MINNEAPOLIS — Brodie Ziemer knows how tense it can be when you’re trying to make a U.S. roster for the IIHF World Junior Championship.  

Therefore, the University of Minnesota forward did his best to keep the mood light during Friday morning’s U.S. Team White practice at the World Junior Summer Showcase.

Early in the session at Ridder Arena, Ziemer skated with James Hagens during a two-on-one drill. After Hagens rippled the net with a wrist shot, Ziemer celebrated by playing a few strings of air guitar.

“I’m just trying to have an energy, be a positive guy out here,” Ziemer said. “I want everybody to mesh and have a fun week.”

Ziemer wasn’t alone. There was plenty of chatter, fist bumps and stick taps Friday morning at Ridder Arena, the University of Minnesota facility that will host all games and practices during the Summer Showcase. Six teams — two from the U.S., two from Canada, and one each from Finland and Sweden — are taking part in the event that runs from July 27 – Aug. 2.

Ziemer is one of five players on Team White who helped the U.S. win the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship this past January.

The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship is taking place in from Dec. 26, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026, in the Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the U.S. will be attempting to win an unprecedented third consecutive gold medal in the tournament.

Hagens and Teddy Stiga are also members of Team White, and the Boston College teammates played with Ziemer for two years with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program as well.

“Being out there with guys like Brodie and James, guys I played with a lot throughout the past years, it’s fun to get back out there with them,” Stiga said.

Now, the trio of World Juniors vets are ready to step up to a leadership role for the newcomers this year.

“It’s kind of our job to show (the 2007-born players) what it’s all about,” Stiga said. “Be a good leader, be a good teammate, first off, then just go out there and show them how to compete.” 

Setting the competitive tone can be tricky during the Summer Showcase. While everyone on the practice ice is wearing a U.S. sweater, only 25 of the total 42 players on the Blue and White teams will make the final roster.

Stiga said playing at the NTDP helped him get used to being around hyper-competitive environments, so he knows not to take anything personally.

“Everyone’s kind of competing for the same thing,” he said. “You don’t get mad, everyone’s just competing to get their spot.”

While the camp takes place in the heat of July, the showcase isn’t your typical “summer hockey,” which can sometimes lack intensity.

“Everyone has to perform,” said Hagens, who tallied nine points in seven games at the World Juniors last year. “This is real hockey. It’s high-paced; we’re trying to be able to wear (our) country’s logo, so it means a lot.”

Through his years with the NTDP, Ziemer said he knows most of the guys on the team. That helps him not get too chippy on the ice during the Showcase.

“Once the practice is over, we step off; it’s just back to being buddies again.” he said.

Spending time together off the ice is a big part of the Summer Showcase as well. Ziemer has already taken a few players around campus.

While the team has a few bonding activities planned for the week, players will spend plenty of their down time hanging out at the team hotel watching movies, Ziemer said. He noted hopefully that includes “Happy Gilmore 2,” which was released on Friday.

For Hagens, setting an example for the younger players on the team goes beyond making sure they’re ready to play at their best come World Juniors. He knows there’s much more to this tournament than just the result.

“It’s making sure that when you’re done with games, you’re doing the right things; you’re getting prepared, you’re being a role model,” he said. “Little kids come to World Juniors and look up to players like us.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc