2 Things I’m Thankful For

                Family

                Health

Top 2 Pregame Rituals 

                Tape stick the same way (heel to toe)

                Put the right on before the left (everything) 

Top 2 Favorite Professional Athletes

                Connor McDavid

                Patrick Kane

Bonus Category

Top 2 Numbers

                11 – Always wore growing up; watched Casey Mittelstadt and Zach Parise growing up

                17 – My dad’s number


THURSDAY, JAN. 2, 2025 | GAME DAY – U.S. Beats Switzerland In Quarterfinals

The U.S. used two goals each from captain Ryan Leonard and James Hagens, while Gabe Perreault added three assists to propel Team USA to a 7-2 victory over Switzerland here today in quarterfinal play at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. The U.S. will play in Saturday’s semifinals at 7:30 p.m. ET against Czechia. For the full recap of today’s game, click here.

5 X TOP 2 …..FIVE CATEGORIES, TOP 2 IN EACH

We’ll do our part to help you get to know a little bit more about Team USA players during the tournament and each day will feature someone new. Today, we hear from Team USA defenseman Zeev Buium, who hails from San Diego, California, and plays for the University of Denver Pioneers.

Top 2 Amusement Park Rides

                Tower of Terror

                Slingshot

Top 2 Sayings

                Game’s not over until it’s over

                There’s always someone better than you

Top 2 Hockey Terms

                Mupp

                Beauty

Top 2 Snacks

                Milk duds

                Skittles

Top 2 Pastimes

                Cards

                I love movies

Bonus Categories

Top 2 Numbers

                28 – Wore it my entire life

                8 – Back-up number

Top 2 Ice Cream Toppings

                Gummy bears

                Caramel


WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1, 2025 | Quarterfinal Prep

HOW DID THE U.S. RING IN THE NEW YEAR?

As you might imagine, the mood was festive within Team USA following its New Year’s Eve win in a hostile environment here last night against Canada. The bus departed Canadian Tire Centre just after 11:30 p.m. following Team USA’s 4-1 win and arrived at the team’s downtown hotel headquarters 25 minutes later. As the elevators opened to its team room on the 24th floor of the hotel, the players and staff counted down the final seconds heading into 2025 and wished each other the best for the start of the new year. Fireworks could been seen outside the panoramic windows that look out into the Ottawa skyline from Team USA’s room. The group enjoyed a late post-game meal, and then many of the players went to share a short greeting with family members who are in town for the tournament.

WHAT THE WIN MEANS

The win against Canada last night was important for many reasons, most obvious for national pride. The victory also gave U.S. the top spot in Group A, meaning it will stay at Canadian Tire Centre for the quarterfinal round and not have to move across town to the TD Place. That may not seem like a big deal, but it certainly is to Team USA’s training staff, which would have had to pack up the entire U.S. operation late last night and then unpack and set up shop in a brand new venue. It’s a multiple-hour endeavor that all involved were happy to not have to undertake.

QUARTERFINALS BOUND

The U.S. has earned a spot in the quarterfinals of the World Juniors for the 13th straight year. Team USA is 14-9 all-time in the quarterfinal round of the tournament and is looking to advance to the semifinals for the eighth time in the last 10 years.

FEW LAST BITS

The U.S. had a 45-minute skate early this afternoon at the Canadian Tire Centre in preparation for tomorrow’s quarterfinal game against Switzerland … Team USA has not lost in regulation of the World Juniors since the semifinals of the 2023 tournament. That streak spans 12 total games … Trey Augustine has 10 career wins in the World Juniors, tied for the top spot among Americans with Jack Campbell (2010-12) … The U.S. enjoyed a meal out of the hotel at Joey’s in downtown Ottawa tonight, with steak or chicken parm the entrée choices … Defenseman Cole Hutson is tied for the tournament lead in points with eight (2G, 6A). Cole’s brother Lane was named the NHL Rookie of the Month for December today. Lane, also a defenseman, plays for the Montreal Canadiens and as an alternate captain helped the U.S. win gold in last year’s IIHF World Junior Championship.

5 X TOP 2 …..FIVE CATEGORIES, TOP 2 IN EACH

We’ll do our part to help you get to know a little bit more about Team USA players during the tournament and each day will feature someone new. Today, we hear from Team USA goaltender Hampton Slukynsky, who hails from Warroad, Minnesota, and plays for the Western Michigan University Broncos.

Top 2 Cities I’ve Visited

                Calgary, Alberta

                Basel, Switzerland                                

Top 2 Sports Other Than Hockey

                Golf

                Baseball               

Top 2 Songs

                Not Afraid, Eminem

                Till I Collapse, Eminem            

Top 2 Favorite Foods

                Chicken

                Cheeseburgers            

Top 2 Amusement Park Rides

                Roller coaster

                Water ride        

BIG TIME BONUS CATEGORIES

Top 2 Hockey Terms

                Snipe

                Sauce

Top 2 Video Games

                NHL ‘24

                NHL ‘23              

Top 2 Professional Athletes

                Scottie Scheffler

                Brock Nelson

Top 2 Ice Cream Toppings

                Oreo

                Chocolate Syrup


TUESDAY, DEC. 31, 2024 | GAME DAY – U.S. Beats Canada, 4-1

The U.S. rang in the new year in style with a 4-1 victory over Canada to win Group A. Trey Augustine made 38 saves in the win and the U.S. scored three times on the power play. Team USA will now face Switzerland in the quarterfinals on Thursday (Jan. 2) at 2:30 p.m. live on NHL Network. For the full recap, click here.

5 X TOP 2 …..FIVE CATEGORIES, TOP 2 IN EACH

We’ll do our part to help you get to know a little bit more about Team USA players during the tournament and each day will feature someone new. Today, we hear from Team USA forward Max Plante, who hails from Hermantown, Minnesota, and plays for the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs.

