Wisconsin Men’s Hockey Stars Shine on the National Stage
Introduction to the Tournament
St. Paul, Minnesota, is buzzing with excitement as the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship approaches. The tournament, set to run from December 26, 2025, through January 5, 2026, will host the top national under-20 ice hockey teams from around the globe. This year, the U.S. National Junior Team features Wisconsin men’s hockey defensemen Logan Hensler and Luke Osburn, who have both earned spots on the final 25-man roster. USA Hockey made this announcement earlier this week, sending waves of pride through the university and its fanbase.
A Closer Look at Logan Hensler
Logan Hensler, a standout sophomore for the Badgers, continues to make a name for himself in collegiate hockey. His impressive stats for the season—eight points and a career-high three goals in just 15 games—rank him second among Wisconsin’s defensemen. Hensler achieved a significant milestone on November 15, recording his first-ever three-point game with a goal and two assists in a thrilling overtime victory against Ohio State.
Beyond collegiate play, Hensler is no stranger to international competition. As a product of the U.S. National Team Development Program, the Woodbury, Minnesota, native has previously donned the Team USA jersey, contributing to their gold medal win at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship and a silver medal at the 2024 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship. Also notable is Hensler being the Ottawa Senators’ 2025 first-round draft pick, highlighting his future potential in the NHL.
Introducing Luke Osburn
Fellow defenseman Luke Osburn is making his mark as a freshman, showcasing early promise with two goals and eight points in just 12 games—notably tying for third among Badger defensemen in scoring. His performance has helped secure his position on the national team, establishing him as one of the promising talents to watch in the upcoming championship.
Osburn hails from Plymouth, Michigan, and has already made significant strides on the international stage, earning a gold medal at the 2024 World Jr. A Challenge alongside fellow freshman Finn Brink. His accolades continue with recognition as the 2025 USHL Defenseman of the Year and a fourth-round draft pick by the Buffalo Sabres in 2024.
Wisconsin’s Legacy at the World Juniors
The inclusion of Hensler and Osburn in this year’s tournament underscores Wisconsin’s long-standing tradition of producing elite hockey talent. With their selection, UW extends its streak to ten consecutive years with at least one Badger participating in the World Junior Championship, a remarkable achievement in its own right. Since 1988, the university has seen at least one Badger competitor or staff member involved in 39 straight events.
The history of Wisconsin’s contributions to Team USA is both rich and inspiring. In 2004, when the U.S. won its first gold medal, Badgers Jake Dowell, Jeff Likens, and Ryan Suter were pivotal players, under the guidance of former head coach Mike Eaves, himself a distinguished Badger alum.
Over the years, a total of 62 Badgers have played in the World Junior Championship, and Osburn’s participation will mark him as the 63rd, further solidifying Wisconsin’s reputation as a breeding ground for hockey talent.
USA’s Medals and Broadcast Information
Historically, the U.S. National Junior Team has claimed a total of 15 medals in the World Junior Championship, including seven gold (notable years being 2025, 2024, 2021, and 2004), two silver, and seven bronze medals. Among the achievements, Badger captains have led various gold medal teams, showcasing not just individual prowess but also leadership nurturing in the Wisconsin program.
This year, fans can catch all of Team USA’s games live on the NHL Network. The action kicks off on December 26 with their opener against Germany, leading to what promises to be an exhilarating series of matches leading up to the gold medal game on January 5.
Upcoming Tournament Schedule for Team USA (Group A)
- Game 1: Germany on December 26, 1:30 p.m. CT
- Game 2: Latvia on December 28, 2:30 p.m. CT
- Game 3: Finland on December 29, 1:30 p.m. CT
- Game 4: Canada on December 31, 7:00 p.m. CT
- Gold Medal Game: January 5, 6:30 p.m. CT
As the tournament draws near, both Hensler and Osburn are not only representing their university but also carrying the hopes of a nation on their shoulders. With a rich history and a bright future ahead, fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a thrilling challenge for the young hockey stars.