SOME FINAL THOUGHTS

For Team USA, the injury bug certainly played a factor for head coach Bob Motzko and staff. Trevor Connelly got hurt in the pre-camp and ultimately never played in the tournament. Cole Hutson was injured midway through the Switzerland game and ultimately returned for the quarterfinals where he contributed two points and became the U.S. career leader among defenseman in points, surpassing Erik Johnson. Max Plante was injured against Slovakia and did not play again in the tournament. And in tonight’s game vs. Finland, Brendan McMorrow went out in the second period and did not return … Team USA finished the tournament with a 3-0-1-1 (W-OTW-OTL-L) record and will finish fifth … The U.S. gathered on Dec. 14 in St. Paul before moving to Duluth, Minn., for nine days and two pre-tournament games to prepare for the tournament. The journey after 20 days tonight and players will head back to their teams tomorrow morning.

THINGS

The U.S. is 15-9 in quarterfinal games in the World Juniors … Team USA has a slim 20-19-1 (W-L-T) advantage over Finland in the overall series between the two teams. Eight of the last 10 games between the U.S. and Finland have been decided by a just a single goal … Will Zellers has five goals in the World Juniors, tied for the tournament lead … The Player of the Game awards following tomorrow night’s USA-Finland game are expected to be presented by the wife (Abby), daughter (Ellie) and brother (John) of the late Jim Johannson, who tragically passed away at age 53 on Jan. 21, 2018. JJ, as he was fondly called, was one of the most accomplished and beloved executives in hockey. During his time overseeing international hockey efforts for USA Hockey, his leadership resulted in 64 total medals in major international competition for the U.S., including 34 gold medals.

CATCHING UP WITH JON PAUL MOROSI

Jon Paul Morosi is the rinkside reporter for the NHL Network’s coverage of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. While he has served in the capacity for a game or few games of two past World Juniors, this is the first year he is in the role for the entire tournament. We had a chance to catch up with him for a couple of quick questions today in downtown St. Paul.

Q. What sparked your interest in hockey?

A. Growing up in Bay City, Michigan, during the peak of the Detroit Red Wings dynasty. Every spring in middle school, we would play our baseball games and as soon as we got home, we watched Detroit Red Wings playoff games. The consistency in which the Wings were having success every spring, that really pulled us in. At the time, it was rare to see cars on I-75 that didn’t have Red Wings flags flying from the driver’s side window. My dad is, and always has been, a great hockey fan and shared the love of the sport with me. I was always a fan, and then when I got to Harvard, I started covering hockey for the Harvard Crimson as a sophomore and here we are today.

Q. You’re such a fan of the World Juniors. Has covering the full tournament it in person lived up to your expectations?

A. Absolutely, yes. I started to become aware of the World Juniors in the early 2000s when I was in college and then when the U.S. won it in 2004, that was such an important moment in history. This tournament is in my heart and it is truly and honor to share the stories about the players and coaches that are part of Team USA. I think my favorite thing with the World Juniors is the journey in two different ways … the journey of the players and their stories and support system …. And then, of course, just the journey of the tournament itself once teams gather.

THROWBACK -- GET TO KNOW TEAM USA

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship this year, we thought we’d use a throwback theme to get to know the members of Team USA and learn about them when they were kids (not that they’re that old today!). Today, enjoy the answers of U.S. defenseman EJ Emery, who plays for the University of North Dakota.

Favorite Cartoon: Looney Tunes

Favorite Hockey Player Growing Up: Matt Greene

Favorite Childhood Post-Practice Snack: Chicken Alfredo

Favorite Professional Athlete When You Were A Kid: LeBron James

Go-To Dairy Queen Order: S’mores Blizzard

One Subject In School You Dreaded: Math

Favorite Subject In School: PE

Favorite Teacher: Mr. Mullen (elementary school)

What Did You Leave Santa: Cookies

What Did You Want To Be Growing Up As a Kid: Hockey player

Favorite Item To Get At The Snack Bar When You Went To The Movies: Snickers

Favorite Item To Get At The Snack Bar At The Rink: Snickers

THROWBACK -- GET TO KNOW TEAM USA

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship this year, we thought we’d use a throwback theme to get to know the members of Team USA and learn about them when they were kids (not that they’re that old today!). Today, enjoy the answers of U.S. forward Teddy Stiga, who plays for Boston College.

