U.S. Reveals 2026 National Junior Team Preliminary Roster
The preliminary roster for the 2026 U.S. National Junior Team has been unveiled, featuring 28 talented players. This roster includes nine athletes who contributed to Team USA’s consecutive gold medal victories at the IIHF World Junior Championship in 2024 and 2025.
Training Camp Details
The team is set to gather for a training camp scheduled from December 15 to December 23 at AMSOIL Arena in Duluth, Minnesota. Players will compete for spots on the final 25-player roster, which will participate in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Championship Schedule
The championship will take place from December 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026, in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tickets for all games are currently on sale.
Coaching Staff and Player Representation
John Vanbiesbrouck, the general manager of the team, expressed enthusiasm about the chosen players. He acknowledged the challenges of narrowing down the roster but anticipates a competitive camp.
- 28 players selected from 10 different states
- 3 goaltenders, 10 defensemen, and 15 forwards
- Major representation from Minnesota with eight players
Out of the 28 athletes, 25 have been drafted into NHL teams, including eight first-round picks. Furthermore, 19 players have experience with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.
Player Background and NCAA Presence
Among the selected players, 20 are currently playing NCAA Division I men’s hockey. The University of Michigan boasts four players on the preliminary roster. The rest of the team represents various leagues, including the CHL, AHL, and USHL.
Coaching Team
Bob Motzko will serve as head coach, having previously led the U.S. National Junior Team to victory in 2017 and bronze in 2018. He will be supported by assistant coaches Greg Brown, Steve Miller, and Garrett Raboin, along with goaltending coach David Lassonde.
Group A Matchups
Team USA is grouped with Germany, Slovakia, Sweden, and Switzerland for the preliminary rounds. Group B includes Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, and Latvia.
The final roster announcement is expected on December 24. Team USA aims to continue its recent success, having medaled in eight of the last ten tournaments.
