Meet the Team: USA's roster for the 2025 World Juniors
It’s not about defending a title, it’s all about seeking another for the Americans at the 2025 Under-20 World Junior Championships.
American goalie Trey Augustine compared it to climbing a mountain, the Americans reached the peak with their gold medal victory in 2024 against Sweden, and this time it’s just another race to the summit.
“And we want to get there, win another gold,” Augustine said. “But it’s a new team, and we are ready for the challenge.”
While it’s a new team, there are many of the same faces for Team USA.
Head coach David Carle is leading the staff again, seeking a repeat gold medal at the same time he’s seeking back-to-back NCAA title with Denver, while 10 players from the 2024 team were back in camp for 2025 including Augustine, Drew Fortescue, Ryan Leonard, Carey Terrance, Oliver Moore, Aram Minnetian, Danny Nelson, Zeev Buium, Sam Hillebrandt, and Gabe Perrault.
On paper, the Americans are a deep team at all three position groups, but during camp almost everyone pointed to goaltending as one of the foundations for the medal chase.
The Roster
Forwards
Austin Burnevik, RW/LW, St. Cloud State (NCAA)
Anaheim Ducks, 2024 NHL Draft, sixth round, 182nd overall
Opportunity is everything. After playing a depth role on the NTDP, Austin Burnevik became one of the USHL’s top players with Madison, and now has instantly translated to the NCAA. Without skating as a weapon, he creates through his quick-possession playmaking, explosive shot, and knack for arriving in the right place at the right time. Finding the right fit will be key to his success here.
Trevor Connelly, LW, Providence (NCAA)
Vegas Golden Knights, 2024 NHL Draft, first round, 19th overall
If there’s a wild card on this roster, it’s Trevor Connelly. He could play anywhere from a top-six role to being out of the lineup entirely. Make no mistake, he’s a potential gamebreaker with elite hands and edge work, and plenty of scoring tools. He’s best in the high cycle, which Team USA will use heavily. Discipline has been an issue, and his production has slowed in recent weeks.
Cole Eiserman, LW, Boston University (NCAA)
New York Islanders, 2024 NHL Draft, first round, 20th overall
There are no secrets about Cole Eiserman’s game. He’s a goalscorer who has scored over a goal per game every time he’s represented his country on a big stage. He scores every which way: One-timers, walk-in wristers, off-the-catch shots, and well-timed drives for loose pucks. He has some playmaking and power forward elements, but his success at this tournament will likely be defined by how many times he lights the lamp.
James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA)
2025 NHL Draft
It’s strange to say that draft-eligible has a lot to prove at this tournament, but it’s certainly the case for James Hagens. The race for No. 1 overall is on, and a big tournament could create some distance. Hagens hasn’t been the elite player every single night in the NCAA, but he’s still electrifying. With elite handling and speed, he manipulates defenders and creates high-value lanes. Starting on the top line with two proven World Junior stars (and frequent linemates), he’s in a position to excel.
Ryan Leonard, RW, Boston College (NCAA)
Washington Capitals, 2023 NHL Draft, first round, 8th overall
Ryan Leonard is the ultimate hockey player. He has game-breaking skill, which was on full display last World Juniors. A dynamic driver, he constantly creates advantages with his unmatched combination of pace, handling skill, vision, and physicality. And he’s a potent goalscorer from just about anywhere. Despite his overwhelming physicality, he’s a disciplined player, too. He could be the top forward at this tournament.
Oliver Moore, C, Minnesota (NCAA)
Chicago Blackhawks, 2023 NHL Draft, first round, 19th overall
After starting last tournament as the 13th forward, Oliver Moore earned a regular role – and became one of the USA’s most effective players. As a returnee, he’ll likely see a big role from the start, using his elite skating and motor to make an impact. Of course, Moore is also a dynamic offensive player, capable of breaking down defenders at full speed and setting up high-danger chances. He should be a big factor here.