Favorite Cartoon: Tom & Jerry

Favorite Hockey Player Growing Up: Brad Marchand

Favorite Childhood Post-Practice Snack: Goldish

Favorite Professional Athlete When You Were A Kid: Rafael Nadal

Favorite Place To Go Out To Eat As A Kid: Not Your Average Joes

Go-To Dairy Queen Order: Oreo Blizzard

One Subject In School You Dreaded: English

Favorite Teacher: Miss Libby (Latin teacher)

Favorite Subject In School: PE

What Did You Leave Santa: Cookies and milk

What Did You Want To Be Growing Up As a Kid: NHL hockey player

Favorite Item To Get At The Snack Bar When You Went To The Movies: Mike ‘n Ikes

Favorite Item To Get At The Snack Bar At The Rink: Big pretzel

WOODBURY MANIA

A group of youth hockey players from Woodbury, Minn., were on hand for yesterday’s game and had the chance to come down after the contest and say hello to Team USA defenseman Logan Hensler. Hensler, who is from Woodbury (a suburb of St. Paul)  signed autographs and took a photo with a very happy group.

FINAL BITS

Team USA defenseman Chase Reid turned 18 today … Will Zellers has scored the game-winning goal in each of Team USA’s first three games … The U.S. will play its fourth game in six days tomorrow against Sweden … Bill Guerin, who is the general manager of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team and also the general manager and president of hockey operations for the Minnesota Wild, presented the Player of the Game awards last night following the USA-Slovakia game … The final rosters for the 2026 U.S. Olympic Men’s and Women’s Hockey Team and Paralympic Sled Hockey Team will be revealed live on NBC’s TODAY on Friday (Jan. 2) during the 8 a.m. ET hour.

THEY SAID IT

Chase Reid, when speaking to IIHF media today was asked about what advice he might give to young players … “Everyone has a dream, just reach for the stars.”

THROWBACK -- GET TO KNOW TEAM USA

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship this year, we thought we’d use a throwback theme to get to know the members of Team USA and learn about them when they were kids (not that they’re that old today!). Today, enjoy the answers of U.S. forward LJ Mooney, who plays for the University of Minnesota.

Favorite Cartoon: Sponge Bob

Favorite Hockey Player Growing Up: Pavel Datysuk

Favorite Childhood Post-Practice Snack: Hot Fries

Favorite Professional Athlete When You Were A Kid: Pavel Datysuk

Favorite Place To Go Out To Eat As A Kid: Chili’s

Go-To Dairy Queen Order: Oreo Blizzard

One Subject In School You Dreaded: English

Favorite Subject In School: Math

What Did You Leave Santa: Milk and cookies

What Did You Want To Be Growing Up As a Kid: Hockey player

Favorite Item To Get At The Snack Bar When You Went To The Movies: Mix popcorn with Crunch ‘n Munch

Favorite Item To Get At The Snack Bar At The Rink: Snickers

THROWBACK -- GET TO KNOW TEAM USA

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship this year, we thought we’d use a throwback theme to get to know the members of Team USA and learn about them when they were kids (not that they’re that old today!). Today, enjoy the answers of U.S. forward Cole McKinney, who plays for the University of Michigan.

Favorite Cartoon: Tom & Jerry

Favorite Hockey Player Growing Up: Patrick Kane

Favorite Childhood Post-Practice Snack: Flips chocolate pretzel

Favorite Professional Athlete When You Were A Kid: Patrick Kane

Favorite Place To Go Out To Eat As A Kid: Culvers

Go-To Dairy Queen Order: Oreo Blizzard

One Subject In School You Dreaded: English

Favorite Subject In School: History

Favorite Teacher: Mr. Barry

What Did You Leave Santa: Cookies and milk

What Did You Want To Be Growing Up As a Kid: Hockey player

Favorite Item To Get At The Snack Bar When You Went To The Movies: Sour Patch Watermelon

Favorite Item To Get At The Snack Bar At The Rink: Pretzels

QUICK SKATE AT TRIA

Team USA had a short skate at TRIA Rink, the practice facility of the Minnesota Wild, just after noon today. The team got dressed at its lockerroom in Grand Casino and carried skates and sticks on the bus with them to TRIA, which is just a couple of blocks from GCA. The goalies were transported from the lockerroom to the bus on flatbed carts and goaltending coach David Lassonde got into the action pushing the flatbed that Brady Knowling was on. The players had rave reviews about TRIA and particularly enjoyed the huge windows at the end of the rink that look out to the St. Paul skyline.