Top 2 Rinks I’ve Played In

                Xcel Energy Center

                My home barn, Hermantown; ice is best

Top 2 Cities I’ve Visited

                Rome, Italy

                Kenai, Alaska

Top 2 Sports Other Than Hockey

                Tennis (played in high school)

                Tie -- Baseball/Basketball

Top 2 Amusement Park Rides

                Wild Thing (Valleyfair)

                Ghost Blasters (Mall of America)

Top 2 Favorite Professional Athletes

                Kirk Cousins

                Lamar Jackson

BONUS CATEGORY

Top 2 Songs Ever

                Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue, Toby Keith

                Where The Wild Things Are, Luke Combs


MONDAY, DEC. 30, 2024 | Anticipation Building

There’s been one game circled on the calendar by North American hockey fans since the tournament schedule for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship was announced, and that is tomorrow night’s preliminary round match-up between the U.S. and Canada. Opening faceoff is set for 8 p.m. at the Canadian Tire Centre and the game will be aired live on NHL Network. The stakes are high – not only with national pride on the line -- but the winner of the game will earn the top spot in Group A and face the fourth-place finisher in Group B in the quarterfinals on Thursday (Jan. 2).

NEW YEAR’S EVE

The U.S. and Canada battle on New Year’s Eve for the first time in the World Juniors since the 2017 tournament. For a time, a meeting on New Year’s Eve between the U.S. and Canada was a fairly regular occurrence, including meetings in six out of nine World Juniors spanning the 2009-2017 events. All total, the teams have met 11 times on New Year’s Eve with Canada holding a 7-3-1 advantage. In the last meeting, which took place on Dec. 31, 2016, in Toronto at Air Canada Centre, the U.S. earned a 3-1 win. Jordan Greenway had a goal and two assists in the victory, while Joseph Woll, who now calls the Air Canada Centre home with the Toronto Maple Leafs, had 25 saves.

PREPARING FOR CANADA

While most of the players were away from the rink today, a handful did skate this morning at the Canadian Tire Centre, including Joey WillisTeddy StigaMax PlanteAram MinnetianAdam Kleber and Paul Fischer, along with goaltenders Trey AugustineHampton Slukynsky and Sam Hillebrandt. Coaches Brett LarsonGarrett Raboin and David Lassonde led the 45-minute practice. After the on-ice session, Lassonde, who is USA Hockey’s national goaltending coach, and Augustine, spoke to Mike Morreale from NHL.com on USA Hockey’s 51 in 30 goaltending initiative.

The players who did not skate this morning went to an early afternoon off-ice training session with performance coach Brian Galivan at Titan Performance Centre, which is part of the Richcraft Sensplex. The facility includes four ice sheets and the players enjoyed watching a youth game that was part of the 24th annual Bell Capital Cup prior to their workout.

The team had lunch at 1:45 p.m., followed by a video session led by head coach David Carle. After, a handful of players did a few on-camera interviews. For dinner tonight, it was a special treat for Team USA with Italian cuisine at a restaurant in downtown Ottawa.

SPIKE BALL

Paul Fischer and Joey Willis engaged in a competitive and fun-filled game of Spike Ball in the hallway adjacent to Team USA’s locker room before practice today. Much to the chagrin of Willis, Fischer had the upper hand in the match. 

51 in 30 – A BRIEF OVERVIEW

If you’re not familiar with USA Hockey’s 51 in 30 initiative, read below from Steve Thompson, a manager of player development for USA Hockey who leads efforts specific to goaltending.

Could you tell those who might not know a little bit about the initiative 51 in 30?  

Thompson: What 51 in 30 means is that by the year 2030, we want to have 51 percent of the NHL minutes and Professional Women’s Hockey League minutes played by American goalies. Really what it boils down to is having the lion’s share of playing minutes in the world’s best leagues. What it means, more so, is being the world’s best. 

But we’re also looking at metrics at the grassroots level, how do we have more kids playing goalie by the year 2030? For the development stage, how do we have the most educated youth coaches that can support their goalies in practice? It’s a mark of being the best in the world at what we do and those are the measurements we’re trying to use to hold ourselves accountable and to challenge us. 

5 X TOP 2 …..FIVE CATEGORIES, TOP 2 IN EACH

We’ll do our part to help you get to know a little bit more about Team USA players during the tournament and each day will feature someone new. Today, we hear from Team USA forward Cole Eiserman, who hails from Newburyport, Massachusetts, and plays for the Boston University Terriers.

Top 2 Pizza Toppings

                Mushrooms

                Sausage                        

Top 2 Songs Ever

                Beautiful Crazy by Luke Combs

                Daylight by Maroon Five

Top 2 Hockey Terms

                Bunk

                Dust

Top 2 Pregame Rituals 

                Shower before the game with tunes

                Taping my stick, toe to heel

Top 2 Pastimes

                Cards

                Throwing the football around


SUNDAY, DEC. 29, 2024 | Overtime Loss and Pickleball

GAME DAY – U.S. Drops 4-3 Overtime Decision To Finland       

In a back-and-forth affair that included three lead changes, Finland scored at 1:46 of the three-on-three overtime to send the U.S. to its first defeat of the World Juniors and end a 10-game U.S. winning streak in the event overall, spanning three tournaments. For the full recap, click here.

FAST FACT

The last 12 gold medals in the World Juniors have been won by either the U.S., Canada or Finland, all teams part of Group A for preliminary round play of this year’s World Juniors.

5 X TOP 2 …..FIVE CATEGORIES, TOP 2 IN EACH

We’ll do our part to help you get to know a little bit more about Team USA players during the tournament and each day will feature someone new. Today, we hear from Team USA defenseman Adam Kleber, who hails from Chaska, Minnesota, and plays for the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs.

Top 2 Cities I’ve Visited

                Las Vegas

                Scottsdale                   

Top 2 Sports Other Than Hockey

                Pickleball

                Soccer

Top 2 Favorite Foods

                Sushi

                Steak

Top 2 Favorite Professional Athletes

                Michael Jordan

                Nikita Kucherov

Top 2 Snacks

                Mango strips

                Cheez-its

DOUBLE BONUS

Top 2 Hockey Terms

                Buzzin’

                Beauty

Top 2 Numbers

                8 – Grew up being 8

                42 – Just like it .. it’s 24 backwards and 24 is the day of my birthday


SATURDAY, DEC. 28, 2024 | Pineapple and Pepperoni Along With A Victory

GAME DAY – USA 5, Latvia 1              

The U.S. National Junior Team earned a hard-fought 5-1 victory over Latvia here this afternoon after the Latvians sent shockwaves through the hockey world with its 3-2 overtime victory over host Canada last night. Team USA got a pair of goals for Danny Nelson and 25 saves from Hampton Slukynsky, who earned his first career World Juniors victory. For the full recap, click here.