Danny Nelson, C, Notre Dame (NCAA)
New York Islanders, 2023 NHL Draft, second round, 49th overall
A bottom-six forward at last year’s tournament, Danny Nelson returns to reprise that role. But don’t mistake that for a lack of impact. He’s a detailed centre, just as capable on both sides of the puck. Though his primary offensive utility is winning battles and creating chaos around the net, he’s a strong secondary puck carrier, too. He’ll be a tough match up all tournament.
Gabe Perreault, LW, Boston College (NCAA)
New York Rangers, 2023 NHL Draft, first round, 23rd overall
Alongside Leonard, Gabe Perreault too could be the tournament’s best forward. While Leonard and Hagens handle much of the puck carrying, Perreault rips passes through the defence and relocates for the return. A skilled dual-threat scorer and increasingly gritty, he has everything required to rack up the points here.
Max Plante, LW, Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)
Detroit Red Wings, 2024 NHL Draft, second round, 47th overall
Healthy just in time, Max Plante could be an x-factor for this team. A defensively responsible playmaking winger, he's has the skills to thrive in this setting. He never stops battling, creates chances from the areas of the rink, and then sprints back into the play to prevent chances the other way. On a team with plenty of play-drivers, he'll likely find success in a complementary role.
Teddy Stiga, LW, Boston College (NCAA)
Nashville Predators, 2024 NHL Draft, second round, 55th overall
Teddy Stiga seems like the perfect fit for a top-nine role on this team. With the vision and off-puck skills to create in a top-six role, he could have a highly productive tournament. And if there’s a log-jam, his nuanced checking skills will allow him to find a role. He also has proven chemistry with Hagens, which could be useful if they want to shake up the lines.
Brandon Svoboda, C/RW, Boston University (NCAA)
San Jose Sharks, 2023 NHL Draft, third round, 71st overall
Just like Pelosi, Brandon Svoboda’s role on this team will be to create chaos around the net. He screens, wins battles, engages multiple defenders at once to create walk-in lanes, and even has the vision to make that extra pass to create a better look. USA’s motion-heavy offensive zone play depends on players like him.
Carey Terrance, C, Erie Otters (OHL)
Anaheim Ducks, 2023 NHL Draft, second round, 59th overall
Though he didn’t play a game last year, Carey Terrance is essentially a returnee after sticking around on the taxi squad last year. Terrance will not be outworked. He skates every route at full speed, goes hard after every puck, and never takes shortcuts defensively. While a skilled offensive player, those are the north-south details are the skills that will earn him a role on this team.
Joey Willis, LW, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Nashville Predators, 2023 NHL Draft, fourth round, 111th overall
A 13-goal, 5-game stretch might’ve gotten Joey Willis the call to camp, but his details helped him make the team. Though both a skilled shooter and passer, Willis doesn’t even need the puck much to create. Pucks are on and off his stick in an instant, then he sets picks, battles, and slips away from defenders, creating time and space for his teammates.
Brodie Ziemer, RW, Minnesota (NCAA)
Buffalo Sabres, 2024 NHL Draft, third round, 71st overall
The Brodie Ziemer offensive breakout has started – just in time for the World Juniors. One of the best shooters on this team, he could be a difference-maker in a bottom-six role. Plus, he brings a physical, robust style of defence and forechecking, plus some playmaking. He’s not a dynamic threat, but he’ll adapt his game no matter where plays.
Defenders
Zeev Buium, LD, Denver (NCAA)
Minnesota Wild, 2024 NHL Draft, first round, 12th overall
After last year’s standout tournament as a draft-eligible, Zeev Buium returns after having emerged as arguably the NCAA’s best defenceman. He’s the complete package, controlling the game with his playmaking and activation offensively, killing opposing rushes, and deftly escaping the end wall and creating breakouts. Expect to see a lot of Buium. He’s the early favourite for defenceman of the tournament.
Paul Fischer, LD, Notre Dame (NCAA)
Edmonton Oilers (via trade)
All things considered, the NCAA transition has been a smooth one for Paul Fischer. The all-around defenceman is already Notre Dame’s No. 1 in just his second season. He plays big minutes in every situation, but he’ll likely play more of a defensive role here, one that emphasizes his range and stick work.
