Team USA is gearing up for a shot at history - a third straight gold medal at the World Junior Championship. And this time, the stakes feel even bigger.
Not just because of the potential three-peat, but because it’s happening on home ice, right in the heart of hockey country: Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. For a program that’s been steadily climbing the international ladder, this tournament is more than just another title chase - it’s a statement.
At the center of Team USA’s quest is James Hagens, the Boston Bruins’ first-round pick from last year. He’s already got one gold medal under his belt, and now he’s back for more.
Hagens isn’t just along for the ride - he’s expected to be a driving force. His elite vision, puck control, and ability to dictate pace in the offensive zone make him a key piece in USA’s attack.
If the Americans are going to bring home gold again, Hagens will almost certainly have his fingerprints all over it.
While Hagens is locked in, a few other Bruins prospects didn’t make the cut. The preliminary roster - which includes 15 forwards, 10 defensemen, and three goaltenders - was announced recently, and it didn’t feature Will Zellers or Elliott Groenewold. Both were considered long shots, but there was some buzz around Zellers possibly sneaking in after a strong start to his season at the University of North Dakota.
Zellers has been finding the back of the net consistently in college, and that kind of scoring touch can be a valuable weapon in a tournament like the World Juniors. These games often tighten up in the later rounds, where a single goal can swing a medal game.
We’ve seen it before - a bottom-six forward, not necessarily the headliner, comes through with the clutch goal. Zellers felt like he could’ve been that guy.
But Team USA’s brass went in a different direction, and it’s tough to argue with the depth and talent they’ve assembled.
As for Groenewold, his omission wasn’t a huge surprise either. The competition for spots on the blue line is always fierce, especially for a country that continues to churn out high-end defensemen year after year.
Another name that had some outside buzz was William Moore. The Boston College forward had a shot to make an impression, but his chances were likely derailed by the emergence of teammate Dean Letourneau.
Letourneau’s rise has pushed Moore down the Eagles’ lineup, making it tough for him to stand out in time for selection. The good news?
Moore is still eligible next year, and with another season of development, he could be right back in the conversation for 2027.
So while the Bruins won’t have a large presence on Team USA this year, the spotlight stays firmly on Hagens. He’s got the skill, the experience, and now, the stage. And for Boston fans, that’s still something to be excited about.
Looking beyond Team USA, there’s still a chance for another Bruins prospect to make some noise. Defenseman Vashek Blanar is heading into Czechia’s training camp with a shot at cracking their World Junior roster. Blanar brings a steady presence on the blue line, and if he can show well in camp, he might just earn himself a spot on the international stage.
Bottom line: while Boston’s pipeline may not be heavily represented at this year’s World Juniors, the few names in the mix have real potential to make an impact. And as the tournament inches closer, all eyes will be on Minnesota - where hockey dreams are born, and gold medals are won.