SNOW GLOBE

The snow started falling mid-morning in “snow globe” fashion in St. Paul as a winter storm rolled into the Twin Cities. The forecast is for 7-10 inches throughout the course of the day and night. Thankfully the weather has not impacted the tournament schedule to date.

DINNER OUT

After a chance to enjoy some rest this afternoon, the team headed to Louis in St. Paul for a classic Italian dinner. Louis is part of the multi-story complex Cossetta’s Italian Market, that also features a tavern, pizzeria, Italian grocery, and Italian pastries and gelato establishment.

CLOSING

Will Zellers, Teddy Stiga and LJ Mooney recorded a fun chat on the Zamboni after practice today that will air on USA Hockey social channels in the upcoming days … Team USA has clinched a spot in the World Juniors quarterfinals, which will be played on Jan. 2 … The U.S. is the least penalized team in the World Juniors and has not yielded a power play goal in the first two games of the tournament. It has also not scored a power play goal … Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey, is expected to join EJ Hradek and Tony Granato in the booth during tomorrow’s broadcast of the U.S.-Slovakia game … Defenseman Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen celebrated his 19th birthday back on Dec. 18 when Team USA was in Duluth and on Tuesday (Dec. 30), defenseman Chase Reid will turn 18.

GAME DAY

The U.S. got past Switzerland, 2-1, in a hard-fought contest with nearly 14,000 fans watching tonight at Grand Casino Arena. Will Zellers scored what proved to be the game-winner as the U.S. improved to 2-0 in the tournament. For the full recap, click HERE. 

A COUPLE BITS

Following the game, defenseman Logan Hensler from Woodbury, Minn., came out to greet a group of young players from the Mahtomedi Youth Hockey Association in the Twin Cities. LJ Mooney and Luke Osburn also made a surprise appearance … Team USA will have a short skate tomorrow at TRIA Rink, the practice facility of the Minnesota Wild … John Vanbiesbrouck, general manager of Team USA and assistant executive director at USA Hockey, was the keynote speaker this morning at the “World Breakfast of Teammates” hosted by Hockey Ministries International. Some 800 people attended the event at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium, which is adjacent to the Grand Casino Arena. Bill Butters and Mike Eaves were also among the speakers and Aaron Broten served as master of ceremonies.

WARM WELCOME FROM VIKINGS FANS

The Minnesota Vikings welcomed Team USA to its game against the Lions this afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium. During a timeout in the first quarter, Team USA was recognized on the field before the capacity crowd, which broke out in chants of USA. The players had a chance prior to the game to be along the back of the North end zone and referee Shawn Smith stopped to talk to some of the guys for a few minutes and wish them luck. In addition, actor Josh Duhamel came down to the tunnel where the players were staged to take a photo.

COUPLE LAST THINGS

Team USA’s lockerroom vibe was upbeat and spirited with a good mix of Christmas music playing loudly from the playlist of Logan Hensler … The U.S. enjoyed Christmas dinner after it returned from the Vikings game at the team hotel and some of the players faced off in ping pong afterwards … The U.S. will open play in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship tomorrow at 5 p.m. against Germany. The game can be seen live on NHL Network and tickets are available HERE.

STANTA CLAUS IS BACK

Following dinner and after the announcement of the team’s leadership group, trainer Stan Wong arrived as Santa Claus and called each player forward to not only receive a gift from Team USA … but also answer a few questions from “Stanta.” The annual ritual drew much laughter from the players and is one of the highlights of the World Juniors journey each year. Wong is part of the staff of the U.S. National Junior Team for the 24th straight year.

THINGS

U.S. general manager John Vanbiesbrouck was up early and arrived at Grand Casino Arena at 6:20 a.m. for a live interview on the KARE11 morning show in the Twin Cities (NBC affiliate) … With the U.S. hosting the World Juniors this year, the USA Hockey events staff, led by Tony Driscoll, was busy working with local organizers and competition venues in the final preparations for the tournament … The U.S. won both of its pre-tournament games in Duluth, including an 8-0 win over Germany on Sunday (Dec. 21) and a 3-1 triumph against Finland last night (Dec. 23) … Team USA will be back on the ice tomorrow morning and will take its team photo prior to practice.