REWIND – A REWARD FOR SCORING

Brodie Ziemer, who plays at the University of Minnesota and hails from Hutchinson, Minn., scored Team USA’s eighth goal in its 10-4 win over Germany on Thursday (Dec. 26) to open play in the World Juniors. His reward for scoring? …. a stick in the face from teammate Max Plante. While Plante, who plays at the University of Minnesota Duluth, and Ziemer are in-state college rivals, in this case, the stick to the face was no doubt inadvertent.

BACK-TO-BACK

Team USA will have less than 24 hours of rest before it hits the ice to play Finland tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. ET in its third preliminary round game. With a win, the U.S. will guarantee itself a spot in the tournament quarterfinals, which will be played on Jan. 2.

5 X TOP 2 …..FIVE CATEGORIES, TOP 2 IN EACH

We’ll do our part to help you get to know a little bit more about Team USA players during the tournament and each day will feature someone new. Today, we hear from Team USA forward Teddy Stiga, who hails from Sudbury,  Massachusetts, and plays for the Boston College Eagles.

Top 2 Sports Other Than Hockey

                Lacrosse

                Golf

Top 2 Things I’m Thankful For

                My family

                Hockey

Top 2 Pizza Toppings

                Pineapple

                Pepperoni

Top 2 Sports Teams

                Boston Bruins

                New England Patriots

Top 2 Numbers

                8 – Random, just picked and I liked

                4 – Closest number to eight I could get, just divided 8 by two

BONUS CATEGORY

Top 2 Songs Ever

                I’ll just the say the entire new Sam Barber album


FRIDAY, DEC. 27, 2024 | Bruno Mars and Integrity Part of Day 13 of World Juniors Journey

BACK TO WORK

The U.S. was back at it today with a 12 noon practice at Canadian Tire Centre that included work on special teams during the 50-minute session. Team USA is getting set to face Latvia in its second of four preliminary round games tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. ET (live on NHL Network). The rink attendants had a unique puck formation built on the ledge of the team bench as the players hit the ice today

NOTHING LIKE IT

U.S. goaltending coach David Lassonde, who serves as USA Hockey’s national goaltending coach, is not only one of our nation’s foremost experts on goaltending development but also enjoys what might be considered a unique food combination. At breakfast this morning that was on full display as Lassonde had a significant pile of crispy bacon, which he proceeded to spread peanut butter over before consuming. Lassonde shared that he enjoyed peanut butter and bacon sandwiches as a kid, but that the hot bacon could cause havoc as it melted the peanut butter and could make for a messy challenge when consuming.

DINNER OUT

Team USA enjoyed dinner out of the hotel tonight. A handful of youth players from New York in town to compete in the  Bell Capital Cup were at the same restaurant and stopped by to wish the team luck and give a robust U-S-A chant, which the players joined in. They will be attending tomorrow’s USA-Latvia game. Also during dinner, all enjoyed forward Cole Eiserman performing When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars.

A FEW LAST TIDBITS

The players attended an hour-long Integrity Workshop put on by the IIHF this afternoon after lunch … This year marks the 17th time the World Juniors are being staged in Canada where the U.S. has earned six medals, including three gold, one silver and two bronze. The U.S. is 63-6-2-32-2 (W-OTW-OTL-L-T) all-time in the World Juniors in Canada … The U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team will play in the 2025 IIIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship Jan. 4-12 in Vantaa, Finland. NHL Network will air all U.S. games live.

5 X TOP 2 …..FIVE CATEGORIES, TOP 2 IN EACH

We’ll do our part to help you get to know a little bit more about Team USA players during the tournament and each day will feature someone new. Today, we hear from Team USA forward Brodie Ziemer, who hails from Hutchinson, Minnesota, and plays for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Top 2 Songs

                War Zone by Bailey Zimmerman

                Hurricane by Luke Combs

Top 2 Rinks I’ve Played In

                Mariucci Arena

                Ralph Engelstad Arena

Top 2 Favorite Professional Athletes

                Michael Jordan

                Alex Ovechkin

Top 2 Pastimes

                Big Xbox guy lately

                Watching TV

Top 2 Ice Cream Toppings

                Snickers

                Reese’s Cups

BONUS CATEGORY

Top 2 Sayings 

                You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you

                The only easy day was yesterday


THURSDAY, DEC. 26, 2024 | Brady Tkachuk In The House

WORLD JUNIORS OPENER – USA 10, Germany 4

It’s here! The 49th edition of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship has started and Team USA earned a 10-4 victory over Germany here this afternoon in its opening game of the tournament. It’s the first of four preliminary-round games in the tournament for the U.S. before the playoff round. Who had all the points? For the full recap, click here.

A SPECIAL VISITOR

American hockey star Brady Tkachuk, who is the captain of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, was in the house at today’s game vs. Germany and not only made a special appearance on the NHL Network broadcast, but also came down to the team’s locker room after the game to wish the team good luck in the tournament. Tkachuk played in the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo and will be a member of the U.S. Men’s National Team for the upcoming Four Nations Face-Off in February.

5 X TOP 2 …..FIVE CATEGORIES, TOP 2 IN EACH

We’ll do our part to help you get to know a little bit more about Team USA players during the tournament and each day will feature someone new. Today, we hear from Team USA goaltender Sam Hillebrandt, who hails from Riverview, Florida, and plays for the Barrie Colts.

Top 2 Snacks

                Goldfish

                Swedish Fish

Top 2 Rinks Cities

                Gothenburg, Sweden

                New York City

Top 2 Amusement Park Rides

                Big Thunder Mountain

                Splash Mountain

Top 2 Pizza Toppings

                Pineapple

                Pepperoni

Top 2 Sayings

                Please

                Thank You

BONUS CATEGORY

Top 2 Hockey Terms

                Piegon

                Pucks In Deep


WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25, 2024 | Last Sleep Before Things Begin For Real

CHRISTMAS DAY – LIGHTS, CAMERA, ALMOST ACTION

Team USA arrived for its first practice at the Canadian Tire Centre at about 9:40 a.m. and there was a noticeable buzz with final preparations taking place for the official start of the 49th edition of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship tomorrow. The U.S. settled into its digs – prepared masterfully by the U.S. training staff – for what all hope will be a run lasting through January 5, the day medal games are played.

