USA Hockey has made a significant reduction to its World Junior training camp roster, trimming down to 29 players by cutting goaltender AJ Reyelts. This change comes ahead of the team’s first pre-tournament game this weekend, signaling strategic decisions as the tournament approaches.
With Reyelts now off the roster, the team is left with a solid lineup of three goaltenders, 10 defensemen, and 16 forwards. This roster adjustment is only part of the team’s planning; they still need to make further cuts before the tournament begins, specifically two defenders and two forwards, by December 24. The remaining goaltenders include Nick Kempf, who is associated with the Washington Capitals, Caleb Heil from the Tampa Bay Lightning, and promising 2026 NHL Draft prospect Brady Knowling.
Interestingly, despite Reyelts’ departure, the team retains one Minnesota-born goaltender in Caleb Heil, who hails from Victoria. This local connection adds to the excitement for fans who are eager to support homegrown talent as the tournament unfolds.
AJ Reyelts, only 19, was considered somewhat of a surprise addition to the Team USA roster as he has never previously represented USA Hockey in international play. Over the past season, Reyelts showcased impressive skills while playing with the Penticton Vees in the WHL, boasting a record of 13 wins, 4 losses, and 6 ties, including a shutout and an admirable .909 save percentage. Prior to his WHL success, Reyelts played for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in the USHL, achieving a record of 21-19-4 with five shutouts.
Despite his talents, Reyelts went undrafted in the past two NHL drafts but remains eligible for the 2026 draft, reflecting the unpredictable nature of player selection in professional hockey. He also has a commitment to continue his development at the University of Minnesota-Duluth for the 2026-27 season, highlighting a promising future in his hockey career.
As the team gears up for competition, USA Hockey will hold its final practice on Saturday, preparing for their first pre-tournament match against Germany on Sunday evening at 5:00 PM ET. The Americans will then face Finland on December 23 before kickstarting the main event with another matchup against Germany at the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on December 26 at 6:00 PM ET.
Team USA aims to carve its name in history by becoming the third nation to win three consecutive World Junior Championships, joining the ranks of Canada and the Soviet Union. Interestingly, USA Hockey has never clinched this tournament in back-to-back years until recently, achieving this milestone in 2024 and 2025. The current roster includes nine players returning from last year’s victorious team, including notable names like Cole Hutson, Cole Eiserman, James Hagens, and Trevor Connelly. Their experience will be crucial as they strive for yet another championship title.