THROWBACK -- GET TO KNOW TEAM USA

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship this year, we thought we’d use a throwback theme to get to know the members of Team USA and learn about them when they were kids (not that they’re that old today!). Today, enjoy the answers of U.S. forward Brendan McMorrow, who plays for the University of Denver.

Favorite Cartoon: Gravity Falls

Childhood Hockey Hero: Zach Parise

Favorite Childhood Post-Practice Snack: Chocolate Milk

Favorite Professional Athlete When You Were A Kid: Zach Parise

Favorite Place To Go Out To Eat As A Kid: Dairy Queen

Go-To Dairy Queen Order: Medium Cookie Dough Blizzard

Favorite Movie As A Kid: Star Wars – Revenge of the Sith

One Subject In School You Dreaded: Math

Favorite Subject In School: History

Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Hyde (my French teacher)

What Did You Want To Be Growing Up As a Kid: Hockey Player

Favorite Item To Get At The Snack Bar When You Went To The Movies: Popcorn

Favorite Item To Get At The Snack Bar At The Rink: Popcorn

THROWBACK -- GET TO KNOW TEAM USA

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship this year, we thought we’d use a throwback theme to get to know the members of Team USA and learn about them when they were kids (not that they’re that old today!). Today, enjoy the answers of U.S. goaltender Nick Kempf, who plays for the University of Notre Dame.

Favorite Cartoon: Scooby Doo

Childhood Hockey Hero: Corey Crawford

Favorite Childhood Post-Practice Snack: Bowl of Cereal – Frosted Flakes

Favorite Professional Athlete When You Were A Kid: Michael Jordan

Favorite Place To Go Out To Eat As A Kid: Brahaus in downtown Chicago

Go-To Dairy Queen Order: Oreo Blizzard

Favorite Movie As A Kid: Rookie of the Year

One Subject In School You Dreaded: English

Favorite Subject In School: Math

Favorite Teacher: Miss Pellum

What Did You Leave Santa: Cookies, couple of carrots and some milk

What Did You Want To Be Growing Up As a Kid: Hockey Player

Favorite Item To Get At The Snack Bar When You Went To The Movies: Sour Patch Kids

Favorite Item To Get At The Snack Bar At The Rink: Goldfish

OVERHEARD

Bruce Ciskie from KDAL Radio in Duluth broadcast his morning show live from AMSOIL Arena today and U.S. head coach Bob Motzko jokingly told him that it was UMD coach Scott Sandelin’s fault that the two Bulldog players part of the U.S. roster -- Max Plante and Adam Kleber -- did not play yesterday in front of their hometown fans against Germany. Motzko mused that Sandelin played them too much last weekend against Arizona State and they needed to rest. The two, both who helped the U.S. to its second straight gold medal in the World Juniors last year, are expected to play tomorrow against Finland. Along with Motzko, Ciskie also had Plante, Kleber and Team USA general manager John Vanbiesbrouck on the show from the Bob Nygaard Pressbox at AMSOIL Arena.

HISTORY

The 50th anniversary of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship is nearing, with games starting on Dec. 26 in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Did you know the concept for the tournament came from Murray Williamson, who served as head coach of two U.S. Olympic men’s hockey teams, including the 1972 silver medal-winning squad? Williamson, who made his home in the Twin Cities metropolitan area of Minnesota, passed away in September at the age of 91.

FUN BITS

Following its game last night against Germany, Team USA enjoyed dinner out of the hotel at Blackwoods in Duluth. A table that included Teddy Stiga, Brodie Ziemer, Cole Eiserman, Ryker Lee and Adam Kleber were engaged in a game of Imposter during dinner … Team USA’s Max Plante is from Hermantown, Minn., which is essentially a suburb of Duluth. His grandparents Carol and David (mom’s parents) live in East Duluth. Plante had a chance to get together with them, along with his mom (Kristi), dad (Derek) and two brothers (Zam, Victor) while here at camp in Duluth. Both of Max’s parents are in the Minnesota Duluth Athletic Hall of Fame – Kristi as a star in women’s basketball and softball, and Derek in hockey. Max and Zam both play hockey at Minnesota Duluth, while Victor is in his second year at USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program and is expected to join his brothers at UMD next season.

THROWBACK -- GET TO KNOW TEAM USA

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship this year, we thought we’d use a throwback theme to get to know the members of Team USA and learn about them when they were kids (not that they’re that old today!). Today, enjoy the answers of U.S. defenseman Asher Barnett, who plays for the University of Michigan.

