The start of the Under-18 Men's World Championship couldn't come any sooner for Team USA. Many of the members of the U.S. team have dreamt about representing their country at this tournament for years. After a successful week long pre-camp in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and a pair of pre-tournament exhibition wins under its belt, the team is ready to take on its first opponent, Belarus.

The Americans are led by head coach John Wroblewski who competed in the first ever U18 Men's World Championship in 1999 and was an assistant coach on USA's 2010 gold medal team. Assistant coach Nick Fohr and goaltending coach Kevin Reiter have also coached in this tournament before.

Assistant coaches Seth Appert and Greg Moore embark on their first experience at this tournament. Moore was a part of the 2002 U.S. team that brought home the first gold medal from this event, which was also held in Slovakia. He is excited to be back where he helped the U.S. taste their first success in this tournament.

Up first for the Americans is Belarus. The last time these two teams faced each other was in the 2010 preliminary round when the U.S. took home a 7-1 victory. 

For more information the 2017 U.S. National Under-18 Team, click here.