U.S. U-17 National Team Set to Shine at World U-17 Hockey Challenge
The excitement is palpable as the United States gears up for another thrilling installment of the World U-17 Hockey Challenge, taking place from November 2 to 8 in Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. As part of the National Team Development Program (NTDP), the U.S. U-17 national team heads to the tournament with much to prove and a legacy to uphold.
A Track Record of Success
Historically, the U.S. has dominated this tournament, claiming a staggering 15 medals across its two-decade history since 2001. With six gold, seven silver, and two bronze medals, the team last clinched the championship in 2022. This strong performance underscores the nation’s commitment to developing young hockey talent and maintaining a competitive edge on the international stage.
Rising Stars of Tomorrow
This year’s roster shines a spotlight on some impressive young talent poised for future NHL stardom. Two forwards, Nolan Fitzhenry and Rocco Pelosi, have already garnered attention as potential first-round picks in the upcoming 2027 NHL Entry Draft. Meanwhile, defenseman Beck Thoreson, defenseman Christian Semetsis, and forwards Cannon Thibodeau and Brayden Willis won’t be eligible for the draft until 2028. Fitzhenry and Willis have already emerged as the team’s leading scorers, showcasing the promise this group holds for further success.
An In-Depth Look at the Roster
USA Hockey has released the official roster, which is a blend of talent, skill, and potential. This year’s lineup is strategically divided into goaltenders, defensemen, and forwards.
Goaltenders
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Eli Winters
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 185 lbs
- Hometown: Muskegon, MI
- Youth Club: Fox Motors 15O
- College Commitment: University of Wisconsin (Big Ten)
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Nate Chizik
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 199 lbs
- Hometown: Warrington, PA
- Youth Club: Mount St. Charles 15O
- College Commitment: University of Notre Dame (Big Ten)
Defensemen
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Jake Boguniecki
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 177 lbs
- Hometown: Orange, CT
- Youth Club: Mid-Fairfield 15O
- College Commitment: Boston College (HEA)
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Easton Johnson
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 180 lbs
- Hometown: Luverne, MN
- Youth Club: Sioux Falls Power 16U
- College Commitment: University of Michigan (Big Ten)
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Beck Thoreson
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 190 lbs
- Hometown: Moorhead, MN
- Youth Club: Moorhead Bantam AA
- College Commitment: Uncommitted
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Diego Gutierrez
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 187 lbs
- Hometown: Flower Mound, TX
- Youth Club: Shattuck-St. Mary’s 16U
- College Commitment: University of Notre Dame (Big Ten)
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Christian Semetsis
- Height: 5’10”
- Weight: 175 lbs
- Hometown: Smithtown, NY
- Youth Club: Mount St. Charles 15O
- College Commitment: Uncommitted
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Benjamin Geiger
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 172 lbs
- Hometown: Northfield, MN
- Youth Club: Northfield High School
- College Commitment: University of Minnesota (Big Ten)
Forwards
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Nolan Fitzhenry
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 182 lbs
- Hometown: Andover, MN
- Youth Club: Shattuck-St. Mary’s 16U
- College Commitment: Uncommitted
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Rocco Pelosi
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 186 lbs
- Hometown: Sewell, NJ
- Youth Club: Mount St. Charles 15O
- College Commitment: Boston College (HEA)
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Cannon Thibodeau
- Height: 5’9″
- Weight: 166 lbs
- Hometown: Charleston, SC
- Youth Club: Toronto Marlboros 16U
- College Commitment: University of Notre Dame (Big Ten)
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Brayden Willis
- Height: 5’9″
- Weight: 178 lbs
- Hometown: Gilbert, AZ
- Youth Club: Mount St. Charles 15O
- College Commitment: Uncommitted
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Sam Pandolfo
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 204 lbs
- Hometown: Winchester, MA
- Youth Club: Rivers School/Boston Jr. Eagles 15O
- College Commitment: Boston University (HEA)
The Path Ahead
As the team prepares for its games in Truro, all eyes will be on these young athletes to see how they perform against international competition. With an impressive track record and a strong roster, the potential for success continues to be high as the U.S. gears up to compete on the global stage. Hockey fans and scouts alike will be watching closely, as the World U-17 Hockey Challenge not only serves as a platform for showcasing talent but also as a launching pad for many future NHL careers.