BREAKING: The preliminary U.S. National Junior Team roster for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship has been announced, featuring 28 players competing for a spot on the final team set to represent the U.S. in December and January in Minnesota. Among those named are Max Plante and Adam Kleber, both sophomores at Minnesota Duluth, alongside A.J. Reyelts, a Proctor native and future Bulldog goaltender.
The excitement builds as Plante and Kleber, who helped secure a gold medal for the U.S. in Ottawa last year, return as part of the nine returnees on the preliminary roster. The championship will take place from December 26 to January 5 at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul and 3M Arena at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Pre-tournament camps and games will occur at Amsoil Arena in Duluth from December 15-23.
Reyelts, currently playing for the Penticton Vees in the Western Hockey League, is one of the three goaltenders selected. With a 0.901 save percentage and a 2.62 goals against average in 19 games, the rookie has demonstrated his potential despite not yet donning the red, white, and blue for Team USA. His impressive stats include a record of 10-4-5 as a starter.
Plante, drafted in the second round by the Detroit Red Wings in 2024, has made headlines as one of the nation’s leading scorers this season with 13 goals and 13 assists. He is tied for first in points among his peers. Meanwhile, Kleber, who was also a second-round pick, this time by the Buffalo Sabres, has established himself as a top defensive player with a remarkable plus-14 rating.
The anticipation grows as Team USA prepares for its pre-tournament games. They will face Germany at 4 p.m. on December 21 and Finland at 6 p.m. on December 23 at Amsoil Arena before their opening match against Germany at 5 p.m. on December 26 in St. Paul.
The final roster will be trimmed to 25 players and is expected to be announced by December 24, according to USA Hockey. This event marks not only a significant opportunity for these young athletes but also a chance for fans to rally behind Team USA as they aim for glory on home soil.
Stay tuned for updates as this exciting story develops and these talented players vie for a chance to represent their country on the world stage!