It was picture day prior to practice, and players and staff taking took their official tournament headshots, while players also posed in front a green screen for various shots that will be used during the broadcast of games.

The team picture was also taken, with veteran Andre Ringuette, one of the two tournament photographers and also the official photographer of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, effortlessly arranging the group. A number of smaller group photos were also taken, including one with the team’s captains.

HOLIDAY DINNER AND SECRET SANTA

Team USA had Christmas/Hanukkah dinner tonight at the team hotel and the players had a gift exchange following. This year, the first night of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah falls on the same day as Christmas for the first time since 2005. Christmas and Hanukkah always both fall on the 25th, but of two different months, with Christmas coming on the 25th of December on the Gregorian calendar, and Hanukkah starting on the 25th day of the month of Kislev in the Jewish calendar.

MEETINGS AND MORE MEETINGS

The evening before any IIHF world championship starts includes meetings with various groups to share final information in advance of the start of the tournament. There are separate sessions for video coaches, head coaches, medical staff, media managers and team managers and all were held at the tournament’s hotel headquarters in downtown Ottawa.

A FEW THINGS

At the end of practice, the players took part in a couple of shootouts. Cole Eiserman and Danny Nelson were the winners … Stan Wong is an athletic trainer for Team USA at the IIHF World Junior Championship for the 23rd straight year … The U.S. has a ping pong table in its team room and goaltending coach David Lassonde has been among those showing off and celebrating his skills.

FUN MEMORY

We’re here in Ottawa and the captain of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators is American Brady Tkachuk. He was part of a big World Juniors moment in Buffalo, New York, in 2018, helping the U.S. to a come-from-behind victory over Canada in the first and only outdoor game in WJC history. Enjoy it here.

5 X TOP 2 …..FIVE CATEGORIES, TOP 2 IN EACH

We’ll do our part to help you get to know a little bit more about Team USA players during the tournament and each day will feature someone new. Today, we hear from Team USA forward Trevor Connelly, who hails from Tustin, California, and plays college hockey at Providence College.

Top 2 Favorite Foods

                Steak

                Enchiladas

Top 2 Favorite Musical Artists

                Nickelback

                Calvin Harris

Top 2 Hockey Terms

                That was sick

                Buddy

Top 2 Pregame Rituals

                Always play sewer

                Always tape my stick in my stall; I change up how I tape it though

Top 2 Favorite Professional Athletes

                Roger Federer

                Kyle Connor

BONUS CATEGORIES

Top 2 Pastimes

                Go to the beach

                Hanging out with my little brother, CJ (Charles John)

Top 2 Snacks

                Salt and vinegar chips

                Chocolate covered strawberries


TUESDAY, DEC. 24, 2024 | It's Christmas Eve

The players had the day off largely today, outside of a handful of individual video sessions at the team’s hotel. The training staff, however, was back at the Canadian Tire Centre preparing for the tournament. Equipment managers Scott Aldrich and Nick Meldrum drove the 26-foot truck from Cornwall to the CTC last night following the game and made the 60-mile journey safely despite significant snow falling. The trainers got back to the hotel at 2 a.m. this morning and went back to the rink mid-morning today.

The players were out shopping in preparation for their team gift exchange throughout the day. A number of players and staff went to Christmas Eve Mass at St. Patrick’s Basilica at 4:30 p.m. After the team dinner at 6:30 p.m., the annual ritual of U.S. trainer Stan Wong handing out USA Hockey gifts as “Stanta Claus” took place in the team’s gathering space at the hotel. The presents “Stanta” dispersed to the players were wrapped in custom wrapping paper featuring “Stanta” and his favorite elf, equipment manager Scott Aldrich.

A FEW THINGS

Danny Nelson said today this is his first-ever trip to Canada, outside of passing through on a bus while he was at the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. He thinks he may be the only player on the team who hasn’t visited or played hockey in the country … Trevor Connelly was a fan of the Boston Bruins growing up and wore Bobby Orr’s #4 as a young kid starting out in hockey. When he got to his first organized team as an eight-year-old, someone was already wearing four, so he just went with two fours on his jersey and wore 44. He changed to number 16 a couple of years ago in honor of his dad, who was diagnosed with blood cancer … James Hagens and Teddy Stiga are roommates at Boston College. Both share that Sunday is their clean-up day … U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer Tony Granato, who played on 1983 and 1984 U.S. National Junior Teams and represented the U.S. on the international stage in five other events, including the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, stopped by to say hello following Team USA’s dinner tonight. Granato is providing color commentary on NHL Network’s broadcasts of all U.S. games in the World Juniors, working alongside E.J. Hradek, who is doing the play-by-play.

5 X TOP 2 …..FIVE CATEGORIES, TOP 2 IN EACH

We’ll do our part to help you get to know a little bit more about Team USA players during the tournament and each day will feature someone new. Today, we hear from Team USA forward James Hagens, who hails from Hauppauge, New  York, and plays college hockey at Boston College

Top 2 Favorite Professional Athletes

                Patrick Kane

                Tom Brady

Top 2 Pizza Toppings

                Pepperoni

                Chicken

Top 2 Cities I’ve Visited

                Boston

                Chicago

Top 2 Rinks I’ve Played In

                Madison Square Garden

                Conte Forum

Top 2 Songs Ever

                Man You Raised, Sam Barber

                May We All, Florida Georgia Line


MONDAY, DEC. 23, 2024 | GAME DAY – USA 5, Finland 2

The U.S. faced Finland here today before a capacity and energetic crowd at the Cornwall Civic Complex and earned a 5-2 victory in what was its last tune-up game ahead of the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. For the full recap, click here. 

The doors to the venue opened two hours prior to faceoff, and with general admission seating for the game, there was quick maneuvering for center ice seats. The 4,400-plus fans in attendance were treated to an entertaining game, including a goal scored by local hero Carey Terrance from Team USA, who grew up some 10 minutes from the venue across the border in Akwesasne, N.Y.

