USA Hockey announced its 28-man preliminary roster for the 2026 World Junior Championship today, and while the list includes nine returning players from last year’s gold-medal team, nothing about this year's roster is guaranteed yet. The Americans enter the tournament chasing history, aiming to become only the second nation since 2000 (the first since Canada’s 2005–09 dynasty) to win three straight world junior titles. With the tournament taking place in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, the spotlight will be bigger than ever.
USA Preliminary Roster:
Forwards
Kamil Bednarik, Boston University, Islanders
Trevor Connelly, Henderson (AHL), Golden Knights*
Cole Eiserman, Boston University, Islanders*
James Hagens, Boston College, Bruins*
Will Horcoff, Michigan, Penguins
Jacob Kvasnicka, Penticton (WHL), Islanders
Ryker Lee, Michigan State, Predators
Cole McKinney, Michigan, Sharks
Brendan McMorrow, Denver, Kings
LJ Mooney, Minnesota, Canadiens
Max Plante, Minnesota-Duluth, Red Wings*
AJ Spellacy, Windsor (OHL), Blackhawks
Teddy Stiga, Boston College, Predators*
Shane Vansaghi, Michigan State, Flyers
Brodie Ziemer, Minnesota, Sabres*
Defensemen
Asher Barnett, Michigan, Oilers
Henry Brzustewicz, London (OHL), Kings
Blake Fiddler, Edmonton (WHL), Kraken
Logan Hensler, Wisconsin, Senators*
Cole Hutson, Boston University, Capitals*
Adam Kleber, Minnesota-Duluth, Sabres*
Luke Osburn, Wisconsin, Sabres
Chase Reid, Soo (OHL), 2026 eligible
Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen, Michigan, 2026 eligible
Goaltenders
Caleb Heil, Madison (USHL), Lightning
Nick Kempf, Notre Dame, Capitals
AJ Reyelts, Penticton (WHL), 2026 eligible
* - Returning Players from 2025 Team
Returners
The U.S. brings back nine players from last year’s championship roster, giving this team a strong base of experience at forward and defense.
James Hagens and Cole Eiserman headline the returning group up front. Hagens was one of the most impressive underagers in the 2025 tournament, playing on the top line with Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault, having 9 points in 7 games. Eiserman remains the program’s most dangerous pure scorer, a true volume-shooting winger who can take over shifts with one quick release. With limited playing time last year, he put up three goals and 4 assists.
On defense, Cole Hutson and Logan Hensler return as two backbones of the blue line. Hutson drives USA’s transition game through his skating and deception, while Hensler brings a composed, reliable presence. Hutson led the tournament last year in points (11) as an “undersized” defenseman. As one of the youngest defensemen at last year’s tournament, Hensler handled tough minutes and should be ready for a bigger role this time around.
Having guys who’ve already lived this tournament gives the U.S. a real advantage. They know the pace, the pressure, and what it takes to win when everything ramps up in January.
Players to Watch
Teddy Stiga is one of the most exciting breakout candidates entering camp. His speed and creativity fit perfectly with the style USA traditionally plays at the World Juniors. Stiga scored the golden goal for USA last year in overtime against Finland. It was his only shot of the tournament and proves how much USA Hockey trusts him. So far this season, Stiga has 10 points in 13 games which has helped the young Boston College team.
Trevor Connelly brings another high-end dimension. Playing early-season games in the AHL has accelerated his development and added pace and physical maturity to his game. He has the skill and confidence to become one of USA’s top scoring threats.
Max Plante just plays winning hockey. He goes to the hard areas and makes simple plays that help his line. He has been doing the same thing all year at Minnesota Duluth where he is tied for the NCAA lead in points.
Will Horcoff has already broken out at Michigan Wolverines this season. The 6-foot-5 forward leads the nation in goals and sits near the top in NCAA points. On the international stage for USA he’s a real threat on both the power play and at even strength, especially when games get tight.
Under-the-Radar Players Who Could Surprise Fans
On the back end, Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen is a big name to watch. Even though he’s draft-eligible this year, he plays with veteran composure. His skating is efficient, he closes gaps well, and he consistently makes the safe, smart play. He’s one of the most naturally poised young defensemen in the country and could climb quickly if he adapts to camp pace.
Ryker Lee plays with confidence and makes plays with the puck that a lot of young forwards do not try. He competes hard and shows good instincts in every zone. His skill gives him the chance to make an impact right away.
Adam Kleber could also play a much bigger role than casual fans expect. His combination of size, strength, and composure gives the U.S. a reliable defensive option in games that get tight or physical.
USA will play their first game against Germany on Dec. 26 in Saint Paul.