Four Michigan names on Team USA’s preliminary roster for World Juniors

Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey

 

By @MichaelCaples –

USA Hockey has announced its preliminary roster for the upcoming World Juniors in Buffalo, and four Michigan names have made the list.

Michigan natives Max Jones, Will Lockwood and Josh Norris have all been invited, as has University of Michigan defenseman and NTDP alum Quinn Hughes.

“This is an accomplished, versatile group of players that has experience winning across all levels of hockey and intends to do so this year on home ice,” said Jim Johannson, USA Hockey’s assistant executive director of hockey operations and the general manager of the 2018 U.S. National Junior Team. “There is a specific style of play Coach Motzko (U.S. head coach Bob Motzko) and his staff intend to utilize, and while there are still some difficult decisions to make, our staff is excited to begin identfiying a roster that can ultimately win a gold medal in Buffalo.”

Training camp begins on Dec. 15 in Columbus.

Thirteen of the players on the roster, which you can see in its entirety here, played for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.

Other notable invitees include:

  • Western Michigan forward Hugh McGing, a Chicago native that was not invited to the Summer Showcase in Plymouth but has impressed during his sophomore season with the Broncos.
  • NTDP alums Jake Oettinger and Joseph Woll in goal.
  • NTDP alums Mikey Anderson, Adam Fox, Phil Kemp and Ryan Lindgren on the blue line.
  • NTDP alums Joey Anderson, Kieffer Bellows, Trent Frederic and Brady Tkachuk up front.