UND Players Shine as Three Join Team USA for World Juniors

Three players from the University of North Dakota (UND) have secured their spots on the American under-20 team for the upcoming World Junior Championship, set to begin on December 15, 2023, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Defenseman E.J. Emery, forward Will Zellers, and goalie recruit Caleb Heil will represent Team USA as they seek success in the prestigious tournament.

Opening Match and Final Roster Decisions

Team USA will kick off its campaign against Germany on December 15, with the match scheduled for 17:00 at the Grand Casino Arena. The final roster was confirmed following the team’s exhibition game against Finland, during which the coaching staff made their last two cuts, releasing forward Jacob Kvasnicka and defenseman Blake Fiddler.

This marks a significant achievement for UND, as it is the fourth instance in which three American players from the university have participated in a single World Junior Championship, tying the school record. Previous years featuring three representatives include 2003, 2004, and 2006, with notable players such as Zach Parise and T.J. Oshie contributing to their respective teams’ successes.

Individual Performances and Contributions

E.J. Emery, who was among the final cuts last year, earned his place on the U.S. squad following an impressive start to the season with the Fighting Hawks. As a defensive defenseman, he has played a critical shutdown role, contributing two goals and four points while helping his team achieve a ranking of No. 4 nationally.

Will Zellers made a late entry into the American team roster after a standout performance early in his freshman season. Although initially not included in the camp invite list, Zellers has quickly made his mark, scoring ten goals and accumulating 15 points in 18 games. He showcased his skill by scoring twice during an exhibition match with Team USA.

Caleb Heil, currently playing for Madison in the United States Hockey League, is one of three goalies selected for the final U.S. roster. In the recent exhibition match, Heil excelled by stopping nine out of ten shots, demonstrating his potential to make significant contributions during the tournament.

In addition to the three players representing Team USA, UND also boasts three athletes on the Canadian team, setting a new school record. Forward Cole Reschny, defenseman Keaton Verhoeff, and 2026 defenseman recruit Ethan MacKenzie will compete for Canada, with their first game against Czechia at 19:30 on December 15, at the 3M Arena at Mariucci.

As the World Junior Championship unfolds, the performances of these players from UND will be closely watched, not just for their contributions to their respective national teams but for the potential to impact their future careers in professional hockey.