Entering the USA’s schedule for the 2026 World Junior Championship – Hockey Writers – World hockey championship

It’s almost time again. The 2026 World Junior Champion competition, which will end from Dec. 26 to Jan. Here is a breakdown of the roster, including forwards, eight defensemen, and three goaltenders.

Forward to the USA

All members of the combined NHL class of 2023 have completed eligibility, so the US is losing fire. But don’t worry, as this previous group has a ton of upside:

In the end, in the final competition, James Hougens focused on college Gabe Perreault and Ryan Leonard. But they also get old, he can be among many different faces: Teddy Stiga and Brodie Ziemer. These three have developed some chemistry over the past few seasons, so teaming up with them would make sense.

Related: 2025 Under 17 Hockey Challenge – USA Wins Bronze

HAgens can add to the REVIVER International Résumé as it is clear – the best cut of this US squad. Stiga and Ziemer know what is right for themselves (the former had seven points for the Americans in 2025), but the place will be in the No. 7 Pick of the draft.

The middle finger offers a lot of offensive promise. Trevor Connelly, Horcoff, and Cole Eiserman were all first picks for a reason – this line has elite talent, size, and shooting ability. Like live, expectations will be high for Connelly and Eiserman.

The trio of Max Plante, Cole McKinney, and Ryker Lee would have a similar impact. Plante leads the NCAA in scoring (26) and is second only to McKinney and Lee, both 2025 picks, who enjoyed outstanding NCAA Freshmen campaigns. The former offers two possible ways, and the last one can bring irritation.

The fourth line is defined because of the body, but there is also some skill. Shane Vansaghhi is a more aggressive batsman than your average draft pick – one prospect. The same can be said for AJ SPUPACY (although he is rated Plus-two), whose grit may be the most important of the six. Defense is the name of the game for Kamil Bednarik, who will help round out this list.

As an addition up front, Cullen Potter and Lj Money can bring an offensive spark. Even though they are small, they have the potential to change the outcome of close games. Seeing as both of them are mist in the U18 World Printal national championships with Point-Per-Game Finish, it would be hard to deny them.

USA Defensesen

Now, let’s look at defense. Zeev buium’s aging exit leaves a void on this list, to be sure, but it’s still a fun group. Here it is:

The top pairing of Cole Hutson and Adam Kleber needs no introduction. The pair won a gold medal with the United States last winter, and the former was a big part of that. His 11 points lead all players in 2025, impressive at the age of 18. Now, the blue line is his. Kleber’s status as a BIG HIRET-RETA SHOT who skates well for his size is a nice touch.

Among the NCAA Defensemen who were not named by Hutson, Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen finds himself at the top of the under-20 list with 13 points in 16 contests. TEOUD as a mobile defenseless, he was able to slide close to Returee Logan Logan Henler. The first pick in 2025, two of his skills make it true.

For the couple below, we have two students. First up is Luke Osburn, who led all defensemen in points last year in a challenging global on his way to the golden man. EJ Emery, a first-round pick in 2024, could provide a strong defensive presence in this program.

As an addition, it will make the skahan and bleake fiddler should not sleep. Great defenders like fathers, although the Fyddler is not as physical as the former, they are always in demand.

Goaltenders in the USA

With the graduation of netminder trey netminder and two partners in crime, Sam Hillebrandt and Hampton Slukynsky, he is very open between the pipes. Who will try to back this team to its third consecutive gold Medorical?

Nick Kempf will probably do this for the crease. As the Notre Dame Fighting Irish starter, he has a .908 save percentage in 12 games to this point. Backstopping the US with a three-peat opportunity is a huge undertaking. If he should succeed, Washington’s headlines will go down in history.

Caleb Heil and Jack Parsons got some work in the world junior Summer Showcase, so they may both be on this team. Their numbers haven’t been very impressive this season, but they already have a lot of experience in this comedy lineup.

With the departure of Augustine, Buium, Leonard (final MVP of MVP), and delaying, winning another gold medal will be difficult. Do you think the Americans can pull it off?