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USA Hockey Names 28-Player Preliminary Roster for 2026 World Juniors

Selection camp in Duluth begins Dec. 15 with final cuts due Dec. 24.

Overview

  • Team USA’s initial group includes three goaltenders, 10 defensemen and 15 forwards, with nine returnees from last year’s gold-medal roster.
  • Two pre-tournament games are scheduled in Duluth against Germany on Dec. 21 and Finland on Dec. 23 before the roster is finalized.
  • The roster is heavy on NCAA talent with 20 college players; Michigan leads programs with four selections and Boston University places three, including Cole Hutson.
  • Minnesota has the largest state contingent with eight players, and Gophers coach Bob Motzko will lead the U.S. bench.
  • Goaltending is under scrutiny heading into camp, with Nick Kempf, Caleb Heil and A.J. Reyelts the named trio as the U.S. seeks a three-peat starting Dec. 26 in the Twin Cities.