Drew Fortescue, LD, Boston College (NCAA)
New York Rangers, 2023 NHL Draft, third round, 90th overall
As one of just two returning defencemen, Drew Fortescue will counted upon heavily here. Production hasn’t been easy for him to come by this season, but remains the same steady game manager that he was last year. He keeps rushes to the outside, gets inside lanes, and consistently finds high-value passing lanes on the breakout and inside the offensive zone. Expect to see a lot of Fortescue.
Logan Hensler, RD, Wisconsin (NCAA)
2025 NHL Draft
This tournament is a big opportunity for potential first-round prospect Logan Hensler. With Wisconsin, his results have been mixed. He’s an explosive skater with the agility and puck skills to create offence, and he brings some defensive value, too. Making plays against the forecheck has been a particular sore spot so far. This could help get his stock moving in the right direction.
Cole Hutson, LD, Boston University (NCAA)
Washington Capitals, 2024 NHL Draft, second round, 43rd overall
Cole Hutson finds another level at international tournaments. He was a star in back-to-back U18 championships, scoring a combined 25 points in 14 games, and now looks to bring his offensive skill set to the World Juniors. When he’s not shifting around opponents, he’s getting inside opponents on retrievals and freeing pucks off the rush. If given the freedom, he should shine here.
Adam Kleber, RD, Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)
Buffalo Sabres, 2024 NHL Draft, second round, 42nd overall
Adam Kleber has been steadily rising the lineup at Minnesota-Duluth – this tournament could be the breakout opportunity he needs. On David Carle’s activation, play-creating team, Kleber will have far more opportunities to use his mobility, play-joining skills, and vision. When the play comes back the other way, he’ll be one of Team USA’s best shutdown options, too.
Aram Minnetian, RD, Boston College (NCAA)
Dallas Stars, 2023 NHL Draft, fourth round, 125th overall
For whatever reason, production hasn’t yet aligned with the impact of Aram Minnetian. He’s Boston College’s No. 1 defenceman and go-to in high-leverage situations, especially defensively. He can do it all: Lead the rush, join plays, kill rushes, win battles, and create offence. There’s a good chance he’s the top right-shot defenceman on this team.
Colin Ralph, LD, St. Cloud State (NCAA)
St. Louis Blues, 2024 NHL Draft, second round, 48th overall
There’s supposed to be an adaptation period when taking the massive step from Prep to NCAA hockey. Someone forgot to tell Colin Ralph. His shutdown defensive skills have translated to the highly competitive NCHC, capable of matching and erasing attacks from the conference’s best players. And he has enough activation and puck skills to keep play moving on a David Carle team. Age isn’t in his favour for making the team, but the impact is.
Goaltenders
Trey Augustine, G, Michigan State (NCAA)
Detroit Red Wings, 2023 NHL Draft, second round, 41st overall
The starting goalie for Team USA for the third straight World Junior, Trey Augustine is making his final appearance in this tournament and has been one of the best goalies in college hockey at Michigan State the past two seasons. Augustine will play the big games, and it's more of a question of who will dress as his back-up.
Sam Hillebrandt, G, Barrie Colts (OHL)
2023 undrafted, eligible for 2025 NHL Draft
The returning third-string goalie from the 2024 gold medal team, Sam Hillebrandt has a chance to win some playing time as the back-up and has sprouted on NHL team's radars as an overage draft prospect after his play with Barrie.
Hampton Slukynsky, G, Western Michigan (NCAA)
Los Angeles Kings, 2023 NHL Draft, fourth round, 118th overall
Hampton Slukynsky has excelled at every level in the past couple seasons, electing to play high school hockey in Minnesota instead of being a back-up at the NTDP and then thriving in the USHL and now in the NCAA at Western Michigan. A smaller goalie, like Augustine, Slukynsky is an elite play reader and based on play has a slight edge on Hillebrandt for the backup job and a start during group play.
