Team USA announces full roster for world juniors

Team USA is bringing a roster loaded with past and future first-round NHL talent to Ottawa as it looks to defend gold.

The 25-man American roster for the world junior hockey championships was revealed by USA Hockey on Thursday, with potential first-overall pick James Hagens and six former first-round selections headlining the stacked squad.

The USA is taking an experienced approach to this tournament, as 10 of the 25 players suited up for last year’s gold medal-winning team, including Minnesota Wild defenceman Zeev Buium, Washington Capitals forward Ryan Leonard and Detroit Red Wings goaltender Trey Augustine.

Additionally, 22 of the 25 players have already heard their names called at the NHL Draft.

But at the top of the squad will be the must-watch Hagens, who is currently playing his college hockey at Boston College alongside five other members of Team USA.

The 18-year-old from Hauppauge, N.Y., has been strong for the Eagles this season, tallying five goals and 15 assists in 16 games. He’s third in the Hockey East conference in scoring behind Cole O’Hara and USA teammate Gabe Perreault.

Hagens, along with goaltender Sam Hillebrandt and defenceman Logan Hensler, are the only players on the team eligible for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

According to The Athletic‘s Scott Wheeler, the last four names to not make the cut were defencemen EJ Emery and Blake Fiddler and forwards Chris Pelosi and Anthony Spellacy.

The puck drops on the 2025 world juniors on Boxing Day, with Team USA opening its title defence against Germany.