ON TO OTTAWA

Following its game in Cornwall today, Team USA hit the road for its journey to Ottawa, where it will settle in for the next two weeks. With significant snow falling and less than optimal road conditions, it was slow going on the 103 kilometer trek (about 64 miles). The U.S. arrived just before 9 p.m. and got settled in for its first sleep in Canada’s capital city.

BRINGING JOY TO YOUNG FANS

Team USA players signed autographs and posed for pictures for young fans near its locker room after the game. Local hero Carey Terrance spoke to media and was, of course, a popular target of autograph seekers.

TO REMEMBER

The U.S. enters the World Juniors as defending champ, having bested host Sweden in last year’s gold-medal game … U.S. trainer Stan Wong will be passing out gifts to players in his annual appearance as “Stanta Claus” tomorrow night prior to the team’s Christmas dinner … NHL Network will air every U.S. game (and many others) of the World Juniors … U.S. assistant coach Brett Larson, who serves as head coach of the St. Cloud State University men’s ice hockey team, was an assistant coach for the 2022 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team.

5 X TOP 2 …..FIVE CATEGORIES, TOP 2 IN EACH

We’ll do our part to help you get to know a little bit more about Team USA players during the tournament and each day will feature someone new. Today, we hear from Team USA goaltender Trey Augustine, who hails from South Lyon, Michigan, and plays college hockey at Michigan State University.

Top 2 Artists Ever

                Cold Play

                Justin Timberlake

Top 2 Rinks I’ve Played In

                Munn Ice Arena

                Little Caesars

Top 2 Hockey Terms

                Grocery stick

                Bender

Top 2 Pregame Rituals

                Eating a banana in the stands

                Huddle before the game with the guys

Top 2 Numbers

                34 -- My goalie coach, Manny Legace, wore that number

                1 -- For my grandpa because he’s the first James Augustine


SUNDAY, DEC. 22, 2024 | Goodbye Kingston, Hello Cornwall

Team USA woke up to below-zero (Fahrenheit) temperatures here in Kingston, Ontario. But while cold outside, the mood was warm inside after last night’s 6-2 win over Slovakia. The players enjoyed breakfast at 9:30 a.m. before checking out of the hotel and hopping on the bus for the five-minute ride to Slush Puppie Place for practice.

Along with its usual off-ice warm-up, the players had a video session with head coach David Carle before hitting the ice. Video meetings conducted by the U.S. coaching staff rarely eclipse 10 minutes. After a short practice and then a cool down session, Team USA’s operation was fully packed up, and its two buses and 26-foot truck hit the road at 1:30 p.m. for the nearly two-hour journey to Cornwall. Players and staff enjoyed a boxed lunch on the way, which included two sandwiches, chips, celery, carrots, hummus, an orange and a small cookie. 

After arriving at its new hotel headquarters about 3:30 p.m., the group settled in before dinner at 6 o’clock. The U.S. has a 4 o’clock game here tomorrow against Finland and will spend tonight and tomorrow morning getting ready.

CORNWALL

Cornwall is about 10 minutes from Akwesasne, New York, where Team USA forward Carey Terrance grew up. As a kid, Terrance regularly was in Cornwall for hockey games or practices. He said today after the team’s skate that he expects there will be upward of 500 people he will know at tomorrow’s pre-tournament game against Finland at the Cornwall Civic Complex. And with Ottawa not far away either, there will be plenty of family and friends cheering on him and Team USA.

A FUN LOOK BACK

Ryan Leonard and Oliver Moore teamed up for a dynamic shorthanded goal against Finland during a Five Nations Tournament on Nov. 9, 2022, at USA Hockey Arena that was featured that night on ESPN. It’s a fun look back. Click here to enjoy.

SPECIAL VISIT TOMORROW

USA Hockey president Mike Trimboli, who lives in Massena, New York, will make the short 10-minute drive from his home, tomorrow to take in Team USA’s game against Finland. And Trimboli will not be alone. He has served as head coach of the Massena High School boys hockey team since 2009-10 and is bringing his team with him to the contest. Trimboli was unanimously re-elected to a second-year term as president of USA Hockey this past June after first being tabbed for the role in June of 2021. 

THE ENDING

The last five off the ice for practice today were Colin RalphAustin BurnevikCole EisermanMax Plante and Oliver Moore. Here’s how they ended the ice session.

5 X TOP 2 …..FIVE CATEGORIES, TOP 2 IN EACH

We’ll do our part to help you get to know a little bit more about Team USA players during the tournament and each day will feature someone new. Today, we hear from Team USA forward and captain Ryan Leonard, who hails from Amherst, Mass., and plays college hockey at Boston College

Top 2 Rinks I’ve Played In

                Conte Forum

                Mullin Center, my hometown

Top 2 Sports Other Than Hockey

                Golf

                Baseball

Top 2 Water Park Rides

                Slide

                Infiniti Pool

Top 2 Hockey Terms

                Beauty

                Dust

Top 2 Pregame Rituals 

                Like to go out right when I get there, look at the ice and calm myself down

                Sewer ball


SATURDAY, DEC. 21, 2024 | Exhibition Win Plus Pasta Socks

GAME DAY – USA 6, Slovakia 2

The U.S. faced Slovakia here tonight in Kingston at Slush Puppie Place and came away with a 6-2 victory. To read the recap, click here. 

Opened in 2008, the venue seats 5,614 for hockey. The first concert in the building was played by the Kingston band, The Tragically Hip. 

DID YOU KNOW

Cole Eiserman cuts Teddy Stiga’s hockey sticks for him … Oliver Moore knows Brodie Ziemer is a fan of David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins and when he was out shopping yesterday in the city, he came across a pair of Pastrnak socks and purchased them for him … Danny Nelson and Colin Ralph are both from Maple Grove, Minn., and grew up playing together on and off as kids.

ON THE HORIZON

The U.S. will practice tomorrow morning at Slush Puppie Place before making the roughly two-hour trek to Cornwall, Ontario, where it will play Finland on Monday at 4 p.m. Team USA will head to Ottawa following the game for a couple of days of practice before the start of the World Juniors on Dec. 26.

5 X TOP 2 …..FIVE CATEGORIES, TOP 2 IN EACH

We’ll do our part to help you get to know a little bit more about Team USA players during the tournament and each day will feature someone new. Today, we hear from Team USA forward Gabe Perreault, who hails Hinsdale, Ill., and plays college hockey at Boston College.

