U.S. Junior Team Roster Unveiled: Proctor Goalie A.J. Reyelts in the Mix

UPDATE: The preliminary roster for the U.S. National Junior Team has just been announced, featuring 28 players vying for a spot in the highly anticipated 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, set to take place from December 26 to January 5 in Minnesota. Among the standout names are Max Plante and Adam Kleber, both key players from the Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey program, along with promising goaltender A.J. Reyelts from Proctor.

The announcement marks a significant milestone for these athletes, especially for Reyelts, who is currently playing for the Penticton Vees in the Western Hockey League. He has been selected as one of the three goaltenders on the preliminary roster, building excitement around his future with the Bulldogs at UMD.

Plante, a dynamic winger drafted in the second round by the Detroit Red Wings in 2024, has emerged as one of the nation’s top scorers, boasting 13 goals and 13 assists this season. He is tied for the lead in points among his peers, showcasing exceptional talent and skill on the ice. Meanwhile, Kleber, a towering 6-foot-5 defenseman selected by the Buffalo Sabres, has made his mark as a defensive powerhouse, holding a plus-14 rating and averaging over 21 minutes of ice time per game.

As the 2026 World Juniors approach, excitement builds across Minnesota. The championship will be hosted at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul and the 3M Arena at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Pre-tournament games will be held at Amsoil Arena in Duluth, where Team USA will face off against Finland and Germany from December 15 to 23.

The final 25-player roster for Team USA is expected to be confirmed by December 24, as reported by USA Hockey. Fans are eager to see if Reyelts, who had an impressive season last year leading the Rails to 19 wins, will don the red, white, and blue for his first international competition.

Despite being an undrafted free agent, Reyelts has shown promise with a 0.901 save percentage and a 2.62 goals against average in 19 games this season. His journey from local standout to potential U.S. Junior Team member embodies the spirit of determination and resilience in the sport.

Fans can look forward to Team USA’s pre-tournament games, including matches against Germany at 4 p.m. on December 21 and Finland at 6 p.m. on December 23. The excitement culminates with the opening game against Germany at 5 p.m. on December 26.

The energy surrounding these young athletes and their aspirations for gold makes this announcement one of the most significant moments in U.S. junior hockey. Stay tuned for updates as the team prepares for what promises to be an exhilarating championship.