3 players to watch on USA's WJHC squad
The defending World Junior Hockey Championship gold medalists will have some new recruits in tow when they look to capture their second-straight title.
Team USA topped the rival Canadians in a shootout in last year's gold medal game, marking the second gold for the Americans since 2013 and its third top-three finish in the past five tournaments.
While last year's squad was led by the likes of Clayton Keller, Colin White, and Jordan Greenway, there will be some new faces leading the charge this winter. Here are three players sure to catch your eye when the puck drops Dec. 26:
Quinn Hughes
A projected top pick in this summer's draft, Hughes is as an offensive-minded blue-liner who provides exceptional skill from the back end.
Though diminutive, Hughes is gifted with exceptional vision that allows him to quarterback plays from the point. His on-ice awareness helps him make perfect passes and lead the puck up the ice, a skill set that will come in handy over the tournament given the bevy of scoring threats Team USA boasts in its forward ranks.
The Orlando, Fla. native finished tied for first in scoring with the national under-18 team in 2016-17, as he netted four goals and 22 assists in 26 contests. He's taken that talent to the University of Michigan this year.
Casey Mittelstadt
There's light at the end of the tunnel for fans of the lowly Buffalo Sabres. Just watch Mittelstadt. The University of Minnesota product owns elite puck skills and is an even better skater.
A forward who provides size and skill up the middle, Mittelstadt will be relied upon as a key offensive contributor for the American squad. His outstanding playmaking skills should be an ideal fit for the handful of American skaters who can pull the trigger.
Heading into the world juniors, Mittelstadt has all the credentials, from his nine-point showing with Team USA at the under-18s to taking home MVP honors at the USA Hockey All American Top Prospects Game during his draft year.
Brady Tkachuk
A chip off of the old block, Tkachuk is a classic bloodline player who boasts a similar power forward playing style to his brother, Calgary Flames forward Matthew, and his legendary father, 18-year NHLer Keith.
Brady plays a powerful, gritty game that will give the Americans a different flavor in all areas of the ice. Still, don't confuse his physicality with a lack of scoring skill. His nose for the net makes him a consistent scoring threat.
A top talent with Boston University this season, he's continued to grow his game after finishing among the top scorers with the national under-18 team a year ago.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)