Team USA and Team Canada have announced their rosters for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, set to begin preliminary play on December 26. The United States aims for a third consecutive title with a mix of NCAA and pro talent, while Canada boasts a deep forward group led by top prospects. Both teams feature promising young players looking to shine on the international stage.
Team USA Roster Breakdown
Team USA's forward group includes standouts like Cole Eiserman, Trevor Connelly, Max Plante, Will Horcoff, and Brodie Ziemer, who are expected to drive the offense. Horcoff has recorded 28 points (19 goals, 9 assists) in 20 games for the University of Michigan. Connelly, the only pro skater, has 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) with the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL. Teddy Stiga, who scored the golden goal in the 2025 tournament, returns in an elevated role.
On defense, Cole Hutson leads with 20 points (7 goals, 13 assists) in 17 games for Boston University, having contributed to their 2025 championship. Chase Reid, a 17-year-old projected top-five pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, has 33 points (13 goals, 20 assists) in 29 games for the Soo Greyhounds in the OHL.
Goaltending presents a challenge without Trey Augustine. A.J. Reyelts has the best stats among the trio with a 2.56 GAA and .904 SV% for the Penticton Vees in the WHL. Nick Kempf posted a .919 SV% at the 2024 U18 Worlds.
Notable omissions include Will Zeller, Cullen Potter, and Ethan Wyttenbach, all producing at a point-per-game pace in the NCAA.
Team Canada Roster Highlights
Canada's forwards are stacked with Gavin McKenna (18 points: 4 goals, 14 assists in 16 games at Penn State), Tij Iginla (27 points: 13 goals, 14 assists in 17 WHL games with Kelowna), and others like Cole Beaudoin and Caleb Desnoyers. The group aims to rebound from last year's quarterfinal loss to Czechia (3-2).
Defensemen feature undrafted Ethan MacKenzie (10 goals, 21 assists in 30 games for Edmonton Oil Kings) and Harrison Brunicke, who played nine NHL games this season.
Goaltenders include Carter George (10-9-2, 3.12 GAA, .899 SV% in 22 games), Jack Ivankovic (16-4-0, 1.90 GAA, .927 SV% at Michigan), and Joshua Ravensbergen (16-6-0, 2.50 GAA, .921 SV%).
With the tournament hosted in the U.S., Canada is viewed as a favorite despite not having full home-ice advantage.