Favorite Cartoon: Sponge Bob

Childhood Hockey Hero: Pavel Datsyuk

Favorite Childhood Post-Practice Snack: Chocolate Milk

Favorite Professional Athlete When You Were A Kid: Usain Bolt

Favorite Place To Go Out To Eat As A Kid: Uncle Julios

Go-To Dairy Queen Order: Oreo Concrete Mixer

Favorite Movie As A Kid: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

One Subject In School You Dreaded: Math

Favorite Subject In School: English

Favorite Teacher: Mr. Barry

What Did You Leave Santa: Chocolate Bark (Caramel & Milk Chocolate)

What Did You Want To Be Growing Up As a Kid: Handyman

Favorite Item To Get At The Snack Bar When You Went To The Movies: Popcorn

Favorite Item To Get At The Snack Bar At The Rink: Bratwurst

A LITTLE OF THIS AND A LITTLE OF THAT

Lunch after practice at the rink came from Social House in Duluth’s Canal Park and the players watched the Texas A&M-Miami College Football Playoff Game while dining in the lounge … About half the players were at AMSOIL Arena last night watching the Finland-Germany pre-tournament game (won by Finland). The U.S. will face Germany tomorrow at 4 o’clock and the game will be streamed live on USAHockeyTV.com. Live stats for all pre-tournament games can be found here … LJ Mooney’s cousin is none other than Logan Cooley from the NHL’s Utah Mammoth, who helped the U.S. earn gold in the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship this past May … Marc Boxer, director of junior hockey for USA Hockey, is on hand here in Duluth. Boxer, who served as general manager of the U.S. Junior Select Team which recently won the World Junior A Challenge for the second straight season, is part of the group that assists general manager John Vanbiesbrouck in the selection of the U.S. National Junior Team.

SEEN ON THE BENCH AFTER PRACTICE

U.S. Head Coach Bob Motzko is always teaching and that was on full display on the bench after practice today with Motzko visiting with Team USA’s Cole Eiserman.

A BREAK FROM THE ICE

After four straight days of on-ice practices, Team USA took a pause today. The team was at AMSOIL Arena late this morning for a 30-minute stretching session, characterized by performance coach Will Morlock as a restorative routine. The session included myofascial stretching and body weight stretching to work on hips and back. Following, the players enjoyed lunch from Crisp and Green at the rink.

CLUB ONE UNDER

Team USA players had a fun afternoon at Club One Under, a facility that includes five state-of-the-art golf simulators; over 12 additional multi-sport games for non-golfers, including zombie dodgeball, skee ball, soccer, football, hockey, target golf and more; and two premium F1 racing simulators. A group of youth players from Duluth East were in the house and excited to take a few pictures with members of Team USA.

THIS AND THAT

The U.S. roster was reduced by one this morning as goaltender AJ Reyelts was released from the team. That leaves Team USA with 29 players, including three netminders in Caleb Heil, Nick Kempf and Brady Knowling … Forward Kamil Bednarik, who plays at Boston University, can speak fluent Slovakian. His parents – Kamil and Mirka – are both from Slovakia. His sister, Simone, played four seasons of college hockey at SUNY-Oswego and today plays professionally in the EWHL in Bratislava, Slovakia … A total of five pallets, 20-plus stick boxes, and assorted other boxes of supplies accompanied Team USA to Duluth, Minn. Several items will be shipped back to USA Hockey headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., after the conclusion of training camp, while the remainder will be trucked down to Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minn., the evening of Dec. 23 for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship … The U.S. Women’s National Team swept Canada in this season’s four-game Rivalry Series. Team USA beat Canada 4-1 on Nov. 6 in Cleveland, Ohio, and 6-1 on Nov. 8 in Buffalo, New York, before following up with 10-4 (Dec. 10) and 4-1 (Dec. 13) victories in Edmonton, Alberta … Many players and staff ventured to AMSOIL Arena tonight to watch the Finland-Germany pre-tournament game.