Top 2 Rinks I’ve Played In

                Scandinavium (Gothenburg, Sweden)

                Munn Ice Arena

Top 2 Favorite Foods

                Steak

                Pizza

Top 2 Cities I’ve Visited

                Gothenburg, Sweden

                Basel, Switzerland

Top 2 Ice Cream Toppings

                Oreo chunks

                Sprinkles

Top 2 Colors

                Red

                Blue

BONUS CATEGORIES

Top 2 Sports Other Than Hockey

                Lacrosse

                Football

Top 2 Snacks

                Skittles

                Milky Way


FRIDAY, DEC. 20, 2024 | The Group of 25 Charging Forward

Today marks day six since players and staff joined together in Plymouth, Mich., and USA Hockey Arena to begin the journey to Ottawa for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. And today was the first day on the ice with the group of 25 players who will represent the U.S. at the tournament. With yesterday’s cut-down from the 29 players who were part of the preliminary roster to the final group of 25 comes a variety of feelings, both from those remaining and those who ultimately didn't make it, but one thing is for sure – all those who were invited to the camp are terrific players in their own right and have an opportunity to excel at the highest levels of the game.

U.S. head coach David Carle, one of the most accomplished coaches in the game at any level, delivered the news of the team’s leadership group following a video session before breakfast this morning. Forward Ryan Leonard, from Boston College, will be the team’s captain and joins Marty Reasoner (1997) as the only two BC products to serve as captain of the U.S. National Junior Team. Team USA will utilize four alternate captains, including defenseman Zeev Buium from the University of Denver, along with forwards Oliver Moore from the University of Minnesota; Danny Nelson from the University of Notre Dame; and Gabe Perreault from Boston College. All five members of the leadership helped the U.S. to gold in last season’s World Junior Championship.

The U.S. had its final practice at the Invista Centre here in Kingston this morning, and the staff at the rink could not have been more welcoming to Team USA. The U.S. training staff was packing up the team’s operation following practice and late tonight will move operations to Slush Puppie Place across town where the team will have a pre-game skate tomorrow morning prior to its game there at 7 p.m. against Slovakia. The U.S. will also practice at Slush Puppie Place on Sunday morning before moving to Cornwall, Ont., for its final pre-tournament game on Monday against Finland.

THE FIGHTING IRISH

It’s Notre Dame hosting Indiana in the college football playoff tonight, and with a vested interest are Jessica Thibault, the director of operations for the University of Notre Dame men’s ice hockey team, along with Fighting Irish players Danny Nelson and Paul Fischer. Thibault is handling team operations for the U.S. National Junior Team for the third straight year and is a key cog that keeps the team churning. Her job never ends; she rarely sleeps; and her always friendly and upbeat demeanor is infectious and a key reason for the success the team enjoys.

RANDOM THOUGHTS

There’s been just one two-time captain of the U.S. National Junior Team – Kelly Miller in 1982 and 1983 … Of the six captains who have helped the U.S. earn gold in the World Juniors, three were forwards and there were defensemen … Taylor Swierc from USA Hockey is the magic behind USA Hockey’s social media presence for the U.S. National Junior Team … The Invista Center here in Kingston is the home of the “original Hockey Hall of Fame” … Team USA goaltending coach David Lassonde, who is USA Hockey’s national goaltending coach, is well known at the local convenience story near the team’s hotel for his twice daily trips to secure a pair of Diet Cokes … It doesn’t matter where Team USA goes, U.S. general manager John Vanbiesbrouck, one of the greatest American netminders of all-time, is recognized and asked for autographs … Joe Eppolito, one of USA Hockey’s most celebrated volunteers who has spent more than 30 years positively impacting children and families in the state of New York and beyond, is expected to be in Kingston tomorrow night for Team USA’s game against Slovakia.

IN A LIGHT-HEARTED MOMENT

Uttered by U.S. forward Teddy Stiga after practice today as he was breezing down the hallway outside Team USA’s locker room…“Brodie (Ziemer) and I are full of tomfoolery and skullduggery.”

CCM HOCKEY

USA Hockey announced a new multi-year partnership with CCM Hockey today and celebrated its new relationship with one of the most significant manufacturers of hockey equipment.

5 X TOP 2 …..FIVE CATEGORIES, TOP 2 IN EACH

We’ll do our part to help you get to know a little bit more about Team USA players during the tournament and each day will feature someone new. Today, we hear from Team USA defenseman Cole Hutson, who hails North Barrington, Ill.,, and plays college hockey at Boston University.

Top 2 Hockey Terms

                Mupp

                Legend

Top 2 Pregame Rituals 

                Put all of my gear on, left to right

                Don’t let my blade touch the floor after it is taped

Top 2 Pastimes

                Cards 

                Video Games

Top 2 Cities I’ve Visited

                Basel, Switzerland

                Dubin, Ireland

Top 2 Numbers

                23 – Worn it the past two years

                22 – Number I wore growing up

HAT TRICK -- BONUS CATEGORIES

Top 2 Things I’m Thankful For

                My family

                My teammates

Top 2 Songs Ever

                Ghost Town by Sam Barber

                Indigo by Sam Barber

Top 2 Favorite Foods

                Steak 

                Calamari


THURSDAY, DEC. 19, 2024 | An Eventful Day

The sun was shining today here in Kingston as Team USA hit the ice for the second day as it prepares for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. After breakfast at the team hotel, the U.S. penalty-killing group had a short video session before the whole team departed for the rink at 9:15 a.m. After some gym time, a group with goalies and shooters hit the ice at 11 a.m., before the full team practice commenced at 11:20 a.m. The upbeat session finished after 80 minutes. After lunch back at the team’s waterfront hotel, the players had a relaxing afternoon. The final 25-player roster was revealed to the group at a team meeting at 6 p.m., with dinner following.

BIRTHDAY WISHES

U.S. strength and conditioning coach Brian Galivan had a birthday today and was celebrated and roasted by players and staff. Galivan shared that his favorite birthday present ever was a trip to Maui when he turned 40 back in 2019. 

