USA Hockey announced its 25-player roster for the 2026 U.S. National Junior Team, which will compete in the IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota, featuring returning players from last year's gold medal team, with a mix of NHL-drafted talent and college players, and the tournament schedule outlined.
Five former WJC players, including current NHL players Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote, Dillon Dube, and former Ottawa Senator Alex Formenton, have been charged with sexual assault following an alleged incident in 2018. The charges stem from an investigation into an alleged assault after a Hockey Canada event. The complainant, referred to as E.M., alleges she had consensual sex with one man before other players entered the room without her consent. The case has made its first court appearance and is set to return on April 30. London Police have received varying levels of cooperation from other members of the 2018 World Junior team during the investigation, and Hockey Canada has cooperated fully with the legal process.
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.
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 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.
The 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship is set for its conclusion with the gold and bronze medal games in Gothenburg, Sweden. The United States, led by captain Rutger McGroarty and a talented roster, will face Sweden in a highly anticipated gold medal match, seeking revenge for a previous loss at the U-18 Championship. The U.S. team has been dominant throughout the tournament, outscoring opponents 39-13, while Sweden boasts the top-ranked power play. The bronze medal game will feature Finland against Czechia, with both teams looking to secure a podium finish after recent successes in past tournaments.
The United States and Sweden have advanced to the gold-medal game of the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship after defeating Finland and Czechia, respectively, in the semifinals. Cutter Gauthier's late power-play goal secured a 3-2 victory for the U.S., while Jonathan Lekkerimaki's two goals in the third period helped Sweden to a 5-2 win. Both teams will face off in the championship game in Gothenburg, Sweden, with the U.S. aiming for its sixth gold medal and first since 2021, and Sweden looking to win its first gold since 2012. Finland and Czechia will compete for the bronze medal.
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.