NHL.com predicts the 2026 U.S. Olympic hockey roster, highlighting key players like Kane, Connor, and Hughes, with a focus on forwards, defensemen, and goalies expected to represent the USA in Milano Cortina, starting February 6, 2026.
Sage Steele, a former ESPN anchor, criticized ESPN for not highlighting Team USA's patriotic display of singing the 'Star-Spangled Banner' after winning gold at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship. Steele contrasted ESPN's lack of coverage with Canadian broadcaster TSN, who shared the moment on social media. She pointed out the irony given ESPN's rights deal with the NHL and the fact that the players are future NHL stars. Steele praised the team's pride in representing their country, a sentiment she feels is lacking in some professional athletes.
Ryan Leonard and Ryan Chesley celebrated their World Junior Championship gold medal victory with Team USA by performing their victory chant, "Oh mama don’t you cry," in the locker room. Leonard scored a key goal, his third of the tournament, and Chesley logged significant ice time as part of the top defense pairing in the 6-2 win. Both players are prospects for the Capitals and have previously won medals in World Junior competitions. The victory marks the sixth gold for the US at the U20 level, and the team outscored their opponents 45-15 over the tournament. Team USA can bring back 11 players for the 2025 tournament, including Leonard.
The United States clinched the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship with a dominant performance, securing their sixth title by defeating Sweden in the final. Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier led the U.S. team, while Sweden's Jonathan Lekkerimaki was named MVP. Projected 2024 No. 1 NHL Draft pick Macklin Celebrini topped Canada's scoring charts. The tournament showcased future NHL talent, with several standout performances from draft-eligible players and prospects from various NHL teams. The 2025 World Junior Championship will be hosted in Ottawa, with the United States, Finland, Canada, Latvia, and Germany in Group A, and Sweden, Czechia, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Kazakhstan in Group B.
Team USA triumphed over Sweden with a 6-2 victory to clinch the gold medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship in Gothenburg. During the match, Lane Hutson, a Boston University defenseman and Montreal Canadiens prospect, engaged in a fight with Sweden's Anton Johansson, despite a significant size disadvantage. Hutson's surprising win in the scuffle exemplified the American team's dominance on the ice, contributing to their sixth gold medal in the tournament's history and their first since 2021.
The United States hockey team claimed their sixth gold medal with a dominant 6-2 win over Sweden in the IIHF tournament. Despite Sweden's strong start and a goal that brought the game to a close 3-2 at the end of the second period, the U.S. team's effective counter-attacks and solid performance in the third period, including a goal early on, secured their victory. The U.S. finished the tournament undefeated, suggesting this team could be one of the greatest in American hockey history.
Team USA clinched the gold medal at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship with a 6-2 victory over Sweden. Isaac Howard led the way with two goals, contributing to the team's robust offense. Trey Augustine secured the win with 24 saves. Cutter Gauthier was named the Best Forward of the tournament and, along with Lane Hutson, was selected for the Media All-Star Team. This victory marks the sixth gold medal for the U.S. in the history of the World Junior Championships.
Team USA secured their sixth gold medal at the world juniors with a decisive 6-2 victory over Sweden. The win was particularly sweet as it served as revenge against the Swedish team that had defeated them in the 2022 under-18 world championships. Despite early pressure from Sweden, the American team broke through and maintained their lead, with significant contributions from players like Isaac Howard and Rutger McGroarty. The match was intense, with emotions running high and culminating in a fight near the end. The victory not only gave the USA a gold medal but also a sense of redemption against their Swedish rivals on their home turf.
Team USA clinched the world junior hockey tournament title with a decisive 6-2 win over Sweden. Isaac Howard led the charge with two goals, contributing to the team's undefeated run in Gothenburg. The victory marked the sixth gold medal for the U.S. in the tournament's history, showcasing the talents of several players from Minnesota and other states. Czechia secured the bronze medal with a win over Finland.
The U.S. National Junior Team is set to face Sweden in the gold-medal game of the World Juniors tonight. The U.S. team remains undefeated in the tournament, having recently defeated Finland in the semifinals, while Sweden overcame Czechia. The two teams have a history in the gold-medal game, with the U.S. having won against Sweden in 2013. Both teams are strong contenders, and U.S. coach David Carle expressed excitement and readiness for the match, anticipating a great game against an excellent Swedish team.
The U.S. hockey team is set to face Finland in the World Juniors semifinal, aiming to reach the gold-medal game for the first time since their 2021 victory. The U.S. has a strong track record, winning all five games in the tournament so far, while Finland has recovered from initial losses to win their last three games. Key players for Team USA include Cutter Gauthier and Gavin Brindley, leading in points and goals respectively. The U.S. has a historical edge over Finland in the semifinals, and the location for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship will be announced tomorrow. Additionally, the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team is gearing up for the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship in Switzerland.
Team USA triumphed over Latvia with a decisive 7-2 victory in the World Juniors quarterfinals. The U.S. team established an early lead and maintained their dominance throughout the game, with Gabe Perreault earning the title of U.S. Player of the Game. Contributions came from a diverse set of players, with 12 different team members adding points to the scoreboard. Goalie Jacob Fowler supported the win with 23 saves, and the team excelled in both offensive play and power play situations.
Team USA is set to face Latvia in the quarterfinals of the World Juniors Ice Hockey Tournament, with a spot in the semifinals on the line. The U.S. team, which won Group B with a perfect record and is the tournament's top-scoring team, has previously won all four encounters against Latvia in the World Juniors. Key players for the U.S. include Gavin Brindley, Cutter Gauthier, and Frank Nazar, who are among the tournament's top scorers. The U.S. team is focused and prepared for the challenge, according to head coach David Carle.
The 2024 World Junior Hockey Championship preliminary round concluded with significant matchups, including the USA's dominant 10-2 victory over Slovakia and Finland's narrow shootout win over Sweden. USA's Rutger McGroarty and Finland's Kasper Halttunen stood out with their performances, while Canada managed a 6-3 win over Germany with Macklin Celebrini scoring twice. Despite the win, questions remain about Team Canada's chemistry and readiness for the medal round. The quarterfinals are set for January 2, with matchups including Slovakia vs. Finland, Canada vs. Czechia, USA vs. Latvia, and Sweden vs. Switzerland.
The United States dominated Slovakia with a 10-2 victory, securing the top seed in Group B at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship. Rutger McGroarty led the team with a hat trick, while Trey Augustine made a strong return as the U.S. goalie with 38 saves. Despite missing key player Jimmy Snuggerud due to illness, the U.S. showcased their depth and offensive power. Slovakia, missing their starting goalie Adam Gajan, settled for the second seed in Group B. Both teams are now preparing for the quarterfinal round, with the U.S. facing the fourth seed from Group A and Slovakia playing the third seed from Group A.