KILLER INSTINCT

Impacting success is why Steve “Killer” Miller is as an assistant coach for his record seventh U.S. National Junior Team. No one has served on more U.S. National Junior Teams in that capacity and no one has won more medals, with the Sun Prairie, Wis., native having been part of guiding U.S. teams to gold medals in 2017, 2021 and 2024; a silver medal in 2019 and a bronze medal in 2018. On top of that success, Miller, who is currently the associate head coach for the University of Minnesota men’s ice hockey team, has been an assistant collegiate coach for three NCAA national championship squads and 22 teams that have earned NCAA Tournament berths. 

AND THE ANSWER IS

Team USA’s goal song for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship is Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynrd. Let's hope we hear that song a lot in Ottawa.

5 X TOP 2 …..FIVE CATEGORIES, TOP 2 IN EACH

We’ll do our part to help you get to know a little bit more about Team USA players during the tournament and each day will feature someone new. Today, we hear from Team USA forward Brandon Svoboda, who hails from Level Green, Pa., and plays college hockey at Boston University.

Top 2 Pregame Rituals

                Meditate

                Find a spot in the stands and tape my stick (heel to toe)

Top 2 Pastimes

                Read parts of the bible

                Choppin’ it up with the guys

Top 2 Amusement Park Rides

                Steel Curtain

                Phantom’s Revenge

Top 2 Favorite Foods

       Chipotle (burrito with white rice, chicken, queso, mild tomato salsa, corn, cheese, lettuce)

        Eggs (scrambled)

Top 2 Songs Ever

                Ghost Town by Sam Barber

                Real Gone by Sheryl Crow

BONUS CATEGORY

Top 2 Numbers

                8 – Had it in Youngstown; defaulted to it when I went to BU

                88 – Patrick Kane used it and I thought it was a good-looking number

 


WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18, 2024 | The Journey Up North

It’s day four for Team USA on its journey to Ottawa for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. It was an early wake-up call today with players and staff loading two charter buses full of food, snacks and luggage for the bus ride to Kingston, Ontario, at 7 a.m. The team arrived to the Invista Centre around 4 o’clock, traveling through some light snow for the final 90 minutes of the trip. Having opened in May 2008, the Invista Centre includes four NHL-sized ice rinks, a leisure skate room, a fitness center, dressing rooms and three multi-purpose rooms. It will be Team USA’s home for the next three days as it prepares to play Slovakia in a pre-tournament game in Kingston across town at Slush Puppie Place on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. 

Cole Hutson was the first player to hit the ice for Team USA’s 55-minute skate which ended just short of 6 o’clock. The team arrived at its host hotel after a 20-minute bus ride and enjoyed dinner before mostly calling it a day. A few players were finishing up schoolwork, including James Hagens, who had a final paper to write for a course called Courage To Know. As part of the assignment, Hagens had to interview someone involved in a profession he believes he might pursue sometime during his post-collegiate days. Hagens chose U.S. head coach David Carle. 

IT DOESN’T HAPPEN OFTEN

Trey Augustine is likely to become just the third American netminder ever to play in three IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships. The others include Alan Perry, who played 18 games over World Junior tournaments in 1983, 1984 and 1985, and Jack Campbell, who competed in 14 combined games during the 2010, 2011, and 2012 World Juniors. Spencer Knight also was part of three U.S. teams in the World Juniors, but only actually played in two of the years.

In total, there have been 22 American players who have played in three IIHF World Junior Championships and the list is below.

Chris Biotti, D, New Center, Mass. (1985-87) 

Bobby Crawford, F, Roslyn Heights, N.Y. (1977-79) 

Ted Crowley, D, Boxboro, Mass. (1988-90)

Adam Deadmarsh, F, Portland, Ore. (1993-95)

Jeff Farkas, F, Amherst, N.Y. (1996-98)

Andy Hilbert, F, Howell, Mich. (1999-01)

Spencer Knight, G, Darien, Conn. (2019-21)

Steve Leach, F, Lexington, Mass. (1984-86)

Brian Lee, D, Moorhead, Minn. (2005-07)

Brian Leetch, D, Cheshire, Conn. (1985-87)

Paul Mara, D, Belmont, Mass. (1997-99)

Kelly Miller, F, Lansing, Mich. (1981-83)

Patrick O’Sullivan, F, Winston-Salem, N.C. (2003-05)

Alan Perry, G, Johnson, R.I. (1984-86)

Brian Rolston, F, Ann Arbor, Mich. (1991-93) 

Jordan Schroeder, F, Prior Lake, Minn. (2008-10)

Ryan Sittler, F, Buffalo, N.Y. (1992-94)

Ryan Suter, D, Madison, Wis. (2003-05) 

James van Riemsdyk, F, Middletown, N.J. (2007-09)

Mike York, F, Waterford, Mich. (1996-98)

Scott Young, F, Clinton, Mass. (1985-87) 

Jason Zucker, F, Las Vegas, Nev. (2010-12)

WE THOUGHT YOU’D WANT TO KNOW

Team USA equipment managers Scott Aldrich and Nick Meldrum drove a 26-foot truck with the team’s equipment and medical supplies from Plymouth, Michigan, to Kingston, Ontario, yesterday after Team USA’s practice at USA Hockey Arena. They arrived here in Kingston last night at about 11 o’clock and unloaded most of the truck. The dynamic duo returned this morning to finish the task and set up shop in preparation for the player’s arrival late this afternoon … Each team in the World Juniors gets to choose a goal song that is played after each goal they score during the tournament. The U.S. has arrived at a verdict and the Team USA goal song could be revealed right here in tomorrow’s Insider, so stay tuned.

5 X TOP 2 …..FIVE CATEGORIES, TOP 2 IN EACH

We’ll do our part to help you get to know a little bit more about Team USA players during the tournament and each day will feature someone new. Today, we hear from Team USA defenseman Drew Fortescue, who hails from Pearl River, N.Y., and plays college hockey at Boston College.