THINGS

U.S. goaltending coach David Lassonde and the late Jeff Sauer worked together at the University of Wisconsin in the late 1990s. Sauer, whose Hall of Fame career included 31 years as a college head coach, noticed Lassonde’s resemblance to Elmer Fudd and tagged him with the nickname “Elma.” Sauer also led the 2014 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team to the gold medal in Sochi, Russia … In the category of “things most people would not know about you,” U.S. defenseman Luke Osburn shares that he does Pilates in the summer and also enjoys riding dirt bikes … Jessica Thibault, who is back for her fourth straight year managing team operations for the U.S. National Junior Team, was spotted this afternoon preparing for Team USA’s Christmas Eve celebration. And in the true spirit of the holidays, she was watching Home Alone and Home Alone 2, while doing so. Thibault’s full-time job is as director of hockey operations for the University of Notre Dame men’s ice hockey program.

THROWBACK -- GET TO KNOW TEAM USA

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship this year, we thought we’d use a throwback theme to get to know the members of Team USA and learn about them when they were kids (not that they’re that old today!). Today, enjoy the answers of U.S. forward Max Plante, who plays for the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Favorite Cartoon: Cars

Childhood Hockey Hero: Brad Marchand

Favorite Childhood Post-Practice Snack: Peanut Butter & Crackers

Favorite Professional Athlete When You Were A Kid: Brad Marchand/Mike Trout

Favorite Place To Go Out To Eat As A Kid: Osaka

Go-To Dairy Queen Order: Oreo blizzard

Favorite Movie As A Kid: Forrest Gump

One Subject In School You Dreaded: Math

Favorite Subject In School: Art

Favorite Teacher: Miss Adamic

What Did You Leave Santa: Cookies & Milk

What Did You Want To Be Growing Up As a Kid: Hockey Player

Favorite Item To Get At The Snack Bar When You Went To The Movies: Skittles

Favorite Item To Get At The Snack Bar At The Rink: Water or Gatorade

FUN FACTS ABOUT DULUTH

It’s day three of the U.S. training camp here in Duluth and we thought we’d share a couple fun facts about the city. Bob Dylan, iconic Grammy and Academy Award-winning folk singer and songwriter, was born in Duluth … Duluth is the birthplace of the famous Greyhound Bus Line, which started in 1914 as a modest transportation service before growing into the nation’s largest intercity bus company … Duluth is the furthest inland port in the world … In 1905, Duluth was known to have more millionaires per capita than any other city in the U.S. due to its thriving timber and mining industries.

A VISIT TO BENTLEYVILLE

Members of Team USA visited Bentleyville tonight, which is billed as America’s largest free walk-through holiday lighting extravaganza. Located in Bayfront Festival Park on the shores of Lake Superior, Bentleyville is just a short walk from the team’s downtown hotel. Bentleyville serves free hot cocoa, coffee, cookies and popcorn. It also has marshmallows for roasting and visitors can enjoy a free visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The reviews from the players were positive.

COUPLE LAST BITS

The U.S. had its third practice at AMSOIL Arena late this morning and goaltending coach David Lassonde wanted to utilize some tires for a drill. Enter UMD Head Coach Scott Sandelin who scoured the building to find tires for Lassonde … Ryker Lee has the nickname of “Wizard” which Lee shared was given to him when he was 13 or 14 by current Michigan State men’s hockey coach Adam Nightingale … Netminder Caleb Heil says he loves to watch Jake Oettinger and Dustin Wolf.

THROWBACK -- GET TO KNOW TEAM USA

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship this year, we thought we’d use a throwback theme to get to know the members of Team USA and learn about them when they were kids (not that they’re that old today!). Today, enjoy the answers of U.S. defenseman Adam Kleber, who plays for the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Favorite Cartoon: Looney Tunes

Childhood Hockey Hero: Steven Stamkos

Favorite Childhood Post-Practice Snack: Cheez-its

Favorite Professional Athlete When You Were A Kid: Connor McGregor

Favorite Place To Go Out To Eat As A Kid: Patron, good Mexican spot

Go-To Dairy Queen Order: Chicken strip basket with a smores blizzard

Favorite Movie As A Kid: Incredibles

One Subject In School You Dreaded: Science

Favorite Subject In School: Ceramics

Favorite Teacher: Miss Lewchowski

What Did You Leave Santa: Chocolate Chip Cookies & Milk

What Did You Want To Be Growing Up As a Kid: Police officer or firefighter

Favorite Item To Get At The Snack Bar When You Went To The Movies: Besides popcorn?