Top 2 Songs Ever

                Paradise by Coldplay

                American Nights by Zach Bryan

Top 2 Favorite Foods

                Chicken Parm

                Lobster Roll

Top 2 Amusement Park Rides

                The Balder in Gothenburg, Sweden, at Liseberg

                Hulk ride at Disney

Top 2 Hockey Terms

                Eating a pill

                Snipe

Top 2 Things I’m Thankful For

                My Family

                All of my teammates

BONUS CATEGORY

Top 2 Pizza Toppings

                Prosciutto

                Sausage


TUESDAY, DEC. 17, 2024 | Practice and Storytelling

While it’s been gloomy outside here in Plymouth, there’s a buzz in and around the players and staff inside at USA Hockey Arena as preparations for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship continue.

The players had an up-tempo 80-minute practice that started at 11:30 a.m. Afterwards, they spent some time in the gym with strength and conditioning coach Brian Galivan, and a number of players, along with head coach David Carle and general manager John Vanbiesbrouck, also spoke to the assembled media.

Following practice, the U.S. training staff loaded up a truck with the team’s equipment and medical supplies for the trip to Kingston, Ontario, where Team USA will be stationed starting tomorrow and through Saturday. Equipment managers Scott Aldrich and Nick Meldrum departed at 3 p.m. to drive the truck to Kingston, and they’ll have the team operation set up and ready for the arrival of the players late tomorrow afternoon.

SHARING THE STORIES

Jon Morosi from NHL Network conducted sit-down interviews with 17 players as well as general manager John Vanbiesbrouck and head coach David Carle this afternoon and evening at the team’s hotel. The six-hour shoot, which started at 3 p.m. and was led by producer Sean Hyland, included three cameras and an American-themed set that featured a large American flag, along with an assortment of Team USA hockey equipment. The content gathered will be utilized in NHL Network’s coverage of the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, both during the broadcast of games and through other digital media efforts.

THEY SAID IT

“In a sea of yellow … red, white and blue came out.”

U.S. general manager John Vanbiesbrouck describing to NHL Network’s Jon Morosi Team USA’s win over host Sweden before a sellout crowd in Gothenburg, Sweden, in last year’s World Junior Championship gold-medal game.

A FEW LAST THINGS

Assistant coach Steve Miller is guiding Team USA’s penalty kill, while assistant coach Brett Larson is leading the U.S. power play efforts … Jon Morosi wrote a great piece yesterday on U.S. forward Chris Pelosi. You can find it here … Read the take of NHL.com’s Mike Morreale from day two of Team USA’s camp here … Defenseman Blake Fiddler is the youngest player here and the lone player with a 2007 birthdate. Born in Nashville, Fiddler grew up playing hockey in Frisco, Texas. His father, Vern, played 14 years in the NHL … Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde had dinner with Team USA’s staff last night in Livonia. Lalonde has been part of the coaching staff of the last two U.S. Men’s National Teams.


Brett Larson


Steve Miller


MONDAY, DEC. 16, 2024 | THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Plymouth, Mich. – It’s that time of the year hockey fans …. time for another edition of the highly anticipated IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship.

The 2025 tournament will take place in Ottawa, Ontario, and runs from Dec. 26-Jan. 5. NHL Network will televise all U.S. games and many others.

The U.S. won last season’s World Junior Championship and the 2025 U.S. National Junior Team is looking to make history in helping our nation win back-to-back gold medals in the World Juniors for the first time ever!

And while we’re laser-focused on what’s ahead in Ottawa, the anticipation is also building for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, which the U.S. will host in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. More on that later, but make plans now to be there! All session ticket packages go on sale in just a little more than a week on Dec. 26.

We look forward to bringing you daily behind-the-scenes content through the Team  USA Insider on the road to Ottawa. 

We hope you enjoy the journey with us and here’s to a great holiday season ahead and a 2025 filled with much happiness and good health.

TEAM USA CAMP – Plymouth, Mich. – USA Hockey Arena

A total of 29 players from 11 states arrived here yesterday from all parts of the country hoping to garner a spot on the final 25-player roster, which is expected to be named by Dec. 24.

U.S. head coach David Carle returns to guide the U.S. National Junior Team after not only leading Team USA to gold at the World Juniors a year ago, but also guiding his Denver Pioneers to the NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey national title.

Carle and his coaching staff, all of whom were part of last year’s gold-medal trek, have 10 players from the previous year’s team in camp, including netminder Trey Augustine, who is aiming for a chance to make his third-straight World Juniors appearance.

One new wrinkle to this year’s World Juniors will be the ability for all teams to utilize the 25 players on their roster freely during the tournament. Previously, once a team had utilized 23 players, its other two players could only compete if one of the first 23 players suffered a tournament-ending injury or illness. Teams may dress up to 20 skaters and two goaltenders in a game.

OPENING PRACTICE

Team USA had its first practice in preparation for the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship here today at USA Hockey Arena. U.S. general manager John Vanbiesbrouck and Dave Peters, an amateur scout for the Columbus Blue Jackets who is part of the player evaluation group for Team USA, watched the 80-minute session from the second level of the pressbox, while a dozen media, a handful of scouts, and other local hockey enthusiasts looked on. After practice, the media spoke with 14 different players along with head coach David Carle.

FUN OUTSIDE THE RINK

After practice today, the players had some time for a little fun off the ice at Top Golf. The team had nine bays for 90 minutes and Angry Birds was a favorite game among the group, while chicken tenders and the age-old favorite of mac and cheese were the top food choices. While we can’t share definitive results, the leaderboard appeared to have James Hagens and Cole Hutson at the top.

TIDBITS

Sunday night at its team hotel, Team USA had a 90-minute session -- led by Tom Koulentes and Stan Bowman – to develop its Respect Charter, a document that it will use as a guiding principle on its 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship journey … Team USA will skate here tomorrow before departing for Kingston, Ontario, early Wednesday morning where it will set up shop for a few days of practice before facing Slovakia on Dec. 21 in its first of two pre-tournament games. The U.S. will then move to Cornwall, Ontario, where it will face Finland on Dec. 23 before moving to Ottawa. The U.S. opens play in the IIHF World Junior Championship on Dec. 26 against Germany … It was quite a weekend for U.S. teams on the international stage with four championships garnered, including for Team USA at the women’s Six Nations Tournament in Tampere, Finland; the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team at the Para Hockey Cup in Charlottetown, PEI; the U.S. Junior Select Team at the World Junior A Challenge in Camrose, Alberta, and the U.S. Under-17  Men’s National Team at the Vierumaki Cup in Finland.