The U.S. skated for about 90 minutes, starting at 11 a.m. on the AMSOIL Arena ice, with special teams play taking place the final third of practice. The mood was upbeat and competitive. A few media interviews followed practice, along with an off-ice cool down session led by performance coach Will Morlock, whose full-time job is with the Michigan State University men’s hockey team.

DAD JOKE

We invite you to enjoy a fun piece where players were asked as they headed to the ice for practice to answer the question, “What state has the smallest sodas?” …. Think Dad joke and get ready to chuckle.

ALL-STAR COACHING STAFF

Head Coach Bob Motzko has a terrific cast of assistant coaches to help in guiding the 2026 U.S. National Junior Team, including Greg Brown, head men’s hockey coach at Boston College; Steve Miller, associate head coach of the University of Minnesota men’s hockey team; Garrett Raboin, head men’s hockey coach at Augustana University; David Lassonde, national goaltending coach for USA Hockey; Travis Winter, associate men’s hockey head coach at Bemidji State University; and Jacob LeRoy, video coach and director of hockey operations for the University of Minnesota men’s hockey team. Brown will lead the U.S. power play with Winter assisting, while Miller has lead responsibilities for the Team USA penalty kill with help from Raboin.

FINAL BITS

With temperatures reaching the low 40s here today in Duluth, some players ventured outside through downtown Duluth and Canal Park after practice … During their free time, a handful of players have also been finishing up papers and exams connected to their respective collegiate studies … Team USA will practice tomorrow at 11 a.m. at AMSOIL Arena as preparation continues for the World Junior Championship … Beginning tomorrow, we’ll unveil a new daily feature of the Insider to help you get to know Team USA players using “throwback” questions.

HE’S BACK!

Steve “Killer” Miller is back as an assistant coach for his record ninth 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, 2024 and 2025; 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 23 teams that have earned NCAA Tournament berths.

WHAT DO THOSE TWO LETTERS STAND FOR?

The preliminary roster of the U.S. National Junior Team includes two AJ’s and one LJ. We knew you were wondering what the letters stood for and below we share the answer.

AJ Spellacy … Anthony Jude Spellacy

AJ Reyelts …. Andrew John Reyelts

LJ Mooney – Little John … Real name is John Thomas Mooney

SANDELIN ON HAND TO WELCOME TEAM USA

Scott Sandelin, head men’s ice hockey coach at the University of Minnesota Duluth, was on hand to welcome Team USA to the home of his UMD Bulldogs. Sandelin, who this past Friday (Dec. 12) coached his 1,000th collegiate game, has a long history with USA Hockey, including serving as the head coach of the U.S. National Junior Team both in 2005 and 2020.

The quest for a third straight gold medal in the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship began tonight in Minnesota’s capital city of Saint Paul for the U.S. National Junior Team with an opening team meeting that included the players crafting a charter that will guide them in their three-week journey together.

For Head Coach Bob Motzko, it’s his third time leading the U.S. National Junior Team after guiding Team USA to a gold medal in the World Juniors in 2017 and a bronze medal in the 2018 event. With his full-time job as head coach of the University of Minnesota men’s hockey team now on hold through the conclusion of the 50th anniversary of the IIHF World Junior Championship on January 5, the Austin, Minn., native is excited about the journey ahead.

“It’s such an honor for all of us to represent our country and we’re all excited to get going,” said Motzko, one of the most accomplished coaches in American hockey today. “We have a talented group and it will be fun to be in Duluth as we prepare for the tournament.”

LAST NUGGETS

John Vanbiesbrouck, who for the eighth straight year is the general manager of the U.S. National Junior Team, played 20 seasons in the NHL and is one of the best American-born goaltenders of all-time. He was drafted by the New York Rangers and spent 11 years competing for the Blueshirts. Vanbiesbrouck was in New York last night for one of the themed nights of the Rangers Centennial Celebration where the 1967-91 era of the franchise was celebrated along with the “New Garden.” … Tom Koulentes led the players through a 90-minute session to develop a charter that will be used as a guiding document through its 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship journey. He was also in Michigan this summer during the U.S. National Junior Team evaluation camp and conducted the first session of what is a two-step effort in the overall creation process … FOX9 sports director Jim Rich was on live from the lobby of the team’s headquarters hotel tonight and spoke to Brodie Ziemer, one of the nine returning players from last year’s gold-medal U.S. National Junior Team. He also did a segment with Head Coach Bob Motzko.